Caden Fischer, a local Life Scout in Troop 442, is trying to bring a dog park to Friendswood. The rising Friendswood High School freshman plans to build the park as his project to become an Eagle Scout.
Fischer, who is working with the Friendswood Parks and Recreation Department, said he had raised more than $7,500 as of Aug. 1. He needs about $22,000 more to make the project a reality, he said.
“We’re hoping to have almost all of [the funding], if not all of it, raised by the end of winter,” Fischer said. “And we’re hoping that at least half of it is funded by the time I go back to school.”
Friendswood Life Scout Caden Fischer is attempting to build a dog park in the city.[/caption]
The dog park—which will be located in Old City Park—will be approximately 33,000 square feet and include separate areas for large and small dogs. The project also includes trees, benches and water fountains for humans and dogs in addition to a dog wash station, Fischer said.
Construction will take six months to a year, and will begin once the project secures about $29,000, Fischer said. Along with volunteers, he will demolish the existing fence and build and install benches. The city will maintain the dog park upon completion.
Most of the funding will come from private donations, Fischer said. Sponsorships are available and include varying levels of recognition in the park. James Toney, Parks and Recreation director, said the city has allocated bond funds approved in 2013 for the project as well.
Fischer said the idea to build a dog park came from Friendswood residents' feedback.
“I heard three people in a week say they wanted a dog park in Friendswood and complain that they had to drive so far to get to a dog park,” he said. “That made me think that Friendswood could really use a dog park.”
The city has plans for a number of improvements at Old City Park, Toney said. While the option of installing a dog park was removed from consideration, the Parks and Recreation Department decided to support the project when Fischer approached them.
“They were very glad that someone else could take ownership of the dog park [project] so that way they can work on the rest of the [improvements] they’re going to do,” Fischer said. “They were glad that it looks like Friendswood is finally getting a dog park.”
For more information or to donate, visit Fischer's
fundraising page or email
[email protected].
Friendswood Life Scout Caden Fischer is attempting to build a dog park in the city.[/caption]
The dog park—which will be located in Old City Park—will be approximately 33,000 square feet and include separate areas for large and small dogs. The project also includes trees, benches and water fountains for humans and dogs in addition to a dog wash station, Fischer said.
Construction will take six months to a year, and will begin once the project secures about $29,000, Fischer said. Along with volunteers, he will demolish the existing fence and build and install benches. The city will maintain the dog park upon completion.
Most of the funding will come from private donations, Fischer said. Sponsorships are available and include varying levels of recognition in the park. James Toney, Parks and Recreation director, said the city has allocated bond funds approved in 2013 for the project as well.
Fischer said the idea to build a dog park came from Friendswood residents' feedback.
“I heard three people in a week say they wanted a dog park in Friendswood and complain that they had to drive so far to get to a dog park,” he said. “That made me think that Friendswood could really use a dog park.”
The city has plans for a number of improvements at Old City Park, Toney said. While the option of installing a dog park was removed from consideration, the Parks and Recreation Department decided to support the project when Fischer approached them.
“They were very glad that someone else could take ownership of the dog park [project] so that way they can work on the rest of the [improvements] they’re going to do,” Fischer said. “They were glad that it looks like Friendswood is finally getting a dog park.”
For more information or to donate, visit Fischer's fundraising page or email [email protected].
