East Marion potential location for dog park

By Paul FallonTimes West Virginian
FAIRMONT — The proposal to build a dog park in the area moved one step closer to reality Monday night. One of the major obstacles that must be overcome for the dog park to be constructed is locating property. And members of the group promoting construction of the dog park, Fairmont Interested Dog Owners (FIDO), are asking that a portion of East Marion Park be used for the proposed dog park.The particular portion of land is approximately three acres and is located behind the softball field, said Dan Talbott, executive director of the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission. MCPARC is sponsoring FIDO. “We think this is a really good spot for the dog park,” Talbott said. A dog park is a fenced in area where people can take their animals to play. The dogs can be let off the leash once they are inside the fenced-in area. The proposed site is close to water, which is a necessity for a dog park, said Dave Garcia, the lead member of FIDO. Garcia added that additional parking can be built near the site. “It’s a really nice place, and it’s centrally located,” Garcia said of the site. Garcia added that the site was also wooded in areas and open field in other. This would benefit pet owners utilizing the park because the trees would offer shade in the summer and some protection from the elements. The clear fields would also give the pet owner the opportunity to play catch with their pets, among other games. Although the group is asking for that particular piece of property, no concrete decision has been made. Therefore, the site for the park may change in the future if problems with the East Marion Park location arise. Although members of FIDO have possibly located a site for the park, they still need funding to help construct the facility. “Fencing is going to be the most expensive thing we’ll have to buy,” Garcia said. “It has been estimated that we’ll have to buy about $15,000 worth of fencing to enclose that area.” Anyone wishing to donate money to help fund the dog park may do so by sending a check to: MCPARC, 319 Monroe St. Fairmont, WV 26554. Checks should be made out to MCPARC but designated for FIDO in the memo line. Talbott pointed out that donations are tax-deductible.