Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro recently announced he has secured $150,000 in key funding to go toward the construction, completion and maintenance of Como Lake Bark Park in Lancaster.  During negotiations on the county’s annual capital borrowing, Legislator Todaro brought forth this project as a high priority for the Lancaster community.  He was then able to secure an agreement with the administration to fund the project immediately with cash, instead of borrowing for it.  Through this arrangement, the dog park will be funded without increasing the county’s debt load.  The final agreement between the Legislature and the County Executive reduced the amount the county planned to borrow by almost $2 million, and funded many priority projects with cash.   

Como Lake Bark Park will be located near the Bowen Road entrance to the park—behind the park’s maintenance building. Over 1.4 acres of land will be fenced in with several attractions for dogs to enjoy such as—water fountains, agility equipment, rinse-off station, water play features, separate fenced in areas for small and large dogs and a looping four-foot concrete sidewalk. Bathrooms and other utilities are also located nearby for human use. This funding secured by Legislator Todaro will provide enough support to complete the dog park.  Before the park opens to residents, the Erie County Department of Parks, Forestry and Recreation will issues rules and regulations for the park’s usage. 

Legislator Todaro said, “I am thrilled to see this project finally come together. Como Lake Park is the perfect location for this project because Lancaster/Depew and the surrounding areas do not have a proper place to take our dogs to run around and socialize. Thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly on this project for the last several years. I look forward to bringing my furry daughter Ruby there to play in the near future!”