Wareham Dog Park Hosts Youth Art and Literary Contest

Sally Morrison is still a teacher at heart. She's also an animal lover, and she and other local residents spent 10 years jockeying with the town of Wareham for a dog park in that community. Her organization, Dog Park Affiliation of Wareham, or DPAW, is now sponsoring an art and literary contest for youngsters from five to 16 years old.

Sally visited Townsquare Sunday to discuss a new addition adjacent to the dog park, and the art and literary contest.

"We're hitting all our goals with the dog park, which is located at 74 Maple Springs Road and opened in 2023," Morrison said. "We've added some amenities and recently opened a three-quarter-mile leash trail, which is located in a wooded area around the dog park."

What Is the DPAW Youth Art and Literary Contest?

The 7th Annual Area Youth Art and Literary Contest has now begun. Submissions are being accepted through August 6 from young people anywhere on the SouthCoast. Themes for young artists and writers this year are "Celebrating Creatures Great and Small in My Backyard or Beyond," or "Life Is Better with a Pet Pal, Present and Past."

Who Can Enter the Contest and How?

The artwork and literary samples can be submitted to the Wareham Free Library and the Gleason Family YMCA.

Trophy winners will be selected in three age groups: 5-8, 9-12 and 13-16. They will be announced during the Family Celebration at the Gleason Family YMCA on August 15 at 4:30 p.m. Contestants do not need to be present to win.

"Every kid who submits something will be entered into a prize pool raffle, so everyone who enters will receive a prize," Morrison said.

Contest Entries Will Be Displayed

All submissions become the property of DPAW, but the group has plans to share it with everyone. DPAW has already developed a "traveling gallery" of artwork from years past that shows up at senior and veteran facilities, and on two kiosks at the Wareham Dog Park. It will also be posted at the Wareham Post Office on Main Street during the month of September.

Celebrating Community Through Art and Animals

"Kids love the trophy and the prizes, but we've seen for the most part, they really love seeing their work out in the public," Morrison said.

If you would like your community organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

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