A nature park for dogs and their people.
Project Description
“Where can I take my dog off-leash?”
Dogs love to run and play off-leash, exploring their surroundings with their canine friends. They need to roam, run, and sniff; to check out and understand new environments.
The Pioneer Valley is filled with naturally beautiful woods and trails to explore, but people are often confused by leash laws and privacy issues. Dog owners want to train their pets to be safe off-leash, but they are afraid that their dogs may run away or meet unfriendly dogs and their (possibly unfriendly) people.
Waggin' Trails Dog Park will be a fun and beautiful solution to these problems!
A Nature Park for Dogs and Their People
Our vision is a property that is large enough for a good hike in the woods, but with the security of being fully fenced, trails winding through the forest, and a doggy pool for a dip on a hot day. Waggin' Trails will be a membership dog park for people to visit and enjoy, allowing their dogs to have their own space in to be a dog.
We hope Waggin' Trails will quickly become an indispensable part of the canine community of Western MA. Our park will be the first members only dog park that provides a large space for dog owners to be able to allow their dogs to run off-leash in a safe, clean, and friendly environment in New England.
Features will include:
- 15 acres of fenced trails and open spaces
- Small fenced areas for puppies, small dogs and agility
- A 1000 sq. foot building with restrooms, a dog washing area, manager's office and front office to register new members and answer questions
- State of the art electronic key fob entry system
- Sustainable practices used throughout the park including solar, porous pavement and a dog waste composter
- Phase two would include a wade in dog pond and possibilities to host dock diving and agility competitions!
About Us...
As the owner of Sarah's Pet Services, I have been providing pet care and dog walking in the Pioneer Valley for over seventeen years, so I feel certain that I understand the issues and desires facing dog owners in our area. Our team of dog walkers visits over fifty households per day, helping our clients make their good dogs GREAT!
For years I have been dreaming of a park such as Waggin' Trails, where our community of members will be able to come together and give their the dogs the exercise, socialization, and fun that they need to be their best. Now I am finally ready to make this dream a reality.
We are in agreement to purchase property on Glendale Road in Northampton that offers all of these elements at a generous size of 30 acres, which is virtually unheard of in this area! With Berkshire Design as our landscape architect, we are sure that the park we are planning will be the number one doggy destination in New England.
How Can You Help?
We are looking for donations to help us bridge the gap between the planning stage and construction. The more support we can get here, both financially and from the community, the easier it will be to get backing from a bank or investors. The momentum we hope to build here will keep us rolling towards our goal, grand opening in Spring 2018!
What We Have Accomplished (a bunch!):
- The site in Northampton is under agreement, closing is in November.
- Developed a landscape plan with Berkshire Design Group
- Submitted plans to the City of Northampton for planning and conservation commission.
- Consulted with Kelley Bollen at Animal Alliances to develop a dog-friendly park.
- Designed a webpage here.
- Hired Scapes Builders and Thomas Douglas Architects
- We have 1600 people on our mailing list
What We Need:
What we need most is additional capitol to move forward. To develop this idea we have spent all of the money we saved. Permits, fees, surveys, and plans all cost a lot, before we even apply for a commercial loan or apply for permits.
That’s why I need your support, to help with pre-construction expenses and to demonstrate interest from our community of dog lovers. The more money I can raise now, the more amazing features I can include in our park.
- $20,000 will allow us to pay for the landscape architect designs and Northampton permitting slated to start at the end of September.
- $50,000 will secure the equity we need for our down payment on the land purchase.
- $100,000 will allow us to pay for the amazing doggy pool design!
If you would like to contribute, please check out our list of rewards. If you are a dog lover or know someone who is, please share this page and video widely, so we can get as many people on board as possible. Thank you!
Updates
The Project FAQs
Where will Waggin' Trails Dog Park be located?
Our location is on Glendale Road in Northampton, just ten minutes drive from downtown Northampton and downtown Easthampton.
Will Waggin' Trails be open to the public?
Waggin' Trails will have membership based entry using electronic access fobs. Anybody whose dog meets the requirements will be allowed to become a member.
What are the requirements for dogs to become members?
All breeds are welcome at Waggin' Trails! Dogs will need to be at least four months old, spayed or neutered (by one year), up to date on vaccinations, and free from a history of aggression.
How do I become a member of Waggin' Trails?
Sign up on our mailing list on our webpage: www.waggintrailsdogpark.com to receive updates, and when the park is ready to accept members, you will be contacted.
In addition to filling out paperwork registering you and your dog, members will receive educational materials including information on Waggin' Trails etiquette and the rules of the park.
Will there be an annual rate?
In addition to daily passes, members will be able to purchase discounted monthly and yearly passes.
What will you do about all the poop?
We ask that our members respectfully chip in to keep the park clean by picking up after their dogs. We will have bio-degradable bags and bins spaced throughout the park, which will be picked up regularly, and the poop used in a dog-waste composter.
What will you do about aggressive dogs?
First, aggressive dogs will not pass the requirements for membership. We will make sure all of our members are educated to detect and prevent any canine "disagreements" before they occur. Any aggressive dogs will be removed immediately. If a dog is a repeat offender, their membership will be revoked and they will no longer be allowed in the park.
What if I see someone breaking Waggin' Trails rules?
Please report any violations of park policy at the office, and if a person or their dog is behaving in a manner deemed unacceptable, their membership will be revoked and they will no longer be allowed in the park.
Can puppies come to Waggin' Trails??
Once a puppy is four months old and up to date on their vaccinations, they are welcome to the park. Puppies under four months do not have a strong enough immune system yet. Once they are four months your puppy will love our dedicated puppy area!
There is no better way to teach a dog manners and proper socialization than to let them learn from lots of other friendly dogs.
Can children come to Waggin' Trails?
Waggin' Trails is a family-friendly park! All children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. Children under three should be in a carrier or stroller to keep them safe from running pups.
Is there a limit to how many dogs I can bring to Waggin' Trails?
Members are allowed to bring up to two dogs into the park at one time.
Will food/treats be allowed in the park?
Human food is not allowed in the park. Dog treats are allowed, but we ask that you handle them in a respectful manner; don't give out treats to other people's dogs without asking, don't cause a commotion or fight.
Thank you for your support!
Be among the first to check out our new park! Anticipated opening party: Spring 2018. Email invite to follow.
Add your special message on a brick that will line one of our park walkways.
We are planting 65 new shade trees. Sponsor one, and we will hang a dedication charm thanking you. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
We have 15 lovely benches planned throughout the park. Please sponsor one, and we will thank you on a bench plaque. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
Four exciting and fun components that can be used intuitively by most dogs. Sponsor one and your name will be on a plaque thanking you. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
You dog is a member for his/her life! For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
Name one of our 7 beautiful wooded trails. Custom trail sign with your name. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
Rewards
Thank you for your support!
Be among the first to check out our new park! Anticipated opening party: Spring 2018. Email invite to follow.
Add your special message on a brick that will line one of our park walkways.
We are planting 65 new shade trees. Sponsor one, and we will hang a dedication charm thanking you. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
We have 15 lovely benches planned throughout the park. Please sponsor one, and we will thank you on a bench plaque. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
Four exciting and fun components that can be used intuitively by most dogs. Sponsor one and your name will be on a plaque thanking you. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
You dog is a member for his/her life! For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!
Name one of our 7 beautiful wooded trails. Custom trail sign with your name. For our last week of fundraising: PLUS and engraved brick!