Delores Barr Weaver, Wayne Weaver and Carmen Godwin

Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, owners of The John Gorrie a condominium, have partnered with Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) to offer the community an exceptional opportunity: A $50,000 match.

The match coincides with the fundraising campaign for the new dog park and gives those who choose to donate a substantial incentive. If collectively they raise $50,000, the John Gorrie Investment Group will match it. The new dog park will be known as The John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park.

“So many of The John Gorrie a condominium residents and other residents in the neighborhood are devoted to their four-legged animal friends,” said Delores Barr Weaver. “The John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park will be a wonderful amenity for our neighborhood. I challenge everyone to raise $50,000 and turn it into $100,000.”

The Weavers kicked off the match during RAP’s fundraising launch event, A Night for the Dogs. Held at a private historic home in the neighborhood, more than 100 people attended the event which featured hors d’oeuvres from Biscottis and live music. RAP raised more than $10,000 for the dog park from ticket sales, donations and pledges.

“The John Gorrie Investment Group match doubles the investment made by the community,” said RAP Executive Director Carmen Godwin. “The support from the Weavers is a symbol of their generosity and also their understanding of the significant benefit the dog park presents to the residents of Riverside Avondale neighborhoods. We are very grateful that they have chosen to partner with RAP and support this wonderful project.”

The John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park

For more than two years, RAP has been working with community partners to establish a dog park as an amenity for the neighborhood. The two-acre, off-leash dog park is being planned for the northwest corner of Riverside Park, adjacent to College Street. Approximately one-third of the property is located under Interstate 95 and was originally part of historic Riverside Park before the Interstate.

The John Gorrie Dog Park community supporters and RAP are committed to raising more than half of the $275,000 construction costs by Spring 2014 so that the dog park can open in Fall 2014. Individuals and families are invited to donate to the park or purchase a paver to be placed at the dog park entrance. Corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information, visit www.riversideavondale.org.

The John Gorrie a condominium will be a short walk from The John Gorrie Dog Park and home to many animal lovers. For more information about The John Gorrie, call (904) 383-3688 or visit www.TheJohnGorrie.com.