COSTA MESA : Fund Raising for Dog Park Discussed

City officials and residents met this week to plan fund raising for a proposed dog park, and set March 1 as the target opening date.

The City Council on Monday approved a three-acre “bark park” in TeWinkle Memorial Park, but did not supply the $11,500 needed to fence the area and build a parking lot.

Residents have already sent $225 in checks, and about 50 people have called to ask how to support the park, according to the Community Services Department.

And the PetCare Co., a Newport Beach animal supply firm, was recognized Thursday by the Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission for its offer of $6,000 for a chain-link fence around the park.

The commission had unanimously supported the proposed park and recommended that the council fund it. But council members said there was not enough money.

Lee Hein, a PetCare manager, said his company is proud to help fund the park, but would like to see residents raise money as well. “It offers a sense of ownership,” Hein said.

Dogs would be able to run free in the park, and owners would be expected to clean up after their animals. Owners must now keep their dogs on a leash in city parks, but some have said they take their pets to a dog park in Laguna Beach--the county’s sole “bark park.”

Hein told the commission that he wants a sign on the fence recognizing his company’s donation.

Rick Pickering, assistant to the city manager, said the city would have to see what kind of sign Hein wants on the fence before being able to accept the offer. Some kinds of signs are forbidden in public parks, he said. “There are not enough details yet, but we certainly appreciate the offer,” Pickering said.

Commission chair John De Witt said that he would like to explore corporate sponsorship, including signs noting company support, as a way of raising money for parks.

De Witt said he, Hein, resident Patricia Enns and city staff will meet Dec. 13 to complete plans to raise more money for the park. Enns successfully urged PetCare to support the park and will look for other donors, De Witt said.