NILES — While more funding will be needed to help turn Niles’ first ever dog park into a reality, progress on the project has gained some momentum.

A number of residents and local business owners have showed their support and donated to the cause. Katrina Andrews, the Ruff & Tumble Dog Park founder, said she was still surprised when a friend decided to contribute the most sizeable donation yet.

Bert Edquist, owner of Mission Hills Memorial Gardens and Wilderness Pet Cemetery and Crematorium and a fellow animal lover, offered to donate $5,000 to the nonprofit Andrews created to help the park become a reality.

“I was speechless,” Andrews said. “He texted me and I was home like ‘seriously?’ It just felt so good to see that somebody cares as much as I do and believes in the park.”

Edquist’s contribution pushed park funds to more than $15,000, which accounts for about half the cost needed to for phase one of the park. Those funds will largely cover costs to erect a fence around the city property in Riverfront Park that Andrews has tentatively earmarked for the park’s creation.

Andrews is the owner of Andrews’ Tax X Accounting, PC and a pet owner. Her dogs Roo and Rowan are among her inspirations to create a park, where Niles residents can bring their pets and socialize with other dog lovers.

Late last year after gaining public feedback on the park, Andrews presented the idea to city council members and received unanimous support. Council members agreed to let Andrews potentially use the park space, contingent on her ability to raise the funds for the project within a year.

Since then, Andrews said she sent out a calling for donations and has been enamored by the people like Edquist who have shown their support.

“To have small businesses network together and know that they believe in Niles and want to invest in Niles and make the quality of life better in Niles [is wonderful],” Andrews said.

Edquist does not own any dogs himself, but is an avid animal lover. He and his wife, Carol Edquist, have rescued nine feral cats.

“The community has been good to me,” Edquist said. “I just want to give back. That is all.”

In Andrews’ detailed park plans presented to the city last year, she outlined how the park will have more than an acre and a half for pooches to roam, as well as agility equipment, benches for pet owners and biodegradable waste bags at the ready. Andrews also has said she intends to use the park as an educational meeting space, where pet owners can become up to date on safety and pet owner tips.

While every donation is appreciated, Andrews said she still needs local community members to show their support. In the months to come, Andrews will be working to raise endowment funds, which help to cover the maintenance of the park.

“The large campaign will get in full swing in April,” Andrews said. “We are writing for a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation this month which will match donations received from the community this spring.”

The grant will match up to $50,000 in funds.

Andrews encouraged those who wish to support the park to give whatever they are able. She asked people to stay tuned for fundraiser events, including one she is working on with Front Street Pizza Pub.

Andrews also said a rendering of the park will be available to view soon on the grant website in April. An Andrews University architecture student is creating the park rendering.

If all goes according to plan, Andrews hopes to open the park this summer.