Meryl Potts Dempsey with Sir Basil at Bark in the Park on Saturday. Photo by Teela G Photography.
Maryann Herbert spent her life contributing to the community and left behind a legacy of community, friendship, and bringing people together that Corowa Dog Lovers Inc hope their park will always represent.
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On Saturday, Corowa Dog Lovers and Federation Council joined with the community for Bark in the Park, the official opening of the recently updated Corowa off-leash dog park.
The event was also the official renaming of the park to the Maryann Herbert Memorial Dog Park, in honour of Maryann and her contributions to the community.
Corowa Dog Lovers president Sarah Lavis the park represented years of planning, fundraising, volunteering and community support.
“It began with an enthusiastic group who kicked off with just a petition,” Sarah said.
“Maryann made an important contribution to the Corowa community, not only through her long career as a teacher, but also through the many community organisations she was involved with.
“Naming this park in her honour is a wonderful way to recognize that contribution and ensure that her connection to the Corowa community continues for many years.”
The Corowa Dog Park was renamed in Maryann Herbert’s honour, with members of her family, the local community and Justin Clancy MP present for the ceremony.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
Maryann’s husband Alistair was there to witness the ceremony, and he said it was a great honour that made the family very proud.
He said Maryann was never one to look for the limelight; if there was a cause to happen, she wouldn’t sit back, she'd get in and get it done.
Their grandchildren, Harry, Ella, and Grace, recalled their grandmother ‘Min’ as an animal lover, from her childhood with her beagle called Crumpet, to always having a dog as part of the family.
“Grandpa always said Min never loved the limelight,” they said.
“She worked quietly behind the scenes, making a meaningful difference in whatever she was involved, but she would have been quietly chuffed by this on behalf of the Herberts.
“Right here in this area she logged many laps walking along the riverbank and around the lagoon with her dogs, children, and grandchildren, which is one of our fondest memories of her.
“Thank you to Federation Council, Corowa Men’s Shed, and Corowa Lions Club for supporting Corowa Dog Lovers, and to the wider community for this very special honour.
“It's a wonderful place for local dogs and their humans to enjoy, come together, make friends, and share their love of their four-legged friends.”
Guy and Buddy from the VRA put on a search dog demonstration for the crowd. Photo by Teela G Photography.
The day was also a practical occasion, and with free microchipping, dog training demonstrations, a meet-and-greet with rescue pups and a pet parade, Harry, Ella and Grace said the park was one that Min and all her dogs “would no doubt all approve”.
And now with a fresh donation of $10,000 from Corowa local Jaqui Monk, the small and timid dog area is in line for the next lot of upgrades later this year.
