Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Officials with Jake & Cooper’s Bark Park will host a membership drive and appreciation on June 28 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The event, which will be held at the park itself, is intended as a day to celebrate the park’s members by saying thank you as participants will partake in an afternoon of fun, treats and tail wags as they connect with current and potential dog park members.
For Larry Schaffer, who helped create the park in honor of his son Jacob, he encourages local residents to bring their dogs and friends.
“In the past, we've always done fundraising events, and this year, we decided we need to do something for the members so that they know that we appreciate them,” he said. “Also, we can hear their feedback as well. If there's something in the park that isn't going quite how they like, we can hear them out and take that to the board and figure something out, whether it's good or bad.”
The event, which has a rain date of July 12 at the same time, will feature a $200 raffle prize basket from Pet Finatics, and even non-members can purchase a ticket for that.
In fact, the dog park will be open to everybody that day, although there will be papers that non-members have to sign for liability purposes.
Those attending the open-to-the-public event will also be treated to ice cream, hot dogs and other snacks.
In fact, if they sign up that day, current members will receive $10 off next year's membership, and their guests will receive $10 off of this year's membership should they sign up.
“We’re just hoping that the community shows up in full force,” Schaffer said. “We’re hoping to get new members in the park, get new dogs in the park. It's just going to be a fun day for all.”
The park is located at 2960 Pickle Road in Oregon. It officially opened on May 23, 2023, which is Jacob’s birthday. When he passed in 2021 after suffering an accidental overdose following a battle with social anxiety, depression and addiction, Jacob had an eight-month-old Australian shepherd, Cooper, which eventually led to the name of the park in his honor.
“There will be a charge for nothing at this event,” Schaffer said. “It’s just an appreciation. Nothing grand, but yet we want them to know that they are appreciated. Hopefully it’s going to be a fun day in the sun.”
