ADOG - About ADOG

About ADOG

Frequently Asked Questions about ADOG

What is ADOG?

ADOG is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Fountain Hills off-leash dog park and encouraging responsible pet ownership. The affairs of the organization are managed by a board of directors who are elected annually by ADOG members

Who owns the Fountain Hills dog park?

The park is owned and operated by the Town of Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation department. ADOG helps raise funds for park improvements and was instrumental in getting the dog park established.

Is ADOG involved in managing the dog park?

No. ADOG helps raise funds for park improvements, but the Town of Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation department owns and manages the park.

Can ADOG enforce park rules?

No, ADOG is not an enforcement agency and has no power to control how people or dogs behave while in the park. However, as concerned individuals who want the best possible park environment, we encourage responsible dog ownership, including proper observance of park rules.

How does ADOG work with the Town on dog park issues and improvements?

ADOG maintains an open and positive line of communication with the Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation department concerning park maintenance issues, planned improvements and issues that affect park patrons.

Why is membership in ADOG important?

To maintain a strong and influential voice when talking with town officials, we need as many members as possible. Strength in numbers is our goal.

Also, as a member of ADOG, you’ll have the opportunity to remain current on dog-related events and activities both in the park and throughout our community, and to provide suggestions and ideas on how we can continuously improve.

How much does it cost to become an ADOG member and is the membership donation tax-deductible?

Annual membership is only $20 per household and is tax-deductible. Your donation will help ADOG raise funds for improvement to the Desert Vista off-leash dog park in Fountain Hills.

To join, simply print out the ADOG Membership/Donation Form and send it along with your check or cash donation to the address shown on the form.

What benefits do I receive as a member of ADOG?

In addition to receiving our periodic ADOG newsletter, you’ll have the option to receive email communications on park updates and community events. You are also welcome to attend ADOG board of director meetings, which are held monthly at the Fountain Hills Community Center.

How are membership donations used to benefit the Fountain Hills dog park and other dog-related causes?

ADOG funds have helped to purchase a variety of amenities for the park, including shade structures, trees and bulletin boards for park and dog-related notices. ADOG also donates to worthy causes, including $1,000 to aid the displaced pets from Hurricane Katrina. We help to sponsor and host community events, including adopt-a-thons. In addition, ADOG raised over $27,000 to help fund the lights that allow people and their pets to enjoy the dog park at night.

How does ADOG help educate the public about responsible dog ownership?

ADOG periodically provides its members with educational opportunities in areas including dog health, training and exercise. We have also hosted activities that allow dog owners and their pets to interact.

How can park patrons help to maintain a healthy and safe dog park environment?

Everyone who uses the park has a responsibility to adhere to the ordinances and rules set by the Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation department, including picking up after your pet(s) and closely observing your dog(s) to ensure they are behaving in a safe manner.

For more information visit the Dog Park Etiquette section of our website.

Where can I find information about upcoming dog-related events or activities sponsored by ADOG?

Our website provides this information. Simply click on Current News about the Park or Upcoming Events.

Who can I contact for more information or to get answers to my questions about ADOG?

We encourage you to visit our website, which is updated regularly with news of ADOG activities and events, as well as general information and resources of interest to dog owners.

If you have specific questions, please email info@adog.org.

The History of the Fountain Hills Off-Leash Desert Vista Park and ADOG

It all started in August 1997. A Fountain Hills greyhound owner requested permission from the Parks & Recreation department to use Golden Eagle baseball field to run his greyhounds off-leash. Thus began the prolonged quest for a permanent off-leash recreational facility in Fountain Hills. At the same time there was growing opposition to the presence of these dogs; it became a “children against dogs” issue. The dispute escalated and in April 1998 the Town Council suspended dog use of the Golden Eagle field for good, with no alternative area offered.

In March 1998 a group of 19 dog owners, together with Al Lorenz, a Parks Commissioner, met to discuss the Town establishing a permanent dog park. In April 1998, ADOG (Association of Dog Owners Group), was established with a group of ten people. The membership soon increased to 24 families with a mission statement and by-laws. The first Board of Directors consisted of Dan Regard, Cloud Downey, Morton Mitchell, Hillary Quinton, Phil Gollon and Ken O’Hara.

From April through September 1998 a major controversy between those favoring the establishment of the park and those adamantly opposed took place. After many emotional debates and ADOG’s determination to stick with this project, the Town Council voted overwhelmingly to establish a 3.5 acre facility at Desert Vista Park in September 1998. This land (12 acres) had been originally donated to the Town by MCO as a potential school site, but was later designated as a park. What most people don’t know is the off-leash facility cost the Town very little money to establish. The Town agreed to pay $18,000 for fencing, then the Sanitary District funded the grading, watering system, seeding and landscaping. This helped the Sanitary District continue to meet their need to dispose of the Towns treated wastewater.

On December 11, 1999 (20 months from the establishment of ADOG), the off-leash facility was opened. The park soon became the most used park in Fountain Hills, silencing detractors and changing many minds. ADOG was formally incorporated as an Arizona non-profit organization in March, 2000. In those early days ADOG was able to raise enough money to fund many of the park improvements we still enjoy today. These include the multi-station watering fountains (these were to be maintained by the Town) and two of the three shade structures. Since those early days we have continued to raise funds through annual membership and additional contributions. They have allowed us to replace the dirt / mud under two of the shade structures with crushed granite. They have also helped to provide for many of the benches and trees in the park.

In May 2000 ADOG created a donation account for the purpose of raising money to have lighting installed in the off-leash facility. The fund grew to a total of $27,217 thanks to the hard work and efforts of many of our past and present ADOG members. This money was made available to the Town in May 2007. The actual cost of the lights was in excess of $100,000, so our thanks goes out to the Town for its help and support with this project. What was once only a dream -- to have lights installed in the park -- has finally reached a successful conclusion. ADOG will strive to maintain a strong organization to work with both our members and the Town to ensure we continue to have one of the greatest off-leash dog parks in the country!

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