About ODAWG

Do you enjoy going for walks along some of the most beautiful trails in Oshawa? Do you passionately support the idea of an off leash park where you, the responsible pet owner, can freely exercise and socialize your dog? If you do, then come and join us at Harmony Valley Off-Leash Park. The off leash park is a reality because of some determined and dedicated people who volunteered many hours of hard work, strong negotiating skills and charm to make this project possible for you. These people are now the key members of ODAWG, (Oshawa Durham Area Walkers Group) the user group for Harmony Valley Off-leash Dog Park. The executive meet with officials from the City of Oshawa four times annually. They oversee the park and help make improvements within. Voluntary annual membership fees help support park enhancements. New members are always welcome! To become a member please go to Register, print off the form and mail the completed form and fees to the Treasurer (the address is at the top of the form) or pick up a membership form and pre-printed envelope from the mailbox on the notice board at the entrance to the off-leash park. There will also be a Spring Membership Drive on April 16th, held in conjunction with the spring clean-up.

For the full history of ODAWG and the Park, click here

For the Minutes of the last Executive Meeting, click here

Joining ODAWG

Our activities are all volunteer based, and we strive to provide park users with resources that are of interest to them. Membership funds are used to help provide the dog poop bags at the park, over 40,000 bags were used in 2010, as well as garbage pails, benches, hold educational seminars and run activities like the CKC Canine Good Neighbour Evaluations. We are always looking for volunteers and would be pleased to have you be part of the team.

We are planing to launch our memorial program in the fall of 2011, which will include plantings and plaque installation, and photo entries for our 2012 Calendar Contest are now being accepted. Make sure to enter your cutie—they could be a “pin-up” pooch!

To join ODAWG, please fill out this form, send it to Treasurer@HarmonyDogPark.ca and select the membership plan for you.

1 Year - 1 Dog: $101 Year - 2+ Dogs: $15Donations

ODAWG Mission Statement
“To promote sustainable, healthy and active lifestyles for Oshawa area residents and their dogs.”

ODAWG Mandate
1. Advocate positive park use
2. Educate responsible pet ownership
3. Support continued improvement of off-leash facilities
4. Act as a liaison with the City of Oshawa

ODAWG Goals and Objectives
1. Establish and maintain an effective code of conduct for off-leash behaviour
2. Foster and promote responsible pet ownership
3. Organize and implement park related events
4. Fundraise for facility improvements
5. Communicate regularly with the City of Oshawa Please support the founders of the first off-leash park in Oshawa by keeping the park safe and clean. Harmony Valley Park is a public place and can easily be designated to a different use at a moment's notice. Please appreciate the time and effort that has been put to make this project happen for your convenience - stoop and scoop and do not litter. New members are always welcome.

ODAWG Special Projects

The ODAWG executive is presently preparing to establish two committees. The Memorial Program will recognize loyal companions who have passed on. The Bench Group will design, build and erect natural benches throughout the park. There are also plans to eventually set up a Fundraising Committee to help support park projects. If you are interested in being a member of any of these committees or have fundraising ideas please contact Clare at membership@harmonyDOGpark.ca.

ODAWG organizes a spring clean up of the park as part of the City's "Pitch-In" program. This year's clean up will be Saturday, April 16th, 2011 from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Gloves and bags will be available.

As part of the ODAWG education plan, Brenda Lowry, our "Ask the Trainer" has once again kindly volunteered to be the examiner for a CKC Canine Good Neighbour Certification in May. At our first CKC-CGN program we certified 10 dogs and raised $80.00. Dates and details will be posted on the website and at the park.

Ambassadors

Ambassadors are identified volunteers who monitor the park. They educate park users about park etiquette and By-Laws governing Harmony Valley Park. Ambassadors are NOT responsible for enforcement of rules or by-laws or for resolving disputes. They provide the appropriate contact information to the concerned parties. Ambassadors assist with special events planned by ODAWG. There are presently 35 registered Ambassadors, but we always welcome more. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please contact Clare at membership@harmonyDOGpark.ca