Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Long Awaited Dog Park is a Tail Wagging Success

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By Bob Levine

After 12 long years Jared’s Dog Park finally opened to the public on Saturday, August 8th. The Park, located at 700 Peters Lane in Stratford was the culmination of years of planning and “jumping through hoops” by the Stratford Dog Park Action Committee.

Jared’s Dog Park is approximately 2 acres of fenced in natural forest landscape for dogs and their owners to exercise, play and socialize! There are separate areas for large and small dogs (dogs under 30 pounds and over 30 pounds), a double gated entry/exit area for safety, water fountains (available Spring/Summer/Fall), agility/play structures created by local youth Scout groups, memorial benches/gardens and much more!

Jared’s Dog Park was named after Jared Levine, a lifelong resident of Stratford who attended Chapel Street School, Flood Middle School and graduated from Bunnell High School with honors. Levine was passionate about caring for others. He became the youngest EMT for the Town of Stratford when he was 16. He served for 5 years and received the Florence Silvestri Award for Bravery. Between High School and College Levine served as a volunteer firefighter.

Jared was a volunteer at the Audubon in Fairfield, Trumbull Animal Shelter and TAG. He loved going for hikes at Roosevelt Forest, target shooting at a local range and fishing with his Dad. During a gap year between high school and college he served as a volunteer fireman in Nichols. Jared completed two years at Sacred Heart University and wanted to become a carpenter. He followed his dream of becoming a Master Craftsman. After apprenticing with several craftsmen he opened his own home improvement business.

Jared died in 2016 at the age of 36 from complications from an untimely auto accident where he was injured by a drunken driver in a 2014 crash.

His happiest days were spent walking the trails in Roosevelt Forest with his fur babies! This park will allow his memory to live on and provide the people of Stratford a place where they can let their dogs run free and socialize with others.

Thank you for helping to make this dream a reality. The park is open from Sunrise to Sunset, all dogs must be licensed and vaccinated and wearing their tags while in the Dog Park.

“It is our hope that this park will allow his memory to live on and provide the people of Stratford a place where they can let their dogs run free and socialize with others.” Robert Levine, Jared’s father

All of the initial and ongoing costs associated with Jared’s Dog Park is paid for through fundraising efforts, including costs for annual maintenance and operational costs of the park (fence repairs, waste bags etc.).

Thank you for helping to make this dream a reality. Donations may be made by sending a check to: Friends of Jared’s Dog Park, 17 Matthew Drive, Stratford, CT 06614. Or through PayPal: [email protected], paypal.me/jaredsdogpark.

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