Toto’s Territory: A New Dog Park in Oconomowoc
OCONOMOWOC — The community of Oconomowoc is rallying to support the construction of Toto’s Territory, a new dog park in Roosevelt Park. This 16-acre space, located at 630 S. Main St., will feature separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as a water pad for dogs to cool off.
According to the Waukesha Freeman, the Friends of Oconomowoc Parks & Trails are spearheading the fundraising efforts, with the final $20,000 needed to reach the $150,000 goal. To encourage donations, they will set up a tent and table near the Fowler Lake Boardwalk on August 10 and August 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations of any amount are welcome, and contributors will receive a dog poop waste bag holder shaped like a bone.
Lisa Ridolfi from the Friends group highlighted the community’s desire for a local dog park, noting that many residents currently travel to Nashotah Park. Alderwoman Jennifer Aultman Kloth has also been instrumental in the fundraising efforts. The City of Oconomowoc has already contributed $75,000 to the project, which has been approved by the city council.
Ridolfi expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity and hopes to begin construction as soon as fundraising is complete and bids are secured. Donations can be made online at Friends of Oconomowoc Parks & Trails, specifying “dog park” in the designation.
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O-TOTO-mowoc: Celebrating “The Wizard of Oz”
As part of the 85th anniversary celebration of “The Wizard of Oz,” the city of Oconomowoc is unveiling the O-TOTO-mowoc Public Art Project. This initiative features artistically decorated Toto statues, which will be displayed around the city.
Local artist Anne Raskopf was commissioned by the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts Foundation to paint a Toto statue, which she described to the Oconomowoc Enterprise as “part stained glass, part patchwork.” The statue will include hidden symbols such as Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, making it a fun and engaging piece for children and adults alike.
Mary Kay Ellis, vice president of the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts, announced that the Festival’s Toto statue will be placed near the playground in Fowler Park. Before being moved to its permanent location, the Toto statues will be displayed in Oz Plaza next to City Hall on Wisconsin Avenue, which has been renovated for the anniversary.
The Toto statues, created in various poses, aim to bring a Technicolor experience to Oconomowoc and celebrate the legacy of “The Wizard of Oz.” The festivities will culminate with a screening of the classic film on August 15 for Midnight Movies in downtown Oconomowoc.
By supporting initiatives like Toto’s Territory and the O-TOTO-mowoc Public Art Project, the residents of Oconomowoc are demonstrating their commitment to enhancing community spaces and celebrating their cultural heritage.
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