4-H Dog Club member raises funds for a community dog park in Martinsville

MARTINSVILLE – What started as a Girls Scout Gold Award Project for one Morgan County 4-Her has become a community-wide partnership to give dogs and their humans a place to exercise and socialize.

Mackensi Schneider has recruited the help of the Morgan County Canine Crusaders 4-H Dog Club and the Morgan County Jr. Leaders to make some significant upgrades to the Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinsville.

YES Grant from the Indiana 4-H Foundation is helping make that dream a reality. 

Mackensi Schneider and her dog Elle pose at a photo booth fundraiser

Schneider plans include adding an agility course, dog water fountain, new benches, landscaping, and drainage improvements to the already fenced dog park area.

“This would strengthen the community by providing a great place (for dog owners) to socialize and bond not only with their dog but with other dog owners in the community,” Schneider said.

Mackensi Schneider explains her project to friends and community member

With the money raised from a benefit dinner in July and funds donated from community members, civic organizations, and businesses, Schneider and her 4-H helpers have now raised enough money to purchase the agility equipment from a local fabricator for installation in the fall.

She plans to continue fundraising for landscaping, benches, and better drainage. She envisions the dog park as not just a place where people can exercise their dogs but as a location for adoption clinics and an extra spot for 4-H dog members to practice for the dog show.

Information: Indiana 4-H Foundation