Friends of the Shelton Dog Park will hold an “All Hands on Deck” cleanup to prepare the facility for the warm weather season on Saturday, April 12. Rain date is April 26.

Participants will focus on sprucing up the dog park and gardens after the harsh winter. According to an email from the all-volunteer organization, “Winter took its toll on the park.”

It will be decided where to place the next bench, made possible by last fall’s fund-raising efforts. Also, assessments will be made on what work needs to be done during future work parties.

The group’s cleanups usually take place from 9 a.m.-noon. People should bring gloves and dress appropriately for doing outdoor work.

Dog park opened in 2010

The city-owned Shelton Dog Park is at Nells Rock Road and Shelton Avenue (Route 108). It is almost an acre in size and offers free admission and parking.

The park opened in 2010 and has fenced-in areas for large dogs and for small dogs. The city Parks and Recreation Department oversees the park.

Friends of the Shelton Dog Park works to maintain and improve the outdoor facility. The group holds regular work parties at the site and raises funds for dog park improvements. It offers dog-related workshops and other events.

Learn more about the organization at: www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Shelton-Dog-Park

Learn more about the Shelton Dog Park at: www.facebook.com/sheltondogpark

Other issues on the agenda

Items that were discussed at the most recent Friends of the Shelton Dog Park include:

— Replacing old names plates and providing new name plates for the benches

— Flowers and plants at the facility

— Water drainage

— Maps for the trails

— Providing agility equipment for the small dog side

— Having a tag sale at the park

— A new entry sign

New people can get involved

Friends of the Shelton Dog Park generally meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Shelton Community Center. The meetings are open to the public and new people are welcome to attend.

“If you would like to be involved, we would love to have you,” said Friends officials. “Give as much or as little time as you would like.”

Upcoming Friends meetings are expected to take place on:

Thursday, April 17

Thursday, May 15

Thursday, June 19

Thursday, July 1

Thursday, Aug. 21

Thursday, Sept. 18

Upcoming work parties

Friends of the Shelton Dog Park work parties usually are held on the third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.-noon.

After the spring cleanup in April, Friends work parties are scheduled for:

Saturday, May 17

Saturday, June 21

Saturday, July 19

Saturday, Aug. 23

Saturday, Sept. 20

Handling issues at the park

If there is an issue at the park that needs to be addressed, people can email Friends of the Shelton Dog Park at friendssheltondp@gmail.com. People also can call city Parks & Rec Director Ron Herrick at 203-925-8422.

If there is a matter that needs immediate attention involving human or dog safety (suspicious or belligerent person, dogs fighting and owners can’t resolve the issue, etc.) people should call the Shelton Police Department (general number is 203-924-1544; emergency-only number is 9-1-1).

Shelton’s animal control officer is on duty weekdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and can be reached at 203-924-2501.