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Centerville Washington Park District Announces New Programs for Dog Lovers

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The Centerville Washington Park District has launched a new initiative with local nonprofit, Wagtown in response to elevated interest in play options for dogs. The Dayton-based nonprofit works with communities who want to create authentic and responsible dog friendliness.

America is becoming increasingly dog friendly, and the Miami Valley region is no exception. Legislative shifts are leaning toward more welcoming and humane laws, better protection for companion animals, and more freedom for businesses who want to make the most of this community booster. Both Wagtown and the Centerville Washington Park District agree that now is the right time to introduce programs that encourage better places for dogs and their owners – all with an eye on responsible dog ownership.

Three programs will be available this spring and summer as well as a service-learning certification called Wagtown Ambassador Academy. The classes will touch on a variety of topics with benefits for dogs and their owners as well as the park district:

First Aid & Dangerous Plant ID for Dog Owners
Thursday, June 20  6:00 – 7:30pm
Bill Yeck Park, Rooks Mill Entrance
Fee: $9 residents, $12 nonresidents

Dogercise: Exercise with Your Dog

Saturday, June 29  9:00 – 10:30am

Bill Yeck Park, Rooks Mill Entrance

Fee: $9 residents, $12 nonresidents

Dog Park Manners: How to be the Best Dog (and Human)

Monday, July 15  6:00 – 7:30 pm

Oak Grove Park, Noon Optimist Shelter

Fee: $9 residents, $12 nonresidents

Wagtown Ambassador Academy (and AmbassaDOG!)

Every Tuesday from June 4 to August 6  6:00 – 8:00 pm

Various locations including field trips and tours

Fee: $150, residents and nonresidents

Full information on each class and links to register are available at https://www.wagtown.org/projects-and-events.

These programs developed for dog owners provide an opportunity for pet parents to socialize their dogs, learn more about fun and safe options at the parks, and enrich their lives by strengthening the human-dog bond.  “For many of us, dogs are important members of the family! The Centerville-Washington Park District is excited to find new ways for visitors to responsibly enjoy park visits with their dogs. At the same time, it is important to educate visitors about protecting wildlife, habitat, other park visitors, and the family dog. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” remarked Arnie Biondo, Director of the Centerville-Washington Park District.

If you dig dogs, The Wagtown Ambassador Academy is a dog-lovers dream: ten weeks of wagging tails, fun, and learning. Every Tuesday from June 4 to August 6, students will learn about a diverse array of topics related to dogs – from ways to get more involved in advocacy and innovative pet activities to becoming a social media influencer and being a part of dog-friendly legislation. In addition to certification for students and their dogs, Ambassador graduates will receive an official dog vest with leash, ballcap, CWPD and Wagtown volunteer apparel, goodie bags from Pet People, and more.

An important component of the Academy is giving back to the community. Each student will volunteer for the park district and its partners over the summer and fall months with dog-related projects and programs. “The Centerville-Washington Park District is focused on expanding volunteer opportunities in 2019. Wagtown’s Ambassador Academy aligns perfectly with our goal of offering a diverse array of opportunities for people to get involved with the community,” explained Ginger Clark, Community Engagement Coordinator. The certification is limited to ten students. Those interested can get more information and apply online beginning May 13.

Park districts are just one of many that are investigating new ways to appeal to dog-loving residents. According to Wagtown research, there has been a surge in interest in programs and projects that involve dogs and their owners. Seeing the growth of the $74 billion pet industry and a record-high dog-ownership rate, community leaders are bringing innovative ideas to their residents. “Communities who are investing in dog-friendly infrastructure, legislation, and communication strategies are seeing a return on the investment. Positive outcomes that we’ve found include safer communities, healthier residents, vibrant economies, safer streets, and a jump in responsible pet ownership behavior,” stated Beth Miller, founder of Wagtown. “While dog friendliness brings many benefits to a city, it can also bring challenges. These programs are designed to address both good and not-so-good byproducts of a dog-loving society,” Miller explained.

Plans for New Dog Park Get Tails a’Wagging!

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As Dayton continues its incredible resurgence, it’s apparent no dog will be left behind. A new dog park, more on the multi-use front, is coming to Steve Whalen Boulevard and Wyoming Street. 21,000 sq. feet await your mutt in this expanse. ‘Right now it’s one big space that we are using to design this great neighborhood amenity.’ says Mike Schommer, Walnut Hills Neighborhood President.

‘With Wagtown Trails, who will incorporate three trail heads in the park, we have room for a great addition to the area.’

The plan started in 2017, when Schommer met with Mayor Whaley and pitched the idea. ‘We spoke about creating a healthy community, and realized we had bike paths, and we weren’t living in a food desert. What we didn’t have was a multi-use park area, especially one for the pets.’

Beth Miller, who has put Dayton on the map when it comes to dog-friendly, adds, ‘What has been evolving in our community is the use of parks for our canine friends. When this project moves forward (Find more info here) it will become part of the bigger picture in Dayton. That vision includes the use of sponsors, artists and community members as part of what’s available in our area for pet owners and lovers. We have a QR system now that can be used to enlighten folks on what’s available today, and updates for the future.’

It takes a village for sure, in these types of endeavors. ‘There is no way a neighborhood can do this alone. Linden Heights neighborhood got on-board which propelled the project forward. When you get the City, the neighborhoods and the grassroots people invested, it makes a big difference.’ says Schommer.
Schommer is a Get-It-Done leader. Along with his team at Walnut Hills, and hand-in-hand with Linden Heights, they see momentum for their future projects.


‘This model, which is based on best practices, will be an easy-to-repeat concept for other neighborhoods looking to improve their community’s health and well-being. I owe a lot to Aaron Glett, Walnut Hills Secretary; Robert Harrison from Community Health, and Mary Loper & Carl Leifbacher of Linden Heights. This was a community effort for sure,’ says Schomer!

The park is unique for a Dayton area dog park as it has large, mature trees, is easily visible and can accommodate a large number of pets. The park, which is recognized by the City of Dayton, will actually have a trail lead that takes dog-parents to Cleveland Park, which also has a wooded space and beautiful vistas.

‘It really comes down to time and energy. Walnut Hills and Linden Heights are opening an opportunity for the entire Dayton Community. Seeing the revitalization of these parks for our animal friends is quite inspiring.’ Says Miller.

And Stay tuned, canine lovers. There is more in Dayton’s future for the dog lover, as Wagtown continues to grow in the city.

For more Info on Wagtown


For more info on Walnut Hills Neighborhood

For more Info on Linden Heights Neighborhood

Wagtown Wins International Animal Advocacy Award

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BlogPaws, a subsidiary of Chewy.com, recently announced the winner for the first-ever BlogPaws Founders’ Award for excellence in animal advocacy. The victor is Dayton-area start-up, Wagtown, founded by Ohio native, Beth Miller. Wagtown, now leading several initiatives to bring grant dollars to communities available through large resource giants in the pet industry to enhance the region’s pet-lover appeal.

“This category acknowledges a person who embodies the spirit of BlogPaws and its founders. The founders created BlogPaws with a sense of purpose, passion, community, and giving back. Judged on purpose, achievement, and engagement, we were looking for passion and persistence, a sense of community, and engagement in animal welfare. This person reflects the spirit of BlogPaws,” stated officials from the BlogPaws organization.





Wagtown’s Beth Miller and Tom Everhart, have been actively working with community, state, and national leaders and champions for animals in the development of several exciting initiatives. “Our mission is to increase dog-friendliness in sustainable and vibrant ways. There are countless passionate organizations striving toward better lives for these furry extensions of our families. Following more than 400 in-person interviews and site visits all over the United States, we can say without hesitation that dog-friendliness yields communities that are safer, healthier, more welcoming, better economically, more humane and far more responsible about dog ownership.


Several projects are underway for launch this year that will increase walkability and raise awareness of dog-related legislation and infrastructure change. Additionally, a nationally-accredited PBS program to teach responsible dog ownership skills and keep kids safe around dogs, a children’s book, disaster relief programs, and several events to celebrate all of the positive effects on a community that come from investing time and energy into collaborating for dog-friendly localities.




Ms. Miller stated, “Thank you to Chewys,BlogPaws, and  Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their support of expanding the niche of companion animal success. Most of all, thank you to all of you who believe that dog friendly is the future of more vibrant communities. Your support and help along this journey has been inspiring. So, this one’s for all of you…and your furry friends. Dogs make our communities better. It’s time to return the favor. Reach out to find out how you can get involved. This won’t happen without your help.” ?


About Wagtown


Wagtown, a nonprofit organization (pending) provides the blueprint, hands-on assistance, and recognition for legislative, infrastructure, education, and community engagement to become authentically dog friendly and benefit from the resulting increased economic vitality. With their proprietary algorithm to quantifiably identify a community’s success in the dog-friendly race, they provide the tools and consulting to help elevate expectations and celebrate positive and responsible collaboration. Follow the journey and learn more by following them on Facebook/Wagtown.org. To find out how you can donate or volunteer to join the movement, call 937-477-2403 or message at info@wagtown.org.








Local Entrepreneur Finalist for International Pet Advocacy Award


 By   


BlogPaws, a subsidiary of Chewy.com, has announced the finalists for the first-ever BlogPaws Founders Award for excellence in animal advocacy. Among them is Dayton-area start-up, Wagtown, founded by Daytonian Beth Miller. Wagtown, now leading several initiatives to pursue grant dollars available through large resource giants in the pet industry to enhance the region’s pet-lover appeal.


“This category acknowledges a person who embodies the spirit of BlogPaws and its founders. The founders created BlogPaws with a sense of purpose, passion, community, and giving back. Judged on purpose, achievement, and engagement, we were looking for passion and persistence, a sense of community, and engagement in animal welfare. This person reflects the spirit of BlogPaws,” stated officials from the BlogPaws organization.


Wagtown’s Beth Miller and Tom Everhart, have been actively working with community, state, and national leaders and champions for animals in the development of several exciting initiatives. “Our mission is to increase dog-friendliness in sustainable and vibrant ways. There are countless passionate organizations striving toward better lives for these furry extensions of our families.




Following more than 400 in-person interviews, substantial secondary research, and countless site visits all over the United States, we can say without hesitation that dog-friendliness yields communities that are safer, healthier, more welcoming, better economically, more humane and far more responsible about dog ownership,” stated Miller.


Several projects are underway for launch this year that will increase walkability and raise awareness of dog-related legislation and infrastructure change. Additionally, a nationally-accredited PBS program to teach responsible dog ownership skills and keep kids safe around dogs, a children’s book, and several events to celebrate all of the positive effects on a community that come from investing time and energy into collaborating for dog-friendly localities.




 


About Wagtown: Wagtown, a nonprofit organization* provides the blueprint, hands-on assistance, and recognition for legislative, infrastructure, education, and community engagement to become authentically dog friendly and benefit from the resulting increased economic vitality. With their proprietary algorithm to quantifiably identify a community’s success in the dog-friendly race, they provide the tools and consulting to help elevate expectations and celebrate positive and responsible collaboration. Follow the journey and learn more by following them on their page. To find out how you can donate or volunteer to join the movement, call 937-477-2403 or message at info@wagtown.org. [*pending]