Strongsville Women’s League Helping Bring a Dog Park to Strongsville

Our speaker Friday was Sue Mayher of the Strongsville Women’s League, who shared plans for a new dog park at Volunteer Park and explained the Women’s League’s role in helping make the project possible.

Sue began exploring the idea after regularly taking her own dogs to parks in neighboring communities and wondering why Strongsville did not have one. She found that dog parks benefit more than pets: they also give residents a place to meet, socialize and develop friendships. For some people, especially those who live alone, their local dog park can become an important source of community and connection.

The Women’s League researched 16 dog parks to learn about issues such as property size, fencing, water access, maintenance, safety, surveillance and rules for children and pets. Their research, along with a city survey that placed a dog park among residents’ top recreational priorities, helped demonstrate community interest in the project.3

The City of Strongsville has designated 4.4 acres at Volunteer Park for the park. Plans include separate areas for large and small dogs, fenced off-leash nature trails through the wooded portion of the property, water, waste stations, surveillance, shade pavilions and a dog-washing area. The park will be open to the public, and the city will be responsible for its ongoing maintenance.

The estimated cost is approximately $329,000. The project has already secured $150,000 through the State of Ohio’s capital budget, along with additional money raised through Women’s League events and donations. Sue reported that the project is now roughly halfway to its fundraising goal.

One way residents and businesses can support the project is by purchasing a personalized engraved brick for $250. Bricks may recognize a pet, family member, individual or business and will be incorporated into the walkway leading to the dog park and around the dog-washing area. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available from $5,000 to $25,000.

Construction work has begun at the site, although the original late-summer or early-fall opening may be moved to the spring depending on progress and fundraising.