Dozens of dogs and their owners enjoy the new Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park every week since it opened Sept. 4, even in the fun snow! Located within Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y., the three-acre state-of-the-art dog park attracts many people and their dogs from the local community as well as visitors near and far. ODOG is seeking new volunteers to help at the dog park. For information, find ODOG – Owego Dog Owners Group on Facebook or visit their website, owegodogs.org. (Provided photo)
Since its grand opening on Sept. 4, 2015, dozens of dogs and their owners have been enjoying the new Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park located in the new-and-improved Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y. The three-acre state-of-the-art dog park attracts many people and their dogs from the local community and has become an exciting attraction for the public, including for tourists coming to the Southern Tier region accompanied by their canine companions.
The dog park is a win-win for both dogs and their owners. Dogs are introduced to a new experience by learning to socialize with other dogs and interacting with people, and also get plenty of exercise using the open grounds and multiple pieces of agility equipment. Owners get the opportunity to meet new people, with the added benefit of exercise.
Adam Weitsman, CEO of Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling, headquartered in Owego, N.Y., fully funded the dog park in memory of his sister, Rebecca (Becky), who was an avid dog lover. Becky passed away in 2001 after losing her battle with cancer. Weitsman, along with Owego Pennysaver Editor Wendy Post came up with the project idea five years ago, but work was stalled when flooding interrupted the planning stage. The now complete dog park was a collaborative effort between the Town of Owego, the Owego Dog Owner’s Group (ODOG), Delta Engineers and the major contractor – Homer C. Gow & Sons.
Fast forward to today, and a dedicated group of individuals known as ODOG volunteer their time to organize, plan and manage all aspects of the dog park, and a small group of passionate volunteers take on the responsibility of the park maintenance. ODOG is a group of like-minded community members working to create activities for dogs while educating the community and visitors of responsible dog ownership as well as promoting a dog friendly community.
Additional volunteer help, the “Dog Park Crew,” is needed. ODOG shares, “If you enjoy the outdoors and physical activity, and the Dog Park is of special interest to you, then this is for you!”
Jim Malia, one of the faithful volunteers at the dog park, explained that he enjoys opening the dog park first thing in the morning and viewing the sunrise. He also shared that helping at the dog park gives him a personal satisfaction while also being something constructive to do. Malia commented, “Hickories is a beautiful park and someone representing the dog park throughout the day makes it a better experience for everyone.”
Dog Park crew members are responsible for ongoing operational and maintenance support of the facility, including cleaning, waste disposal and grounds inspection, among other tasks. An important role the crew member plays is the on-site face-to-face contact with visitors, which includes greeting visitors at the entrance and providing information and guidance about park rules and etiquette.
Malia explained that as many as five or six people are needed on any given day, usually fulfilling two-hour shifts. Training is provided and conducted at the park. Not only a valuable asset to the dog park itself, crew members also represent the bigger picture that ODOG promotes, and that is their ongoing efforts of having Owego seen as a “dog friendly” community which will in turn draw more visitors and “dog park connoisseurs” traveling through the region.
ODOG invites interested individuals to attend a regular meeting. For more information about becoming a member, volunteering, joining a committee or becoming involved in future plans at the dog park, find “ODOG – Owego Dog Owner’s Group” on Facebook, or visit their website, www.owegodogs.org.
