ShareWritten by Tammie Watts, Government Affairs Director, Space Coast Association of REALTORS®
The Space Coast Association of REALTORS® received a Placemaking Grant from NAR to help build the community’s third dog park. With the help of several local businesses and the Brevard Zoo—and over 7,000 hours of work from community volunteers including REALTORS®—a vacant space was turned into a doggy playground.
The park includes a big dog park and small dog park with dog houses, tunnels, bridges, jumps, ramps and water hydrants. A bridge was built that leads into the new children’s playground, symbolizing the bridge between humans and dogs. Chairs, benches and picnic tables make this a comfortable spot for pet owners as well.
The Space Coast Association of REALTORS® purchased 13 Adirondack chairs and benches made entirely out of recycled materials. Our name, the REALTOR® ‘R’, and an advocacy or community message is featured on plates on the chairs.
On December 12, the dog park opened and over 100 dogs and 200 people attended the grand opening and leash cutting ceremony. The mayor and the sheriff were present and active participants at the leash cutting. The dogs played, enjoyed treats and doggie ice cream, and even took pictures with Santa.
All of the dogs were well behaved, as if they knew it was their day. From running around, playing with other dogs, exploring and digging holes, all the dogs were no doubt worn out at the end of the day. They may have started with the “zoomies” but at the end of the day, it was naptime.
“It is with great pride that we join the city and the many businesses and volunteers that came together in support of this community project”, stated Pat Weeks, the 2021 Space Coast Association of REALTORS® President.
Each day, I drive by the park and glance over at the location. At any given time, at least 30-plus people and their pets are there. Not only is it a dog park and children’s playground (the children’s park opened the end of January,) it’s where neighbors, families and friends gather together to talk, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Some may be exercising or taking a stroll around the pond. Others are sitting on the benches by the pond, reading or relaxing.
This project that began for our pets resulted in a place for our pets, children and friends. This park is a great point of pride for the Space Coast Association of REALTORS® and is the epitome of a community coming together.