DOG PARK GROUND BREAKING AT GEORGIAN PLACE

Somerset, PA --- August 29, 2011 --- A group of loyal dog owners have joined forces to develop a park for off-leash, owner-supervised, canines. Wings of Change, Inc., a nonprofit 501 © (3) was formed in 2010 to create the first off-leash dog park in Somerset County. Approximately 5.4 acres of land at Georgian Place will be developed by the organization to provide a safe place for dog owners to legally exercise and socialize their dogs off leash. Use of the park will be free of charge. The community is invited to attend the ground breaking to be held on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm. Those in attendance will get to see the site and a sneak peek at the construction plans. “I am excited about the new dog park”, said Jim Atchison, Founder and President of Wings of Change, Inc. “Thanks to the generosity of SOAR Somerset, LLC, owners of Georgian Place, who have provided us a beautiful site to create Jager & Friends Dog Park we could have a dog park open by next spring. It is a very peaceful and relaxing area overlooking Lake Somerset. We couldn’t ask for a better site.”

The dog park will be completely fenced in. The dogs will be required to be on-leash except when they are in fenced in off-leash areas. Three different fenced runs will be provided: one for dogs over 30 pounds, one for under 30 pounds, and one for smaller dogs under 10 pounds. The entrances will have a double gate to provide safety for dogs and owners while entering and exiting the area. Features and amenities will be include handicapped accessible restrooms, 24 hour surveillance, information kiosk, registry and rules, waste bag dispensers, picnic tables, and walking trail surrounding the park. The supporters are planning to include recreational activities and awareness programs about responsible dog ownership, canine health, acceptable behavior skills, the importance of socialization, and proper human-canine park etiquette. Tonya Spangler, Vice President of Leasing and Sales for SOAR Somerset, LLC, said “We are confident the park will be a first-class operation, with good oversight and management. A dog park is a great community attraction and amenity, not only for local residents to enjoy, but for travelers to our town. We are happy to be in a position to provide this land to help make this project possible.”

Jager and Friends Dog Park is looking for financial support from local businesses and individuals who have an interest in becoming members and volunteers. The Somerset Co. Chamber of Commerce has indicated it will provide its full support for this project. According to the Executive Summary for Wings of Change, Inc., the dog park is expected to enhance tourism in Somerset County. Many travelers today travel with their pets, mostly with dogs. There are no off-leash dog parks between Shippensburg and Monroeville where travelers can stop and exercise their dogs. This will give them the opportunity to take advantage of our local shopping, restaurants, and many other activities.

Wings of Change, Inc.’s Board of Directors have established a timetable for the construction of the park. The land donation was step one. The long term agreement will now allow Wings of Change to request local and regional grant monies. Installation of the fence is the next priority. The grand opening and start of educational programs is planned for spring 2012. The park will be sustained through grant programs, donations and volunteers. The long-term operating costs for this project are expected to be minimal, approximately $3,000 per year for insurance, utilities, and supplies. The bulk of the capital cost for the project, approximately $95,000, is needed to build the enclosure and kiosk structure, install utilities, and obtain benches, water fountains, etc. Capital cost funds are being solicited from state, regional, and local grant-making organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals who support the park’s ideals. In addition to the site donation, the local community has already contributed $4,700 of donations to date. Additional monies for capital costs and operating funds will be raised from annual memberships and community fund-raising activities as the project matures. Help has already been secured for many projects through the two local prisons, members, Somerset County parole office, and local construction businesses.

For additional information, please contact Jim Atchison at 814-279-5439 or email jnatchison@verizon.net. Please join us for the ground breaking on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm to view the site and construction plans for the facility.