Wheeling’s Dog Parks Get $20,000 Donation

WHEELING - A ceremonial check for $20,000 went "to the dogs' Monday as officials from the Circus Saints and Sinners club and Play N' Stay Pet Camp presented Wheeling leaders with money for improvements at dog parks in the city.

The check presentation took place at the Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park at Tunnel Green in East Wheeling. Money raised was generated by the Circus Saints and Sinners annual reverse raffle and their annual dinner at the Capitol Music Hall.

The donation is primarily earmarked for improvements at the city's three dog park facilities, which will include the installation of benches and canine agility structures at the parks in both East Wheeling and Warwood, explained Rochelle Berry, parks and recreation director for the city of Wheeling.

The Wheeling Park dog park has its own money, and organizers there will decide how their share of the donation will be spent, she said.

"It is all in production," Berry continued. "Hopefully it will be all in by the end of the year and we can have it by the spring season."

Money from the contribution is also slated to fund lifeguard certification courses for staff at the city's pools.

Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder thanked both Circus Saints and Sinners and the Play N' Stay Pet Camp.

"They know how to support the community in many ways, so we are grateful to them," he said. "This gift does a couple of things. It improves the quality of life. It takes care of the dog parks, and it provides for more public safety in that it certifies our lifeguards."

Jessica Barclay, co-owner of Play N' Stay Pet Camp, noted the pet kennel facility is in 20th year. Thus, she said it was particularly exciting to be part of the Circus Saints and Sinners fundraiser that took in $20,000.

"A good time was had by all, and of course we are fans of everybody having a good time," Barclay said. "It was a good, safe environment, and it seemed like a natural pairing for us to be involved."

Chad Thalman, the event chairman who spearheaded the fundraising efforts for Circus Saints and Sinners, emphasized that the initiative was born out of a desire to enhance existing municipal amenities while directly addressing the community's practical needs.

"Usually, the reverse raffle raises $10,000 to $15,000," he explained. "This year we wanted to donate money to the dog parks and the Wheeling Recreation Department. Because (of this) and there are so many people passionate about this, we were able to raise more than we usually raise.

"The biggest reason we were able to raise so much is that Play N' Stay really stepped up, and they were the title sponsors. They made a significant donation as part of that $20,000."

The reverse raffle and dinner will take place again next year, but a different recipient will be designated, according to Thalman.