Community group faces Jan. 15 fundraising deadline for dog park grant

CHEBOYGAN — If a group of community activists can raise $40,000 by Jan. 15, 2025, the area will receive a state grant of the same amount that should be enough to construct a dog park in Cheboygan.

“It’s an all or nothing grant. If we raise $25,000 or $30,000 and the grant is for $40,000, we get nothing,” said Cheboygan resident Ronald Weisberger, who is part of the fundraising team for the park, which also includes Dale Rieger of the Cheboygan Parks and Recreation Commission.

Weisberger said the fundraising team held a drive and secured enough pledges that should make the $40,000 goal attainable. The group began collecting on the pledges on Nov. 14 and has accumulated around $10,000 so far.

The grant has already been approved through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Public Spaces Community Places program.

“Dog parks are a win-win for dogs, dog owners and community members without dogs alike; they create a safe contained area for dogs to gather and play and divert conflict in areas where dog access may be discouraged,” MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz said in a statement. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

Cheboygan County has already donated about an acre of land in the northeast corner of the county fairgrounds near the south side of Lincoln Avenue for the dog park. Plans call for about two-thirds to be set aside for large dogs and a third of an acre for smaller dogs.

Dog parks are controlled areas where canines can exercise and play off-leash under the supervision of their owners. Currently, the nearest dog parks to Cheboygan are located in Boyne City and Gaylord.

For more information on the project and instructions on making a donation, visit cheboygandogpark.com, while direct donations can be done through patronicity.com/Cheboygan.

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Weisberger said the dog park can become a valuable asset for the area.

“For the community it becomes a social gathering place for people with pets. It also will provide a way for people to socialize and interact with others over a common interest, which in this case is dogs,” said Weisberger.

He also said those who are visiting can bring their dogs to the park and meet local people who can tell them about places to visit while they are staying in the area.

— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan group faces Jan. 15 fundraising deadline for dog park grant