The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is inviting expressions of interest from members of the community to form a committee responsible for the development and ongoing operation of a Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area ("DOLRA"), or Dog Park, in the community of Blenheim.
Members of the public may submit their expression of interest at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca before 4:30pm on Friday, May 26, 2023.
Each Chatham-Kent dog park has been developed and managed by a group of 10-15 volunteers, over the age of 18, from that community. Responsibilities include:
- Fundraising for the capital infrastructure requirements for the park (similar projects currently $40K+)
- Fundraising for any capital improvements or infrastructure renewal over time
- Organize, coordinate, and implement a schedule for ongoing site clean-up and maintenance
- Reporting concerns or violations of rules to the Municipality
A member of the committee is appointed Chair. The time commitment for members of the committee can vary depending on the operation of the park. Current committees arrange to meet several times per year.
Municipal Council previously identified lands near Little Street South and Snow Avenue in Blenheim for the potential development of a DOLRA.
Chatham-Kent has two designated DOLRAs: Happy Tails Off-Leash Dog Park in Wallaceburg and John Waddell Dog Park in Chatham. Another location has been proposed in Dresden and is pending Council designation and development.