Destin dog park gains traction

About two dozen people gathered at City Hall Monday night to get an update on the proposed Destin Dog Park that would sit at the intersection of Commons Drive and Indian Bayou Trail.

The park, which would be roughly an acre-and-a-half, is being funded through a public-private partnership between and the city of Destin and its residents.

With fundraising efforts already well under way, Destin resident and dog park proponent, Nancy “Destin Dog” Weidenhamer, stood tall and proud in front of the group and told them that after Friday’s “celebrity bagger” event at Winn Dixie the group had raised another $658 on top of the $2,200 they had previously pocketed.

“We also have a check for $500 and another for $100,” Weidenhamer said.

The latest plan calls for the park to be built in two phases. The first phase would be the larger of the two and would house multiple benches and trash stations in addition to a water station. The second phase, which would be for smaller dogs, would be built at a later date.

During the group’s previous meeting they compiled a list of the amenities they wanted from the get-go. The most popular were trees/shaded areas; water play/dog pool; drinking water hole/fountain and benches.

Weidenhamer said that when the group was installing the “future Destin Dog Park” sign last week, enthusiastic motorists showed their support for the project by honking their horns and hooting and hollering as they drove by.

Councilman Larry Hines told the group that three area restaurants agreed to put donation boxes for the dog park inside their establishments. They were Harry T’s, The Back Porch and Fudpucker’s.

Donation boxes are also located at the Destin Community Center, Village Groomer, Emerald Coast Scuba, all local vets, Destin Jet and Miracle Strip Aviation.

Destin resident Sally Biedenharn, who operates a dog nanny service in Destin, told her fellow dog lovers that she would be offering her clients four days of free dog sitting for donating $100 to the dog park. So far, seven of her 10 clients have taken her up on the offer.

“I am behind this,” she said. “This is something that I believe in my heart.”

Buffalo Rock has also agreed to let the group have a tent on the harbor for the Red, White and Blue Celebrations at HarborWalk Village.

With money flowing in and ideas and support growing, Weidenhamer said the next step is for the group to secure fencing. Rick Scali, owner of pet-friendly Easy Street Rentals, has been working with the Home Depot on fencing.

Weidenhamer said the next dog park meeting is scheduled for May 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Boardroom. A “cleanup” day is also scheduled for April 30 at 9:30 a.m. at the park site.

“This is great, we just need to keep it up.”