Community speaks, command listens: New dog park opened July 4

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  In response to community member requests, a new dog park opened here July 4 at 9 a.m.

"The opening of this dog park is part of a continued effort to strengthen our community and support Team Aviano," said Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st Fighter Wing commander. "Projects like this are a direct result of our community taking advantage of our feedback programs to improve the base and foster a stronger, more cohesive team."

The one-acre dog park, located behind the Area F shoppette, will offer shade and open space for dogs to exercise and socialize with other pets, with benches available for their owners. The quality-of-life initiative was put into action after requests came through town hall meetings, the interactive customer evaluation system and spouse network channels.

"The installation has been planning this initiative for nearly a year," said Michael Toriello, 31st Mission Support Group deputy commander. "It allows in- and out-processing families with pets a nice, safe place that is shaded and fenced to play and exercise during their stay in [the temporary lodging facility]."

Team Aviano members living off base can also benefit from the park, according to Senior Airman Sarah Gateley, Aviano Dog Park private organization president.
"I have a really small yard, but now my two dogs have somewhere to come and run around safely," said Gateley. "If there are dog owners like me [in the Aviano community], they probably want to give their dogs an opportunity to get out of the house and socialize. It also provides a great opportunity for people to get to know one another. I know spouses are looking for a way to meet people, and I think this will be a good way for pet owners to meet new people."

Although the facility is maintained by volunteers as part of the Aviano Dog Park private organization, dog park patrons are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and their pets, continued Gateley.

This initiative is one of several quality of life improvements in the works at Aviano including dormitory construction and wi-fi availability in common areas, child care programs and bowling alley refurbishment.

To voice concerns or to make suggestions on ways to benefit the Aviano community, members may elevate it through their chain of command, participate in town hall meetings, fill out an interactive customer evaluation at http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=site&site_id=404, or submit a Commander's Connection by e-mailing cc.connection@aviano.af.mil.