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Kids & Family

Officials Announce Casting Call for Dog Park Video

Are you ready for your close-up? Oak Forest officials have announced an open casting call for participants in the community spirit video portion in the Bark for Your Park $100K Dog Park contest.


Lights. Camera. Bark?

That may just be the direction of a community spirit video the city of Oak Forest is filming for the final leg of the PetSafe Bark for Your Park $100,000 contest.

Oak Forest of the competition and winning the contest would net the city the $100K to build a dog park. Voting is still open and now officials are rounding up local enthusiasts (and their pet pooches) to show their support in the video.

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The production will be filmed at , at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23. 

"We will need owners and their pooches to sit in City Hall Chambers, as well as to be a part of a large group cheer," said Laura Clemons, 1st Ward Alderman who has helped lead the charge for a dog park since September of last year.

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Contest regulations state that participants should not any clothing with a logo on it -- including sports shirts, teams, etc. -- so a plain shirt is best, Clemons cautioned. Each participant will also be required to sign a video release form.

If the warm weather trends continue into the weekend, owners should bring a bottle of water to keep their pets hydrated.

In September of 2011, fundraising efforts began to construct a dog park and just shy of $12,000 has been raised for the facility, Clemons said, which may be constructed on a portion of the Bremen Grove of the Cook County Forest Preserve. Supporters of the park say a dog park will give pets the opportunity to socialize and exercise with other dogs, offering the open space for those who may not have it at home.

Current plans include an area for small dogs, large dogs, benches, double entry gates and shade areas.  With continued fundraising efforts, Clemons is hopeful the facility can have added amenities such as pavillions and agility courses.

"The Petsafe Bark for Your Park contest is the very first national contest that the city of Oak Forest has entered, and we are so proud and excited to see our city in the finals," Clemons said.

"The number of votes received so far based on our population shows the support from the community and surrounding communities for this project," she continued. "This contest has brought the community together working for a wonderful cause."

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