Man’s best friend, free at last

Canines romp at new dog park adjacent to Thatcher Park

By Jessica Bania

The Forest Grove News-Times, Jul 28, 2010, Updated Jul 28, 2010

Jessica Bania / News-Times

Dogs of all sizes and breeds got a taste of freedom in the Forest Grove Dog Park’s off-leash zone July 24.

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Last weekend’s heat couldn’t keep 60 dogs and their owners from Forest Grove’s new dog park on opening day, Saturday, July 24.

Since the park broke ground in April, community members have been jumping in to volunteer their help.

That’s what 13-year-old Zach Nelson did when he agreed to build one of the fenced areas as an Eagle Scout project. Nelson, along with friends and family, put in more than 500 man-hours on the project, saving the city more than $15,000, said Parks and Recreation Director Tom Gamble.

“We didn’t think we’d ever find anyone to take it on, until Zach came along,” said Gamble. “Without Zach’s help, it would have been hard to accomplish this.”

Local business owners were eager to help too, supplying piles of toys and treats for the dogs who showed up Saturday. But the treat to beat was a contribution made by Greg Bean, from Kindness Family Pet Clinic, who pledged to supply 3,200 dog waste bags per month for one year.

The completion of the park brings a momentary pause to the project, which has been on the Forest Grove City Council’s agenda for the past five years, said Gamble.

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