• February 1, 2023
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Evansville dog park coming to state hospital grounds – Courier & Press

Evansville dog park coming to state hospital grounds – Courier & Press

Nine years ago, a study was conducted regarding use of the newly vacant Roberts Stadium property. In March 2015, the Parks and Recreation plan was presented. The number one request was to see a dog park in Evansville.
In addition, respondents made it clear that they did not want tax dollars used for the project.
A group of interested and motivated citizens took the challenge and began putting plans together to see construction of an upscale dog park. Between city personnel and committee members, the decision was made to locate the park on the Evansville State Hospital Grounds. A tree-lined, three-acre tract was identified as being a better location than Roberts Park with respect to existing foliage, parking and ease of access.
With the location in place, plans were put in place, including a board of directors, a non-profit designation, architectural plans, logo creation and proposed fundraising. The first meeting of the Friends of Woodmere Park was in March 2017.
All the board members were private citizens working on their own time and in many instances, using their own resources. At some point, several board members experienced family situations that resulted in them stepping away from the board. That basically halted progress for a period of time until new members could be added to the board.
By late 2019, a new board was in place, sponsor requests were being made, some funds were received, plans were moving forward. And then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At that point, nearly all fundraising was halted as there were so many needs in the community with the terrible toll the pandemic took.
In the past year, great strides have been made toward breaking ground for the park. A capital campaign was launched, over $200,000 in grants received and a title sponsor secured. 
It should be noted here that this dog park is not just putting a fence around three acres of property. This park will be divided into three areas – big dogs, small dogs and an area to use when one of the other areas is unavailable due to maintenance, upkeep or other situations.
Drinking stations need to be provided for the pups, as well as grass care, and as there is no water in the area, water (and waste outlets) has to be installed.
There is no electricity in the area and that has to be brought in. Entry will be with a fob system that requires power, as does a security system that will be installed for the health and safety of the pups. 
The board of directors of Woodmere Dog Park is committed and motivated to make this project a reality this year. We want to offer the community an attractive amenity that compliments and enhances not only the grounds of the Evansville State Hospital, but the quality of place for our entire community. 
To date, nearly $700,000 has been raised. To join us in reaching the final $130,000 needed to break ground, please visit our website at woodmeredogpark.org
Ginger Happe is vice chairperson of Friends of Woodmere Dog Park.

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