The Egyptian Board of REALTORS® (EBOR), the Illinois REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® combined forces to support the creation of a new community dog park in Carbondale.

The REALTOR® organizations are donating a total of $5,000 in grant money to the project so that two frost-free dog watering stations can be built in the 2.5-acre park on the west side of Carbondale. The donation comes after a period when COVID-19 slowed fundraising. Local Governmental Affairs Director Ron Deedrick coordinated the grant after a request by EBOR members in late 2019.

The project has progressed because of advocacy by the non-profit organization, “Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks,” private monetary donors, volunteers from the John A. Logan College trade programs, the Carbondale Park District and the city of Carbondale. Several community members and businesses have offered pro-bono services, too.

According to an article in the Southern Illinoisan, the president of Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks hopes the dog park will open this summer for visitors. When complete, the park will include a pavilion, benches, fencing and watering stations for large and small dogs. Those who want to support the program can view the Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks wish list.

EBOR is led by CEO Charay Palmer, President Ayn Bartok, President-elect Mark Terry, Treasurer Stewart Weisenberger and Immediate Past President Cynthia Bevis. EBOR has 500 members and its office is located in Marion.

Members of the Egyptian Board of REALTORS® presented a $5,000 check to members of the Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks” representatives. From left to right, Local GAD Ron Deedrick, REALTOR® Linda Holte, REALTOR® Janie Davis, EBOR CEO Charay Palmer and four members of Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks.