Park Pals, the volunteer-driven organization responsible for operating and maintaining French Lake Dog Park in Federal Way, received approximately $5,500 from Petco on Feb. 28.

The money, which was generated from Park Pals holiday photo event, will be used towards continued improvements at the dog park. According to Petco manager Michael Jankowski, Park Pals was first in the state and third in the country overall in terms of volume of photos taken during the holiday event.

That approximately $5,500 will be used towards a number of continuing improvements, said Park Pals president Ed Burkhardt.

“(The money) will go towards more benches, water bowls, and a shelter,” Burkhardt said.

As the popularity of the dog park continues to grow, Burkhardt also said Park Pals is always looking for more people.

“We’re always seeking more volunteers and more board members,” he noted.

The next significant fundraising activity that Park Pals will hold is set for July, when members of the group will give their time to sell coffee and other goodies at the rest stop near Wild Waves, Burkhardt said.

To learn more about Park Pals, visit www.parkpals.org or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/FWParkPals.