Donations needed to start bark park

Prince William County Dogs, the support group raising funds to open the first off-leash dog park in the county, needs to collect about $16,000 to get the park up and running. The planned April opening date for the park has been pushed back until the money is raised.

Dominique Bergeron, a spokesman for the group, said the money would pay for fencing, landscaping and crushed stone for the park off Colby Drive and Minnieville Road in the Lake Ridge area of eastern Prince William County. The county’s planning commission approved the park in September, but its opening depends on the success of the fund drive.

The support group, formed by county residents, is working with the county park authority and the county’s park foundation on the project. The park authority is leasing the dog park property from Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association). Donations are tax deductible and may be sent to Prince William County Park Foundation, dog park account, 14420 Bristow Rd., Manassas, VA 20112.