Locals help bring back space for small dogs at JefFURson Park

A storm knocked down two trees in JefFURson Park's small-dog area, demolishing the fence and taking out that area's only means of shade. But thanks to local efforts that will soon be remedied.
A storm knocked down two trees in JefFURson Park's small-dog area, demolishing the fence and taking out that area's only means of shade. But thanks to local efforts that will soon be remedied.

The small-dog area at JefFURson Dog Park will be back in business soon, thanks to donations from local citizens and businesses.

A storm on May 20 knocked down two trees in the small-dog area, demolishing the fence and taking out that area's only means of shade.

JefFURson Dog Park is at 1520 E. 12th St. near Arkansas High School. It was built after Texarkana, Ark., won the national PetSafe Bark for your Park contest in 2012.

"When the community won this park, our goal was to make this park as self-sufficient as possible, keeping our city from spending money here that could be spent elsewhere," volunteer Deanna O'Malley said.

Volunteers started a campaign to raise money for the cost of the shade structure and installation. The city's insurance will repair the fence, O'Malley said.

"This is the only major thing to happen to the park. The city's insurance would cover the fence, but we still needed a shade structure, so we created a Facebook fundraiser," she said.

Tri-State Iron and Metal has since donated four poles, and Texarkana Tent and Awning sold the awning at a discounted price. The finished structure will be 14 feet by 24 feet.

"We raised the rest through the community. We collected $1,400 in donations," O'Malley said. "I'm so proud of our community."

She said volunteers are waiting for insurance money to come in so they can repair the fence, then work can begin on building the awning.

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