What’s happening: A group of volunteers have organized around the humble but noble goal of bringing a dog park to Cheboygan. A unique partnership that brings together both local and state officials is helping to make it happen.
What it is: Project stakeholders have come together to build a new dog park at the Cheboygan County Fairgrounds near downtown Cheboygan. A fence will surround a one acre site at the northeast corner of the fairgrounds, creating the new dog park that would include dedicate spaces for both large and small dogs. Additional amenities planned include new seating, trees, signage, and dog waste stations.
Why it’s important: “This dog park will provide Cheboygan County a new space for creating community engagement,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “By taking an underused piece of land, they will create a vibrant third space for its resident pet owners and their pets.”
How they’ll do it: The Cheboygan County Community Dog Park project has been accepted into the state’s placemaking initiative Public Spaces Community Places, a joint effort from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. As part of the initiative, organizers have launched a $40,000 crowdfunding campaign on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform. Should they successfully reach their goal by 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the MEDC will contribute a $40,000 matching grant to the project.
Learn more about the Cheboygan County Community Dog Park project on
Patronicity.
What they’re saying: "The Michigan Public Spaces Community Places Grant program will play a vital role in bringing the Cheboygan County Community Dog Park to life, fostering a welcoming space for pets and their owners. This initiative not only enhances community engagement but also will activate the use of an underused public space,” says Ron Weisberger, Cheboygan County Community Dog Park Co-Chair. “With the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and donor funding support, Cheboygan County will now boast a vibrant park that strengthens community bonds and enriches the quality of life for residents and visitors."
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