NEWS RELEASE

Sonoma County Regional Parks is pleased to announce the opening of the Animal Care Center Dog Park, a new off-leash dog area at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol. Located at 500 Ragle Road, this new facility will be open for public use on July 17, 2006.

The planning, design, and construction of this half-acre facility was accomplished through determined community support and funding from local residents and businesses. A donation of $30,000 was generously provided by the Animal Care Center of Rohnert Park for which the dog park is named. A special thanks to the Animal Care Center and the Friends of the West County Dog Park for their contributions and diligence in making this facility a reality.

There are still donation opportunities to complete the installation of benches, an entry trellis, and drinking fountain. All donations are tax-deductible. Volunteers are also needed to plant native tree and shrubs, and to install drip irrigation this fall.

We invite the public to bring their dogs for a leash-free romp in the new Animal Care Center Dog Park, and socialize with other patrons and pets. Please observe park rules and regulations so that this will be an enjoyable experience for all.

For further information, please contact Mark Cleveland at 565-2041 or visit www.sonoma-county.org/parks and click on "what's new". To donate or volunteer, please contact Mary Jo Delos at the Regional Parks Foundation by calling 565-2041.