Charlevoix dog park grand opening set for May 21
CHARLEVOIX — The Charlevoix dog park will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon on May 21.
The event will include an "All Things Dog" expo with local pet-related businesses. All donors and community members are invited to attend.
The masters of ceremony will be Anna and Kayla Cosens. The sisters, ages 8 and 10, held lemonade stands last summer and donated all of the proceeds (and then some) to the dog park.
"These young philanthropists deserve recognition for their amazing fundraising efforts," said Charlevoix Recreation Department Director Kent Knorr. "They will cut the ribbon at 10 a.m. along with their parents Mark and Kari Cosens, chamber staff, recreation staff, and other key donors with community members present."
The fundraising effort to develop the Charlevoix dog park was multifaceted, according to Knorr. The City of Charlevoix partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and created an online matching campaign on Patronicity.com with the goal of raising $17,500 in a matching grant.
"Our fundraising effort was exceeded, with a total of $27,925 raised. Sixty-nine patrons participated in the Patronicity fund raiser. Our full contribution from the Patronicity campaign, with the match, was $45,425," Knorr reported.
In addition to this fundraising effort, an anonymous individual designated a donation of $50,000 made to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. This has allowed for the creation of an endowment for future maintenance and beautification projects at the dog park.
"In coming years we look forward to adding more engaging spaces, shade trees, and amenities to make this a top notch dog park," Knorr said.
Dogs are welcome to check out the newly installed play features in the park, and pet related businesses are invited to participate during the grand opening by setting up a table/booth and promoting their products.
The Charlevoix dog park is located in the 400 block of West Carpenter, behind the ball fields. For more information, please contact Kent Knorr at (231) 547-7183 or email him at kentk@charlevoixmi.gov. Visit the dog park’s website at www.charlevoixmi.gov/454/Dog-Park.