Dog walk-a-thon takes next steps toward dog park

MATTAPOISETT – Seven years ago, Freemin Bauer started an Eagle Scout project that would have him hosting a dog walk-a-thon every year to raise money for a dog park in Mattapoisett.

The walk-a-thon is made up of two organized paths, a mile and a half mile, through town where people can come together and walk their dogs as a community. 

He held the event yet again this year on the sunny Saturday afternoon of Aug. 27.

Bauer, who is now 23, hosted the first dog walk to raise money for a dog shelter in Fairhaven as his Eagle Scout project. He used the money he earned to fix up the walls, floors and fences in the shelter, and gave the rest to the shelter to use as they needed.

The experience started a conversation about resources for dogs in his own hometown of Mattapoisett, and he talked to his mom, Select Board member Jodi Bauer, about what he could do to create a dog park.

Bauer proposed the ideas to the Select Board that year, and it got the ball rolling.

Since then, the board has selected one acre of land at the Holy Ghost grounds on Park Street for the park, and Bauer has raised almost $6,000 of the $10,000 that is required to apply for a grant from the Stanton Foundation.

The Stanton Foundation is a program created by CBS executive Frank Stanton, and it provides grants to build dog parks in Massachusetts.

Bauer has held the dog walk-a-thon to raise the money every year except during Covid.

“Seven years later and I’m still fighting for it,” Bauer said, and he has no plans to stop until he reaches his goal.

Jodi Bauer said that there are 1,200 dogs registered in Mattapoisett.

“We know we need a park,” she said.

“All of these dogs don’t have a place to gather or socialize,” Bauer added.

The Bauer family has two friendly bulldogs named Mia and Louie, who were present at the dog walk and excitedly slobbered on passersby who were willing to say hello to them.

Bauer said that the response from residents has been positive and enthusiastic.

“I’ve had lots of people reach out. Everybody wants to chip in and give ideas, which I love,” he said.

“I would use it every day,” said Marilyn Smith, a resident who showed up to walk her poodle mix named Ruby Tuesday. “I can’t believe we don’t have one.”

With their current progress, Jodi Bauer sees the park being a reality for the town in two years time.

“We have a vision, but it’s just the money. It’s expensive,” she said.

She says that they have had a lot of great support this year. She and her son are trying to form a nonprofit – or 501c – committee for the park and are looking for people to join.

Those interested in donating money can send checks made out to the “Town of Mattapoisett dog park” to the town hall at 16 Main St. Those with questions or interest in joining the nonprofit committee can email Jodi Bauer at bauer841@verizon.net.