New Glarus Cares Announces Plans for New Dog Park
With the successful completion of the inclusive playground at Candy Cane Park, New Glarus Cares announced it is turning its attention to a new community project: a dog park. After surveying residents, the New Glarus nonprofit community organization identified a dog park as a top priority and is now working to make it a reality.
New Glarus Cares is working with representatives from the Village of New Glarus and members of the Green County Leaders group to evaluate land options in and around the community. The park will feature secure fencing, designated areas for both large and small dogs, and additional amenities to create a welcoming space for pet owners and their dogs.
"Our community has expressed a strong desire for a dog park, and we’re excited to take the first steps toward making it happen," said Shelly Johnson, President of New Glarus Cares. "This will provide a much-needed space for dogs to exercise and socialize while strengthening our community’s connection to its pets and each other."
Currently there are no dog parks near New Glarus. The closest options are 16 miles away in Monroe and 15 miles away just south of Verona. A dedicated dog park in New Glarus will benefit local dog owners but may also interest those in the surrounding township and neighboring communities like Monticello and Belleville.
To fund the project, New Glarus Cares has established a dedicated fund and is seeking a combination of sources to fund the project, including grants, donations, proceeds from its annual World Euchre Championship, sales of New Glarus themed merchandise on its website, and a community raffle that will run through mid-May.
"We’re confident that with grants, donations, outside fundraising, and the support of our volunteers selling raffle tickets, we can make this project a reality without asking local residents to shoulder much of the cost," Johnson said. "It’s a great example of how New Glarus Cares can use its broader network to give back to our town."
New Glarus Cares and its volunteers will begin selling raffle tickets this week. You may also purchase them from participating businesses in the community. The cost is $10 per ticket or 6 for $50. A $2000, $1000 and $500 winning ticket will be drawn at the New Glarus Fest Haus on Sunday, May 18th during the World Euchre Championship.
In addition to the dog park, New Glarus Cares will begin developing preliminary plans for a new pickleball facility as well, a much larger project that will require more time and resources, according to Johnson.
Residents interested in getting involved or supporting either the dog park or pickleball projects can visit https://www.newglaruscares.com or email info@newglaruscares.com.
