Yuma, Arizona: Outdoor Movie Money Going to the Dogs' Park

Yuma Parks and Recreation hosted a fundraiser outdoor movie night at Desert Sun Stadium on September 27, 2008 to benefit a planned new dog park -- a retention basin near Pacific Avenue that would be converted into open-space recreation for people and their dogs. Dogs on leash were welcome; an animation feature screened free of charge at 7:30 p.m. Stadium gates opened at 6:30. Attendees were asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs while the stadium stands were under reconstruction.

Along with traditional movie concessions, the event offered the public opportunities to sponsor specific dog park amenities: trees ($125 each), engraved bricks ($100), waste stations ($500), trash receptacles ($500), dog play ramps ($1,000), entrance gates ($1,000), and drinking fountains ($2,000). An estimated $70,000 was needed to complete the conversion. “Yuma dog lovers, come out for a fun family night at the movies under the stars,” said Parks and Recreation assistant director Roberta Ukura.