The Estevan Dog Park committee is looking for volunteers who can help with the cleanup of its large dog park.
Dog park committee member Jennifer Gervais said most of the fencing for the large dog park is already installed. People have been removing dead trees and brush from the site, and some hanging trees and branches need to be taken away. Grass needs to be cut in the large dog park as well.
“It’s going to take a couple of solid work bees to do that,” said Gervais.
She has been trying to plan work bees for the park, but it’s difficult at this time of year due to the number of people who are out of town for summer vacation. It can also be a challenge due to the heat during the day.
She expects the dog park will need more volunteers if the large park is to be open this year.
A controlled burn will likely be needed to get rid of the brush, and that burn can’t happen until the burning ban is lifted.
Once the large park is finished, it will be for larger dogs, while the existing park will be for smaller dogs. Gervais expects it will create an enjoyable experience for all of the dogs in the park.
“We wanted the large area for dogs to be able to run free and extend their legs a little easier,” said Gervais.
She is optimistic a fence won’t be needed along the Souris River for the large dog park, as the committee wants to have a wide-open but safe place for the larger dogs to run around.
The larger park will be about 2 1/2 acres in size, while the small park is a little less than an acre.
The dog park committee celebrated the grand opening of its small park last summer. Since then, it has been bustling with activity, with dogs and their owners frequently visiting the site.
“With the level of activity, people are outgrowing the small park,” said Gervais. “So we’re eager to get the big one started.”
Even on the days when it’s raining outside and she wouldn’t expect anyone to come, she still sees someone in the park.
“Even on the Facebook page, they’ll make little dates to meet other people, even complete strangers, so it’s good to get the community to get to know each other,” said Gervais.
Anyone who is interested in joining and helping out with cleaning up the large park can contact Gervais by visiting the dog park’s Facebook page.
