Upgrades to the Vero Beach dog park are on the horizon. The city council voted to allow the park to build 22 new parking spots near the north entrance along Indian River Drive.
People have complained in the past about the lack of parking and the possible dangers to drivers who park on the shoulder of the road.
During peak season, the president of Friends of the Vero Beach Dog Exercise Area, Inc. says the lot gets full and it forces people to park in nearby areas.
"A lot of people complain but they don't donate," Richard Kerwin said.
So far the organization has enough money to rip up the lot and to build 2 handicap spots, a new paved entranced and an information kiosk. Funding for phase two, which includes the 22 parking spaces, is still in need.
"The whole thing is predicated on donations," Kerwin reiterated.
Many we spoke to say the dog park is an invaluable resource and they donate when they can; they say they are hopeful the money will be raised.
"We've been here 25 years in Vero Beach and this was a casual dog park previously. There was no fencing and parking was terrible, Jeffrey McGann said. "To pave this and to make it more attractive is just like the cherry on top."
The goal is to have everything done by mid-November when the dog park holds its annual Bark N' Brew fundraiser.
To donate visit: http://www.verobeachdogpark.org