Marquette dog park friends
Unleash summer freedom —
Help build Marquette's first warm-weather dog park
We're building a summer off-leash dog park in the City — a safe, beautiful space for dogs and their humans.
Why This Matters
Marquette Dogs Need Trails of their Own
Marquette is a city that loves the outdoors — from the beaches of Lake Superior to the abundant mountain bike trails. But during the warm weather months, our four-legged neighbors don't have a dedicated space to run, play, and socialize off-leash. In fact, all off-leash dogs within City limits are prohibited by law.
The Marquette Dog Park Friends would like to change that. The City has dedicated nearly 10 acres for a fenced, dogs-only place of wooded trails, an open space for fetch, and small dog area. We build it, the City will maintain it. This partnership is about more than a dog park. It's about building a community gathering place — where people meet, dogs make friends, and everyone enjoys the outdoors together. Every dollar brings us closer to breaking ground.
Support the Campaign
Be a Paw Partner!
Every contribution — or equivalent in-kind donation of materials or labor — gets us closer to breaking ground. Choose a giving level that works for you.
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Platinum Paw Partner
$25,000+
Choice of prominent name, business/organization logo on park signage OR named bench at park
Silver-level publicity
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Golden Paw Partner
$11,500 – $24,999
Large name/business logo on park signage
Silver-level publicity
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Silver Paw Partner
$5,000 – $11,499
Name/business logo on park signage
Press mentions when discussing the project
Social media & website shoutouts
Business logo in digital media (optional)
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Bronze Paw Partner
$1,000 – $4,999
Name/business logo on park signage
Social media & website shoutouts
Business logo in digital media (optional)
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Ore Paw Partner
$500 – $999
Your name or your dog's name on the donor roster at the park
Social media & website shoutouts
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Paw Partner
Up to $499
Our heartfelt thanks for supporting Marquette's dogs
Funds or equivalent in-kind donation of materials or labor welcome. Donate now
Your Name in the Park
Donor Recognition
Paw Partners will be permanently recognized at the park — on a beautiful entrance sign and donor roster visible to every visitor, every day.
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Main Sign
Platinum, Golden, Silver, and Bronze-level Paw Partners featured on the park's prominent entrance sign — seen by every visitor.
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Reverse Side — Donor Roster
All Paw Partners and Ore-Level Paw Partners listed on the reverse side of the sign, a lasting thank-you to every supporter.
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Bench Plaque
Platinum-level Paw Partners may choose a named bench plaque instead of entrance-sign recognition — a permanent, personal tribute inside the park.
The Pack is Growing
Real Marquette Neighbors, Real Support
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"We have 3 Goldens who love seeing their friends on the trails. Our dogs are children to us. They need exercise just like we do. They can't get full exercise being leashed. They need the ability to run. Could you imagine wanting to run around and play as a child with someone holding a leash keeping you from having fun?"
Jennifer Stanaway
Marquette resident & dog owner -
"My dog and I visit the dog park very often. We don't have much of a backyard so this is our favorite place to go to meet new friends, burn off some energy and enjoy a nice walk. Having this option year-round is something the City has needed for far too long. Our dogs deserve to have the best lives possible. Having an off-leash dog park in Marquette will help make that possible."
Marquette resident
Marquette resident & dog owner -
"Tourist Park has brought such light and solace during the deepest darkest parts of winter. It has bonded a community of like-minded friends and created a space for residents and travelers alike to allow their best friends to be truly free. For a place such as Marquette that values outdoor recreation so highly we owe it to man's best friend to provide a space for their recreation."
Laura Boburka
Marquette resident & dog owner -
"I could see that my dog was interested in making friends but was so skittish and unsure. At the winter dog park he was able to meet dogs off-leash and see the same dogs all the time. He eventually made friends with other dogs and I made friends with their owners. He has become braver, happier, and more social — and so have I."
Marquette resident
Winter dog park regular -
"I don't have a backyard and my dog loves running around. We go on plenty of walks but it's not the same as watching her run around with the other dogs having fun!"
Marquette resident
Dog owner -
"During the winter, walking in the off-leash dog park is the only exercise I get. A summer park would keep my dogs and me moving."
Marquette resident
Dog owner
Thank you
Our Donors
Every gift moves us closer to breaking ground. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up for Marquette's dogs.
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Community Foundation of Marquette County
Silver Paw Partner
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Katers Foundation
Platinum Paw Partner
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Patrick & Laura Reilly
Silver Paw Partner
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Sue Ritter & Gregg Sutherland
Silver Paw Partner
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Mary Lou Mauro
Ore Paw Partner
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Brian Cabell
Bronze Paw Partner
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Patty Schwemin
Bronze Paw Partner
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Renee Prince
Bronze Paw Partner
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Anne Sheret
Bronze Paw Partner
Get Involved
Join the Pack
Whether you donate or just spread the word — every action moves us closer to opening day.
Know someone who loves dogs? Help spread the word.