Valerie Thiessen from the Williams Lake Dog Park Committee was at city council Feb. 19 with an update on the dog park at Boitanio Park.
“This will be the only off-leash area in Williams Lake,” she told council.
A dog park promotes tourism and there are people stopping to use the dog park, she added.
“It’s accessible to seniors and promotes socialization.”
So far Daybreak Rotary has donated funds to cover the cost of two park benches in the park at $750 a piece.
Three citizens have donated funds for signage to indicate a small dog park section, a large dog park section, and regulations.
“We are seeking further sponsorship for the remaining $15,000 for irrigation and signage to name the park itself.”
Thiessen asked council for permission to market financial support for the park by naming the park after a major sponsor, hoping it will be incentive for a major sponsor to come forward.
Coun. Laurie Walters, attending on speaker phone, thanked the donors so far, and said the idea of approaching a major sponsor is a great idea.
“It’s definitely an incentive for an organization or a business to have the park named after them.”
When asked by Coun. Geoff Bourdon if all the work and upkeep of the park and signage will be the responsibility of the city,
Thiessen said the committee would probably have to fundraise for those aspects.