By Joseph Slacian
WABASH, Ind. – About 100 people gathered Friday evening to watch a 30-year dream become a reality.
The crowd, along with several dogs of all shapes and sizes, came together on South Carroll Street to watch the dedication of the Dawg Park, Wabash’s first facility dedicated to man’s four-legged friend.
Gary Henderson, whose 30-year dream sparked a committee to create the park, emceed the ceremony, which was threatened by darkening clouds and the threat of rain.
Henderson introduced the committee and thanked the members for their efforts. He also thanked several others who were fundamental in building the park, including Stan and Patsy Myers who furnished the land for $1 per year, Dave Vandermark, who did much of the work at the site, and Steve Kirtlan, who is allowing the park to tap into his business’ water and electrical service, to help avoid several thousands of dollars’ worth of work just to prepare the site for those utilities.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of two memorial structures at the park.
The first, a memorial bench located under a pergola, is dedicated to the memory of Ashley Younce, a Wabash County 4-H alumnus who passed away in 2012 following a long health battle. She and her dog, Macy, are memorialized on the bench which was built by Mike Halderman.
Ashley’s parents, Brian and Cindy Younce, said their daughter would be pleased with the bench and extremely happy that the park is now a reality.
The second memorial, a small fountain featuring a little boy and girl washing a puppy, is dedicated to Henderson’s late uncle, James Forbes, who served as the second chair of the Wabash County 4-H Dog Club.
Henderson said his uncle also was instrumental in the dog competition at the Indiana State Fair.
For more information, see the June 14 issue of The Paper of Wabash County.