Swampscott Dog Park Closer to Reality

Kids are always asking mom and dad for a dog. Mom and dad are always concerned about the dog being fed and getting enough exercise. Well, things are going in the right direction, so soon Swampscott kids can tell mom and dad they have a great place to take the dog for some exercise.

 (Swampscott Park for Off-leash Time) has its Web site in place, its landscape designer in place, and it is dishing out "Barking Tickets" to spread the word about the planned dog park.

"We designed Barking Tickets that look like orange parking tickets to publicize the program," SPOT board President Marc Eichler said. "We've raised $30,000 so we have reached our original fundraising goal, but the fundraising continues."

Eichler is joined on the SPOT board by Vice President , Treasurer Jim Derosa, Clerk Richard Newburg and Communications Director Jenn Dorsey. 

SPOT board members will meet Monday evening, Jan. 10, to discuss items on the agenda, including electing new members to the board for 2011. People interested in serving on the SPOT board can find more information on the SPOT Web site, www.bigbluespot.org. SPOT board members serve a one-year term.

"Thanks to publicity from The Patch and others, and the generosity of area residents, we have reached our original fundraising goal," Eichler said. "We feel we've reached our fundraising threshold, we'll keep raising money, but we feel we've raised enough to start the planning and development phases of the project."

The planned location of the park is the site of the former Kid's Cove, next to the and . The town administrator and the Board of Selectmen have to approve the final details of the dog park's construction and exact location at Phillips Park.

Lauren Lautner of Marblehead's Four Seasons Ecological Landscape Design has donated her time to work with SPOT on the park's layout.

Eichler and his wife are residents in town, with two children, ages 6 and 9 in elementary school.  Mojo, a 3 1/2-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, also takes up residence in the Eichler household.

"The park will be located in the center of the community and will be a place where dogs and their owners can exercise and socialize all year in a safe environment," vice president Lynn Zabar said.

Advocate say the SPOT park will promote responsible, humane conduct by dog owners; establish a safe and secure zone for dogs to exercise and interact socially; foster community and neighborhood development by working with the town to create and maintain a safe and legal year-round off-leash recreational area; and serve as an informational and educational resource for dog owners and the community at large.