Before the winter of 2004/2005, canine area users utilized the existing adjacent tennis court lighting to light the area after dark, due to the majority of park users who were not able to use the park before sunset (6pm in winter months). However, officially, Towers Park closes one half hour after sunset, so after multiple complaints from a neighboring individual about users who were not obeying the official hours, park users were asked to leave the premises. In addition, hot dogs and tainted meat began appearing at the park, poisoning several dogs, and killing one. This brought widespread media attention to the park, and triggered a response from regular park users. In an effort to stop and prevent future poisionings, they formed a working group, and inquired about receiving official lighting for the park. In addition to providing safety, the lighting would also serve those individuals who work past sunset in months where the sun sets early. The working group (Towers Park Community) organized and distributed surveys for the park, to get widespread feedback on the canine area, as well as determine the amount of support or lack thereof for lighting the park. Repsonses were overwhelmingly in support for lighting, even from neighborhoods and individuals who owned property or lived adjacent to the park. The working group continues to work with the County, and is in the process of organizing funding and a plan for approval and installation of lights for the canine area.

Due to the timeline for installation and funding, lighting for the park will not be available until Fall of 2006. In the meantime, the working group is involved in acquiring a waiver, for use of the existing tennis court lights. Announcements regarding this waiver will be made as we receive notice!

• 07/29/2005 - First draft of the PEG application due (grant to cover partial funding for the lights)
• 09/30/2005 - All fundraising must be completed, and final numbers sent in for consideration in the PEG application
• 09/30/2005 - Final draft of the PEG application due
• 12/2005 - Presentation for PEG grant for County Commissioners
• 02/2006 - Acceptance/Denial of funds for PEG applicants
• Summer 2006 - Construction/Installation of lighting

Installation of higher fencing
Regrading of the park grounds, to remove problem of standing water and flooding in rainy weather