Friends of the Ideal Dog Park, Off-Leash (FIDO), is a community volunteer organization (www.southeuclidfido.org) whose members believe off-leash activity is an important component of raising a happy, healthy dog. Councilwoman Simon, who is also the founder of the South Euclid Humane Society, strongly believed a dog park within the community would make the area a more desirable place to live by pro
viding a recreational and social outlet for an often ignored slice of the population - dog owners. With the help of South Euclid's then Director of Community Services, Keith Benjamin, Councilwoman Simon mobilized community dog owners to act as a fundraising organization, thus relieving the City of South Euclid of any financial burden... and FIDO was born! The group identified an unused piece of land within Quarry Park North, and proposed to City Council that the plot be fenced-in to serve as a dog park. Led by South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo and Councilwoman Simon, City Council approved the proposal and set about amending city ordinances such that dogs would be allowed within the park's boundaries. FIDO's first fundraiser was a "Doggy Dip", held at the now closed Quarry Park North community pool in August of 2004. The day began stormy, but by late afternoon the skies cleared and pooches and their people had a "swimmingly" good time! Later that year, the group partnered with Dogtopia (a doggy daycare located in Cleveland Heights) to host two other very successful fundraisers: Howl-O-Ween and Santa Paws. In the Spring of 2005, still considerably short of the $8,000.00 price tag for fencing to enclose the dog park, FIDO launched a solicitation mailing, targeting over 3000 of the area's registered dog owners. The group succeeded in raising the funds necessary to fence in a 1/2 acre plot within Quarry Park North, and, on October 8, 2005, the South Euclid Dog Park opened its gates! But the story doesn't end here. FIDO continues to meet, discussing maintenance issues and much needed park improvements with the City of South Euclid. While the city graciously provides trash removal and cuts the grass, FIDO is solely responsible for all other costs associated with the upkeep and development of the dog park. To meet these financial needs, the group engages in several fundraising events throughout the year, including the Annual Dog Walk and the very popular Howl-O-Ween Party. Membership in FIDO is open to any and all who endorse our mission and have the desire, concern, compassion, and dedication to make the community a better place for its citizens and their canine companions. If this sounds like you, please consider reviewing our Membership Application today.
