Grass Valley resident and dog lover Jeff Russell is asking for volunteers to circulate petitions and develop a Web site to support "Dogs Run Free," a grassroots effort to establish a leash-free dog park in Grass Valley.

About 40 people showed up to a recent meeting at Grass Valley City Hall to kick off the effort, Russell said.

Attendants discussed circulating a petition to show city officials there is support for a fenced area within the city limits with water where dogs can run loose, Russell said.

Organizers already have collected 250 signatures, he said.

"I hope to have 1,000 signatures by summer," Russell said. "There is really a need for this."

Russell is hoping animal-loving teens in the area could take on the task of collecting those signatures, he said.

"They could really have fun with this," he said.

The group appointed a steering committee and a research committee, and is working on establishing a Web site where people can get updates on the group's progress.

Russell is talking with local Realtors about possible land acquisition and exploring fundraising ideas, he added.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. June 11 at Grass Valley City Hall.

Anyone willing to collect petition signatures, develop a "Dogs Run Free" Web site or share ideas for land acquisition may contact Russell at 274-1086 or jeffrussell@pobox.com.



To contact staff writer Robyn Moormeister, e-mail rmoormeister@theunion.com or call 477-4236.