'I'd hate to see it bulldozed': Somerset dog park in need of help

Somerset's popular doggy destination, the Jager and Friends Dog Park, is in danger of closing without new volunteers.

President Jim Atchison said he is the only volunteer left.

"It's hard to get people," he said. "People love it. People from all over the world say how nice it is, but we need help taking care of it."

In the park:Dogs in the Park

The mid-sized, fenced-in dog park sits near the Georgian Place with a view of Somerset Lake. Atchison said it is a popular spot for travelers to stop and stretch their legs with their dogs.

"Somerset is a good place for those traveling everywhere. It's an intersection like that," he said. "They come and get gas, eat, exercise their dogs and they're on the road."

But the park wouldn't be possible without the work of volunteers and donors.

Atchison said the liability insurance alone is $1,100 each year, not to mention the gas for lawn mowers and other maintenance.

Where to eat:What's cooking at Hank's? How the Summit Diner inspired Somerset County's new restaurant.

"I spent $200 on gas so far this year," he said.

In addition to mowing and gardening, Atchison also maintains the park's solar-powered camera system, parking lot, water system and garbage.

He said if no one is around to take over, the park doesn't transfer or become public, it just goes away.

"When I go, I'd like to have somebody take it over," he said. "I need to get someone interested enough to show them."

"I put a lot of work into it and I'd hate to see it bulldozed."

Other cute animals:Elephant calf Tsuni at International Conservation Center

Donations can be dropped in the donation box at the park or mailed to Atchison at 534 South Center Ave., Somerset. Those who want to volunteer can call Atchison at 814-279-5439.

"It's like a person, you don't miss it until it's not here," he said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Jager and Friends Dog Park needs volunteers and donations