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West Stockbridge dog park committee approves minutes, agrees to remove misidentified tree and ramps up fundraising push
Summary
At its Dec. 14 meeting the West Stockbridge Dog Park Advisory Committee approved prior minutes, agreed to remove a misidentified tree with partial payment from the surveyor, discussed snow-removal logistics, and set a $20,000 fundraising stretch goal with multiple event and merchandise strategies.
Chair Michael Bolognino called the West Stockbridge Dog Park Advisory Committee to order at 10:03 a.m. Dec. 14 and led members through routine business, a decision on tree removal and planning for snow clearing and fundraising.
The committee unanimously approved minutes from its Oct. 25 meeting. The approval was taken by voice vote of the members present: Michael Bolognino, Heather Hicks, Roni Kramer, Renee McCormick, Jackie Murray, Paige Smith Orloff and Sharon Vidal.
Mr. Bolognino reported that Foresight surveyors had misidentified a black walnut tree at the park and offered to pay half the cost to remove it. Steiner Tree is lined up to perform the removal; the committee agreed to proceed, with the Friends of the West Stockbridge Dog Park expected to cover about $1,500 of the cost after the surveyor’s contribution.
Snow removal to the park remains unresolved. Mr. Bolognino said the town will not clear the path from the parking lot and several private providers either declined the work or lacked the insurance the town requires. Clark Construction is preparing an estimate for plowing; the Friends would be responsible for payment if the committee accepts the quote. Members also discussed recruiting volunteers to clear snow and agreed to set up an email-notification system and identify someone to coordinate volunteer efforts; Ned Rosenthal agreed to work with Mr. Bolognino on those tasks.
The committee received several routine updates. Heather Hicks said some commemorative bricks arrived damaged and are being replaced. Jackie Murray reported that the Community Preservation Committee grant application is under review and will go next to the select board and then to town meeting in the spring. Paige Smith Orloff reported receipt of a required resignation letter from a prior committee member.
Fundraising was a central focus of the meeting. Roni Kramer reported the Friends had raised approximately $7,500 to date. The group discussed a mix of tactics — ticketed events (a proposed spring cocktail party, trivia nights, brunch), a silent auction or raffle, business sponsorships, onsite cash and check donations, merchandise sales and passive online donations. Mr. Bolognino said he would speak with the Foundry about hosting an event. The committee agreed to make a push on Giving Tuesday 2026; Renee McCormick will contact a representative from the New England Dog Park Association who attended the park’s grand opening for advice on fundraising and potential grants.
Members set a stretch fundraising goal of $20,000 for the fiscal year and recorded that $6,000 toward that goal has already been raised. Paige Smith Orloff said she would contact a local volunteer who has previously consulted on fundraising to research individual donor prospects. Sharon Vidal will continue to oversee production and sales of locally produced sweatshirts and T-shirts and the group agreed to explore dropship vendors such as Zazzle and the idea of collectible merchandise tied to holidays or artists.
On outreach and data collection, Ms. Orloff asked whether the committee should gather more park-user information through a QR code that directs users to a landing page. Mr. Bolognino, Ms. Hicks and Ms. Kramer noted the park’s posted QR code currently goes directly to the donation page and the committee agreed to continue discussing whether a separate landing page would dilute donations.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
