Hey all,
Have some exciting info to share! As you may have noticed, the expansion area plans included a small dog area (the reason for the second gate in the new entry area), but the work couldn't be done with the money Parks had available. HOWEVER, our contractor has offered to complete the small dog area for a very reasonable amount (around $3500). DIG has launched a effort to raise this very doable amount in a short timeframe so we don't miss this opportunity. It is unlikely building the small dog area will ever be as simple (we can avoid much of the paperwork by doing it right behind the other project) or as cheap. The area is truly needed, as there are many, many small dogs who aren't comfortable (or are their owners) playing with the bigger boys and girls, and therefore can't enjoy the dog park experience. It is also of benefit to larger dog owners, as it reduces the number of dogs in the general area.

DIG board member Ali Kelley is leading this effort, with a goal of raising $1000 by July 15th (enough to lock up the opportunity before it is too late) and the full amount by the end of the summer. To do so, she has created a DIG facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=90636031444) as well as a First Giving page (http://www.firstgiving.com/alikelley) dedicated to the small dog fundraising effort. Below is her excellent spiel on her effort- please go donate NOW so we can get this done! Any amount will help, thank you!!! (DIG is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so donations ARE tax deductible.)

Dear Friends and Fans of Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park:
A small dog area is included in the current expansion plan for the Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park, however, due to the current economic climate, The Parks & Rec dept. does not have a budget to build it this year. The good news is that the contractor working on the current off leash park and parking lot expansion has generously offered to build the small dog area at a VERY reasonable cost, as he will be able to reuse some of the materials from the current expansion. If funds are not raised to build the small area NOW, we run the risk of either waiting years to see it to completion, or worse, never seeing it completed at all.
Small dogs (and dog owners) deserve the same opportunity to enjoy playing and socializing with their pals as the larger dogs do currently - in a safe, non-intimidating enviornment. We know you are out there, so PLEASE, help DIG seize this short window of opportunity!! If we build it, they WILL come!
Join the cause, please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/alikelley to donate today.
A big Thank You from DIG and all the Little Pals yapping (loudly!) to go to the park!
Please forward any questions or concerns to Ali Kelley, DIG Board Member, at alicia.kelley@sanofipasteur.com
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As mentioned, thanks to Ali, DIG is now on Facebook! Check out the new site and become a friend! DIG's Facebook page will include emails sent to the list just like diginthepark.com, but Facebook also gives us many features that diginthepark.com can't provide (or doesn't provide easily), and should be a great addition/compliment to the 'official' site. The page will be heavily used going forward- it isn't just for the small dog area fundraising.
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10AM-Noon this Saturday (6/20) is clean up day! DIG will be bringing out cold drinks for anyone who will help. Please let us know if you can come by responding to the list- we will vary what we take on based on how many folks will be coming out. THANK YOU for helping!!!
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As you probably know from my constant harping, Halfway Home (http://www.petshalfwayhome.com/) has been fighting hard to overcome recent high owner surrender numbers to avoid euthanizing good dogs, but they need help. If you want to help them, either by adopting another furry kid or just throwing a few bucks their way, you can do both and have a great time at Lollapawlooza (http://www.waldodogpark.com/), a fundraiser being put on by WOOF and Dog's World of Fun to benefit Halfway this Saturday, 6/20, in Waldo. And if you can't help with $ or by taking on a new furry kid, they DESPERATELY need volunteers. Even a few hours a week will help immensely, for instance by allowing shelter dogs to get out of their cages for a walk. See the site's volunteer link.

Donate to the small dog effort, see everybody at the park!