Going To The Dogs: Showing Community Support For Dog Park Improvements

By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Atkins-Porter Dog Park in Paris really went to the dogs Monday morning as a large number of canines—and their humans–gathered to show their support for the improvements being sought in the 2019 Dog Park Dash grant program.
A number of county and city officials brought their dogs as well as numerous private citizens. Included was County Sheriff Monte Belew and Si, Paris Police Lt. Michael Ramos and Kinzee, Paris Fire Chief Michael Williams and Dasse, and State Rep. Bruce Griffey and his huge Great Danes.
The City of Paris is in the running for the grant, which is awarded by the Randy Boyd Foundation. Only 30 communities can win the $25,000 grant.
City Parks & Recreation Director Tony Lawrence said the city is applying for improvements which would include sun shade covers which would straddle the fencing at the dog park, more water fountains for dogs and people and a water mister for dogs for when it’s hot.
“We’re really excited about the possible upgrades and we want to thank Lowe’s Improvement for the previous upgrades,” Lawrence said.
Vice Mayor Jackie Jones thanked everyone for their attendance and said, “We’re hoping to make the dog park even better and this shows how much support there is in the community.”
City Manager Kim Foster said it is a requirement that those applying for the grant generate as much support on social media as they can. “That’s why we’re asking for your photos and posts on social media.”
People are asked to take photos of their dogs and the dog park and flood social media with #dogparkdash #ParisTn in a post on Facebook, Instagram and other social media outlets. The dogparkdash organization will keep track of any posts that include the hashtag and location to keep track of how much community support there is for the grant.
The deadline is June 30.
The Atkins-Porter Dog Park is located at the corner of Highland and Walnut Streets right next to the Atkins-Porter Recreation Center.
Photo: Paris Fire Chief Michael Williams, left, getting kidded because his dog Dasse is ‘a bit’ smaller than the police K9s, with Sheriff Monte Belew and Si and Paris Police Lt. Michael Ramos. (Shannon McFarlin photo).