TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Golfing Event Benefits Proposed Dog Park

ADVERTISEMENT

By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

PLANT CITY - Dog lovers living in Walden Lake are trying to raise $22,000 to help establish a park for man's best friend.

Supporters want to set up the dog park, complete with fences and picnic tables, at the former polo field off Griffin Boulevard, between Timberlane and Spring Hammock drives. First considered three years ago when residents considered uses for the expansive grassy area, the Walden Lake Community Association announced Jan. 21 that the dog park was approved for construction.

Jan Griffin, the president of the association, said the facility would be financed by money raised by those supporting the park.

"None of the money to build or maintain the dog park will come from the Walden Lake community general fund," Griffin said.

Angela Inzerillo, a spokeswoman for the committee that planned the dog park, said the first fundraiser will be a golf tournament at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, 2001 Clubhouse Drive, on Feb. 20, starting at 1 p.m.

Those who wish to participate in the golf tournament can contact Inzerillo at (813) 230-4453 or view the details at www.waldenlakedogpark .com.

Entry fees range from $75 for an individual green fee to $500 for a hole sponsorship, Inzerillo said. All participants receive one round of golf at Walden Lake's Lakes Course, food and beverages, chances to win door prizes, golf competitions and drawings.

Major sponsors at the event include Miller Lite and Taylormade Golf.

The dog park will be located on 2 fenced acres of the former polo field. It will feature two fenced areas for dogs to run and play. One area will be designed for larger dogs and a separate area for smaller dogs. Covered sitting areas with picnic tables, a community message board and watering facilities for the dogs and pups are also part of the master plan.

The fields hosted regular polo matches for a number of years, but the sport hasn't been played there recently.

The target grand opening is slated for June, Inzerillo said.

In a prepared statement, Inzerillo said the project has been controversial. Some residents do not feel that the dog park would fit their needs.

"Residents who don't own dogs might not want to pay for this new community amenity," Inzerillo said. In that light, the Walden Lake Community Association board decided the dog park will be funded though fundraising activities, and no assessment fees will be used to pay for the facility.

Inzerillo said a dog park committee is trying to raise the money through donations and sponsorships. Residents can purchase engraved pavers to pay tribute to a family member, business or lovable pet. Each paver holds up to 13 characters per line with three lines and costs $100. The deadline to submit paver information and payment is Feb. 28, she said.

For information, call Stephanie Springborn at (813) 728-8802.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT