Saturday marks the grand opening of the Lezlie Morrow Memorial Dog Park in Paradise. The park is named for a woman who was honored by both the American Red Cross and the American Humane Society for her work with animals.
The dog park is nestled among the pines...located on a half an acre, at the Moore Road Ball Park. Dean Moore is with the Paradise Department of Parks and Recreation,"We had a groundswell of support for dog park in Paradise. A lot of volunteers came forth and with donations and time to make this happen."
A statue graces the entrance to the park, donated by the parents of Lezlie Morrow. Her dad even made the sign. Lezlie was a leader in the North Valley Animal Disaster Group...and other agencies that helped animals. We interviewed Morrow when she returned from rescuing animals following hurricane Katrina ... and again last summer, during Butte County's Wildfires. She died of pancreatic cancer last August.
Morrow's mother Rita says,"We put it out there starting with her obituary, asking people to donate to foundation for dog park. At that time no idea would be named after her. We were happy if just put a little plaque."
Most of the funds for the park came through community donations, and it's hoped the support will continue...because only the first phase of the park has been built out, "This is pPhase one. Hope to add other amenities. Hope to add benches, and dog play toys, and things of that nature."
The grand opening celebration includes canine demonstrations, games, food, dog licensing,microchipping...and a rabies clinic. I runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.####
