Kirkland Off-Leash Dog Group and the City of Kirkland Parks and Recreation Department are hosting the first general meeting for local dog owners regarding the opening of Jasper’s Dog Park.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the North Kirkland Community Center, Room 1. Everyone is welcome to attend.

KDOG will report on the progress of park construction and finances, and provide information on a variety of dog park volunteer opportunities.

One of the requirements of opening a dog park in Kirkland is the establishment of a dog park stewardship program. Jasper’s Dog Park must be maintained by the community members using the park.

Work parties to create the dog park began in August, and have continued almost every weekend to remove invasive blackberries, install landscape fabric, spread wood chip material, and install fencing.

KDOG is grateful to the volunteers who have spent their Saturdays working on this park, but the organization needs a much greater number of community members (especially dog owners) to join them on Dec. 10 to finish these tasks.

KDOG cannot open the park this year without a very large effort by the community. If you would like to help with fencing, please contact workparties@kdog.org.

Also, if you are a business that would like to donate refreshments for a work party, contact KDOG.

The park is being built through the generous donations of businesses and individuals. Donations of any size are greatly needed to keep this park sustained once it is opened.

Because the fencing contractor who had planned to volunteer his time was not able to help, and because the cost of ground cover has increased, KDOG is greatly in need of sponsorship contributions.

Phase II of the fundraising will go towards constructing improved access to the dog park through the city’s property. This construction includes a new wider fenced pathway and a separate entrance for the small dog area.

KDOG will also need to continue to replenish ground cover at the park. Park business sponsors receive a number of benefits, including signage along the park entry way. Email Jean at president@kdog.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

All dog owner families planning to use the dog park, please join KDOG for the general meeting on Dec. 7. With your support, Jasper’s Dog Park will be a big success for the community!