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The Ketchikan Dog Park is a vital community space, offering residents and visitors a safe, welcoming environment to enjoy time outdoors with their pets. However, the park currently lacks a covered shelter, which limits its usability during Southeast Alaska's frequent rainy weather. This creates a clear need for a weather-resistant structure that allows dog owners to use the park comfortably year-round. By addressing this need, the project will enhance the park's value to the community and strengthen Ketchikan Gateway Borough's reputation as a pet-friendly destination.
To meet this need, we propose the construction of a durable, weather-resistant shelter at the dog park. This shelter will provide a dry, comfortable space for park visitors to gather and rest while their dogs play. The project will encourage consistent use of the park in all weather conditions, benefiting both locals and visitors. Additionally, increased park activity will drive foot traffic to nearby businesses, such as pet stores, coffee shops, and restaurants, supporting the Ketchikan Gateway Borough's local economy.
How Funds Will Be Used
The total project cost is $10,000. Our Rotary Club will contribute $5,000, and we are requesting a $5,000 matching grant from the Rotary District grant committee. While labor for the construction of the shelter will be provided by Rotary members and other community volunteers, there may be additional costs associated with site preparation, such as pouring concrete or other foundational work. The funds will be used as follows:
Shelter Materials: $7,000
Site Preparation (e.g., concrete foundation): $3,000
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough has agreed to maintain the shelter after its completion to ensure the project's long-term sustainability.
Timeline for Completion
We anticipate the project will take 1-4 months, depending on product availability and shipping timelines. The proposed timeline is:
Month 1: Finalize design, secure permits, and order materials.
Month 2: Prepare the site for construction, including any necessary groundwork (e.g., concrete pouring).
Months 3-4: Complete construction of the shelter.
Should product availability or shipping delays arise, the club will adjust the timeline accordingly to ensure the project remains on track.
Rotary Club Member Involvement
Our Rotary Club is a robust and highly engaged group deeply committed to community projects. Members will be involved in every phase of the project, including:
Planning: Coordinating with contractors, Ketchikan Gateway Borough officials, and suppliers to finalize the design and logistics.
Construction: Assisting with construction tasks, such as assembling the shelter, preparing the site, and providing general labor as volunteers.
Media Coverage: Promoting the project through local media and social channels to raise awareness about the improvements to the dog park.
Our members are fully committed to seeing this project through to successful completion and ensuring the community is informed and excited about the improvements to the park.
Conclusion
This project addresses a clear need for a weather-resistant shelter at the Ketchikan Dog Park, creating a more comfortable and accessible space for residents and visitors. By increasing park usage, the shelter will improve quality of life in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and support local businesses by driving greater foot traffic to nearby establishments. Our Rotary Club is proud to contribute to this meaningful project and is excited to partner with the Rotary District to bring it to life.
Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough community.
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