Hollenbecks donate to Marseilles Eagle Scout’s dog park project

The establishment of a new dog park in Marseilles has taken a step forward, thanks to Mayor Jim Hollenbeck and his wife, Sheila.

The Hollenbecks, as private citizens and animal lovers, made a donation of $1,000 Wednesday at the Marseilles City Council meeting to Marseilles Troop 799 Eagle Scout Dylan Trettenero for the construction of a dog park near the Illinois River Boat Launch on the east edge of the city.

“I couldn’t believe it the night that Dylan came to the council meeting with the idea because I was thinking about the same thing. It was like, ‘Are you reading my mind?’,” Hollenbeck said. “We have always been dog lovers and animal lovers, so we’re really happy to see this coming about and we’re very happy to contribute.

“If this spring they need a bobcat post-hole digger, I have one of those. I have a dump truck, I can haul gravel, whatever they need to have done, we’re happy to help. We want to see this come together.”

The mayor also reminded the public it can contribute to the project financially either at City Hall or at the Marseilles Public Library.

“This isn’t the whole amount needed, but hopefully it will help get the ball rolling,” the mayor said. “Whether it’s $5 or $10, it all adds up, so please contribute.”

“Things are going very well,” said Trettenero, who first suggested the park back in February. “Counting (Wednesday’s) donation, I’m over $2,000 in donations, plus I have a section of the fencing donated. I’m trying to get donations for the concrete work, too, but we’re a good part of the way there.

“I hope to be able to have the fencing and the concrete put in as soon as the ground thaws in the spring, so it’s coming along … Hopefully it will be done before I turn 18 in June.”