PAWS Park Unleashed!

Five of the seven board members of the non-profit PAWS Parks of Santa Ynez Valley gather for a photo at the site of the new PAWS Park for dogs in Buellton. From left, Linda Hart, Virginia Gately, Al Gately and Carol Lesher; pictured on the sign is Ray Mayer.

On August 1, 2009, 36 large and 12 small dogs gathered to celebrate the opening of their very own off-leash park in the suburbs of Buellton. On hand with the canines and their people were a half dozen dedicated dog-lovers whose hard work and tenacity made PAWS Park a reality.
After more than two years of concerted effort, the members of PAWS Parks of Santa Ynez Valley, Inc.—a non-profit organized to promote off-leash dog parks in the Valley—breathed a sigh of satisfied relief as they watched dogs and their owners frolic. It had been a long journey, but well worth it,
“There was no public place in the city where citizens could legally let their dogs off leash to run and play,” explains Ray Mayer, president of PAWS Parks of SYV.
“Our goal in creating the park,” he continues, “is to enjoy nature, make new friends and help socialize dogs. It’s always been our goal to bring more than one dog park to the Valley.”
Located on a once-weedy parcel of land, the nearly three-acre park features separate areas for large and small breeds, as well as pooper scoopers, waste bags and water for the dogs.         Posted rules, which Mayer and his wife, Jill (also a PAWS Parks member), urge park users to read, include admonitions to clean up after dogs and, for safety reasons, infants or toddlers are not allowed within the fenced dog run areas.
While the dogs play, human visitors can relax, stroll among 60 donated shrubs and oak trees, or simply admire the gorgeous views. “It’s beautiful and serene,” declares Mayer, who works as a licensed clinical social worker.                     “Everything was designed with the idea of keeping the landscape natural. “We wanted to spend taxpayers’ money wisely,” he continues, “and we wanted it to fit with the overall look of the other parks in town, which we feel are spectacular.”
Members of the board of directors of PAWS Parks in SYV include Ray and Jill Mayer, Virginia and Al Gately, Carol Lesher, Gail Knight and Linda Hart. They worked tirelessly to make their case, presenting petitions bearing 1000 signatures of support, interacting with residents living near the current park and effectively delivering the message that dog parks are as beneficial for people and towns as they are for dogs.
In choosing Buellton, the group found the city council receptive to their proposal and willing to provide a suitable piece of parkland.                “The town really got behind the park,” Mayer says, “and gave us a $100,000 grant to build it. We held fundraisers for some of the other amenities, and we continue to do so because the park is not yet complete.”
At Los Olivos Day in the Country, look for the PAWS Parks of SYV booth, where Mayer and other members of the non-profit will sell raffle tickets for gift baskets donated to help the cause.
“You can also contact us anytime,” Mayer says, “to purchase T-shirts that say, ‘I love PAWS’ or make a donation, large or small.” The green “I love PAWS Park” T-shirts cost $15, 2 for $25.
Among those who regularly visit the new PAWS Park in Buellton are the Mayers’ two dogs, Tango, a rescued chihuahua, and Yogi, a lab mix and, according to Mayer, a published author in the Buellton Banner.
“They absolutely love it!” Mayer beams. “They have their own little pack at home, so going to the park is an adjustment for them, but they’re becoming part of a bigger pack.
“And it’s amazing how many people I’ve met since it opened,” he adds with a grin. The dog park is good for the dogs and good for the citizens, too.”

PAWS Park is located at 568 Dawn Drive, Buellton. Hours are weekdays, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. or one half-hour after sunset (whichever comes first); weekends, open at 8:30 a.m. For information or to make a donation, email syvpaws@gmail.com or send to P.O. Box 269, Buellton, CA 93427

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