‘WOOF’ THE WAIT RAMPING UP A KEYS COLLABORATION

Islamorada Community Cuts Ribbon On Revamped Dog Park

Following years of development and months of construction, the Founders Park Dog Park was finally ready to unveil its new changes and upgrades, inviting residents and local dog owners to attend a leash-cutting ceremony on the evening of June 6.

Dozens of dogs and their owners attended the event in celebration of the changes, which were directly organized and inspired by feedback from the dog park’s community.

Two years ago, Founders Park received a grant from Monroe County’s Tourist Development Council. Knowing its significance as the most popular dog park in Islamorada, the staff at Founders Park decided to allocate funds to beautifying and improving the dog park.

Over the next few months, several meetings were held at the dog park to determine what changes its visitors most desired.

“We are constantly looking for input from our residents,” said Maria Bagiotti, the director at Founders Park. “Residents and dog owners gave their input, which inspired the majority of the changes.”

Many months and planning periods later, the major changes were constructed. The construction period, which lasted several weeks starting at the end of February, necessitated a brief closure of the dog park.

On the night of the ceremony, regular visitors could see the full extent of the changes for which they had advocated. New asphalt paths had been paved to make the park handicap accessible. Tiki structures and benches were built, offering both shade and comfort to dog owners. Drinking fountains were added, with some providing water for humans and others providing for their canine companions. An entire splash pad area was added, as well as newly-built dog bathing stations.

BUSINESSES & SHERIFF’S OFFICE HELP KEY LARGO WOMAN’S HOME ACCESS

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

In the Florida Keys, communities stand ready to assist in a time of need — such was the case for one elderly Key Largo woman needing easier access to her home.

During a hot June morning, construction crews ripped away a series of old wooden stairs and constructed a new ramp for 81-year-old Key Largo resident Glenda Scott. Thanks to the work of two local businesses and members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a new ramp was constructed to provide better and safer access for Scott’s Hibiscus Drive residence — and it came at no cost to her.

In late May, Monroe County Social Services called the sheriff’s office to relay Scott’s challenging situation. Set to turn 82 in August, Scott had to climb a set of steps in order to reach her door. It wasn’t an ideal situation for Scott, who couldn’t use her wheelchair or walker to reach her home.

Eventually, the message reached Sgt. James Hager. When he wasn’t on duty responding to calls, Hager made some phone calls to gauge who might be able to help Scott. Hager happened to find two willing partners in KLI Hardware and Mike Rundgren and CBT Construction and Chris Trentine.

Sharon Sherman, who brought her dogs, Princess and Mr. Doodles, to the ceremony, said of the park, “I just like that it gives my dogs a place to come and work out their energy so they don’t get in trouble at home. I’m very impressed with the changes.”

Another regular visitor for several years said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the changes. “I think they did a great job with the money they had.”

Founders Park has long offered its dog park as a service to Keys residents.

“I think it’s not only an asset for the humans that come here, but for the dogs,” Bagiotti said. “It has a social aspect, it provides recreation, and it provides exercise. It’s a community gathering area, and it’s a necessity from what I see.”

“I called Chris Trentine and he said, ‘Whatever you need, we’ll do it.’ His guys came out and took pictures to figure out the plans,” Hager said. “I called Mike about the supplies and he said he had no problem helping out.”

Hager said the planning began May 30. By June 2, CBT construction crews were ready to replace the old stairs with a new ramp. Hager said the county helped by signing off on the project.

“They made sure this was going to happen,” Hager said.

All the lumber for the project, estimated around $1,000, was graciously donated by KLI Hardware and Rundgren.

Scott said the ramp will make life a little easier when she comes and goes from the house. She’s lived in the Keys since the late 1950s. She expressed her appreciation to all the companies and individuals involved in the project.

“I was sitting here thinking that sometimes people don’t care. When you look at all the things, there are people who care,” Scott said as she watched crews put the ramp in place. Hager said Scott was quite pleased with the outcome.

“It’s a nice, sturdy ramp,” Hager said. “It’s not rinky-dink.”

By the end of the day, two crews from CBT Construction ripped out the old stairs, leveled the surface with concrete and placed the new wooden ramp at Scott’s home. Deputies stood ready to assist in the effort.

“This is the stuff the sheriff talks about, community partnerships and teaming with local partners to help a 30-year resident,” said Lt. Chuck Kellenberger. “It’s not all about crime fighting.”

The sheriff’s office plans to present certificates of appreciation to CBT Construction and KLI Hardware.

Scott said she loves the Keys community and her Hibiscus Drive neighborhood.

“Here, we consider everybody as family. One always helps the other one,” Scott said.

* if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

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