Park Pals receives $7,000 for Federal Way dog park

Park Pals, the volunteer-driven organization responsible for operating and maintaining French Lake Dog Park in Federal Way, received more than $7,000 from Petco on Feb. 20.

Park Pals, the volunteer-driven organization responsible for operating and maintaining French Lake Dog Park in Federal Way, received more than $7,000 from Petco on Feb. 20.

The money, which was generated from Park Pals’ holiday photo event, will be used towards continued improvements at the dog park.

Petco manager Michael Jankowski said it’s “nice to keep the support from the store local.”

JoAnn Milton, vice president of Park Pals, said the approximately $7,000 was the most money Petco has raised for the organization in the three years the company has raised funds for them.

The funds will be used towards a number of continuing improvements — but first the organization wants to hear from dog park users what they would like to see at the park next, Milton said.

Park Pals will soon launch a survey that will ask park patrons what is important to them.

“We need patrons to tell us what they want next,” Milton said, noting that she’s heard dog owners mention agility courses several times.

Milton invited residents to join Park Pals for a work party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at French Lake Dog Park, located at 31531 First Ave. S., Federal Way.

In addition, the organization seeks more volunteers and board members.

To learn more about Park Pals, visit www.parkpals.org.