Swampscott dog park group seeks donations

SWAMPSCOTT – If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for the canine lover in your life, consider making a donation to the Swampscott Park for Off-Leash Time (SPOT).SPOT member Jennifer Dorsey, with her dog Luther by her side, encouraged area residents to make a donation to the park this holiday season.?Luther is asking Santa for a dog park for Christmas,” she said. “We need to raise another $10,000 and because of the economy donations are coming in very slowly. A donation to the dog park in any amount would make a fantastic holiday gift for any dog lover.”SPOT Board vice chairman Lynn Zabar said the project has been in the works for a couple of years and enthusiasm is running high.?With 2010 coming to a close, SPOT is still planning a dog park,” Zabar said. “We had some very generous donations in 2010 even with the down economy. So we’re pretty excited and confident that we can make this happen.”Zabar said the park is expected to cost $30,000 and SPOT needs to raise an additional $10,000 before it can move into the construction phase.?Raising the funds has been a lot of work, but I have to say, we are encouraged by the enthusiasm and support people have shown us,” Zabar said.Dorsey added any business looking for a tax write-off is invited to make a donation of materials or labor.?We have the use of the land,” Dorsey said. “So it is up to us to do something with it. A portion of the site is very swampy and there is significant landscaping that needs to be done.”The selectmen have already approved allowing a dog park in Phillips Park at the request of SPOT officials.SPOT vice chairman Marc Eichler said the proposed park would utilize approximately half an acre in Phillips Park in the vicinity of the former Kids Cove playground.Eichler said the plans call for a 5-foot high fence on all four sides and a double gate to prevent dogs from getting out accidentally. He added the project would not cut off public access to the soccer fields located in the rear of the park.Additional information about SPOT is available online at www.bigbluespot.com.