Resident: Dog Park Upgrades Needed, I Can Help

Dina Liberatore wants to make the Nazareth Borough Dog Park a better place for area humans and canines, and she's taking steps to see her vision through.

The Upper Nazareth Township resident on Thursday asked Nazareth Borough Council if she can start a Facebook page and drum up interest among local dog owners.

"I want to know if there's anything I can do to help with maintenance and upgrades to the dog park," Liberatore said. "I have some survey and fundraising ideas."

Councilman Frank Maurek, the chairman of Council's Public Property Committee, granted Liberatore permission to create the Facebook page and to also meet with another resident who had previously expressed interest in park upgrades. Maurek advised Liberatore to create a plan and present it to Council.

Liberatore, however, emphasized that she didn't "want to raise money just to raise money," adding that she'd like to focus her efforts on a specific purpose or area of the dog park.

What are your recommendations for Nazareth's "Bark Park"? Share your ideas in the comments section below!

Most of the Council—Cynthia Werner and Chris Audenried were absent—were keen on installing a water source at the park.

"If that [adding a water supply] would be the goal for the fundraiser, I think that would be a worthy goal," said Councilman Jack Herbst. "As far as future maintenance, I think we can take care of that."

Maurek said Council would reach out to Pennsylvania American Water to get a project estimate. Liberatore could then set a realistic fundraising goal.

Another idea Maurek offered—and Liberatore mentioned as an issue—is re-seeding the park and allowing worn-down grass time to grow.

The borough's dog park, which opened in 2008, is behind the main park area on Black Rock Road.

The park, which is affectionately dubbed the "Bark Park," has two fenced-in areas, one for small dogs (under 25 pounds) and one for large dogs (25 pounds and up).

There is also an off-leash area, but your pup must be under visual and voice control at all times. If dogs become aggressive, they must be taken out of the park immediately.