Dog Park Volunteers Prepare New Bench at ALton Baker Park this Saturday

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02/27/04 FRI 18:42 FAX 541 682 4882 EUGENE PW MNTNC & POS PW ADMIN I~j001 ~ ~ ~ I ~J February 25, 2004 CONTACT: ¦ Therese Picado, Parks and Open Space Public Information Specialist, 682-4814 or 682- 4800 ¦ Troy Kreger, Volunteers in Parks Coordinator, 682-4845, 953-2388 (cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dog Park Volunteers Prepare for New Bench at Alton Baker Park this Saturday On Saturday, February 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., City Volunteers in Parks staff' and a group of volunteers will be preparing a site for another bench that will feature colortul tiles donated by patrons and supporters of the off-leash dog area at Alton Baker Park. Other dog lovers are welcome to participate in the effort that will include digging, laying gravel and framing in preparation for the bench's concrete pad. The bench is expected to be installed in the next ~ month. Other work includes resurfacing gravel pathways, sprucing up the front entry areas, and removing (oxtail, a plant found along some pathways that is dangerous to dogs. The park is located off of Leo Harris Parkway, behind Autzen Stadium. Parking is available in lot eight. For the last year and a half, a group of key volunteers, all patrons of the dog park, have worked with City parks staff to design and maintain the dog park. The group raises funds and organizes work parties. Volunteers in Parks Coordinator Troy Kreger says the group has been instrumental in making the dog park a reality, identifying maintenance needs in the park, and . realizing many of the more innovative features in the park, such as a dog washdown station, dog waste bag dispensers, and pedestrian nodes, gathering places where trails or paths intersect and dogs and their owners can socialize. "I think their ability to sustain their efforts shows that dog parks are not only popular but a needed and community-supported resource," says Kreger. i For more information, call 682-4845.