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Neighbors Raise Funds to Plant Trees for Added Shade in Dog Park

By Josh McGhee | August 17, 2015 12:34pm
 A neighbor started a GoFundMe to get Challenger Bark some new trees.
A neighbor started a GoFundMe to get Challenger Bark some new trees.
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DNAinfo/Josh McGhee

BUENA PARK — Just a week after launching a GoFundMe, a group of neighbors have successfully raised the funds to plant some trees at their local park and give their pups some much needed shade.

Last week, Kent Thomas, a volunteer, who neighbors say leads the charge to advocate for changes in Challenger Bark Park, launched the fundraiser asking neighbors to donate $350 to plant three new trees at the park. Over the weekend, they reached their goal and tentatively plan to plant the trees on Sept. 12, according to their website.

They'll plant three Autumn Blaze maple trees at the park at 1100 W. Irving Park Rd., which is officially called Challenger Playlot Park, according to the Chicago Park District website. But dog owners who visit the park daily call it "the neighborhood backyard" and consider it a great meeting place for neighbors and pooches alike.

The trees cost about $290, and any leftover money will go toward materials that keep dog urine away from the trees and to purchase poop bags for the park. The group has raised $410, about $60 more than their goal, according to the page.

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