MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio – Cuyahoga County Council has awarded Tri-City Bark Park a $50,000 Community Development Supplemental Grant.
The dog park, which opened in July 2022 in Middleburg Heights, also serves the communities of Berea and Brook Park.
Cuyahoga County Council District 4 Representative Scott Tuma announced the grant award on May 11, commending the city for its “strong presentation made during the competitive grant application and review process.”
Earlier that day and prior to the announcement, the Tri-City Bark Park Advisory Board met at the park to plan for future improvements and fundraising opportunities. The board includes Guy Turner (Berea), Louis Modic (Brook Park), Lauren Perko (Middleburg Heights) and Tim Ali, at-large Middleburg Heights councilman.
Discussions included funding and labor options for constructing the pavilion, as well as a future dog agility course and other shade structures. Ali also envisions the adjacent former water treatment facility as an animal shelter someday.
They talked about raising money by selling engraved rectangular brick pavers to subsidize a durable walkway from the parking lot to the gates. Yet to be determined are how many pavers will be required and what the cost will be. It is anticipated the pavers will be offered for sale sometime over the summer.
“We’re hoping to get the pavers going, the pavilion and then, after that, do the gravel by the end of the year (to replace the current grass surface, which is prone to muddy conditions),” Ali said. “Then we can work on the obstacle course.”
The advisory board noted dog items are being brought in and, unfortunately, left behind by park patrons. Anybody bringing water bowls, toys, wading pools, tennis balls, etc., must take them with them when they leave. City workers cannot easily mow and maintain the grass when it is strewn with those items.
“Leave nothing behind,” Perko urged. “We appreciate that people are trying to do a good thing, but take out whatever you bring in.”
Additionally, a Tri-City Bark Park volunteer group will be created to monitor daily activities and to enforce posted park rules. Duties will include checking doggy waste bag stations to maintain a steady supply, making sure people clean up after their dogs and watching for any issues that may arise at the park, such as holes forming under the fences.
For more information, or to report an issue, send an email to TriCityBarkPark@gmail.com.
Information is also available on the “Friends of the Tri-City Bark Park” Facebook page.
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