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Training class bridges the gap
MDP members construct pathway at local park
-I-Humane Society pic 2
Members of the 2008 Management Development Program class construct a bridge over a small creek at Rock Creek Park, creating a walkway that will lead park goers to the Dawson County Humane Society's animal shelter. "We're working on memorial plaques to sell and line the path with," said Kay Harris, the shelter's director. - photo by Adam C. Stapleton

Members of the 2008 Management Development Program class constructed a bridge and accompanying pathway from Rock Creek Park to the Dawson County Humane Society animal shelter, July 11.

 

The class is a University of Georgia program designed to teach and improve leadership and teamwork skills in local government employees.

 

Class members created the path to assist animal shelter volunteers with walking the animals and potential individuals looking to adopt, said class representative Karen Armstrong, who introduced the idea to the class.

 

“The new pathway to the park will help tremendously,” said Kay Harris, the shelter’s director.

 

“If you’re walking through the park, you can take that path up here, get certified and walk one of the dogs,” she added.

 

Harris said the new pathway is an integral part of the animal shelters new Never Walk Alone Program, which encourages park goers to visit the shelter and take the dogs there on walks through the park.

 

“Not only does it give the animals exercise, but it gets the people more involved with our mission. If you have a few moments to come out and see the animals, walk with them or play with them, we always need that,” said Harris.

 

The pathway project allowed Management Development Program members to fulfill their task of planning and implementing a community improvement project to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned in the program.

 

“We are very grateful we could serve our community in this capacity,” said Armstrong.

The pathway project took class members approximately nine hours to complete.

 

The 2008 Management Development Program class and the animal shelter have invited the public to come and view the finished pathway at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m., July 18 at Rock Creek Park.

 

E-mail Adam C. Stapleton at adam@dawsonnews.com.