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MASCARO DONATES 12 ACRE, $1 MILLION RECREATIONAL DOG PARK AND HORSE RESCUE CENTER TO HUMANE SOCIETY OF BERKS COUNTY

Area dog lovers came out in droves On October 23, 2010 for the Grand Opening and Dedication of the Danielle Ruiz-Murphy Recreational Dog Park and Horse Rescue Center.  Located West of Pottstown in Exeter Township, this 12 acre facility is the first off-leash dog park of its kind in the Montgomery - Berks County area.  It was donated and constructed by local waste hauler, J.P. Mascaro & Sons, and it will be operated by the Humane Society of Berks County.
Speaking for the Humane Society, Executive Director, Karel Minor, said, “The Mascaro donation, valued at over $1,000,000, is the largest ever received by the Humane Society, and we are extremely grateful.  We now have both a much needed horse rescue center and a large park for area dogs to play in.”

Danielle Ruiz-Murphy is a Mascaro family niece who died tragically in an automobile accident in 2006 at a young age.  According to her Aunt, Susan Lee Mascaro, who represented the Mascaro family, “Danielle was a beautiful person inside and out and she had a special place in her short life for the elderly, disabled and all types of animals but especially dogs”.
The Ruiz-Murphy Center sits on 12 beautiful acres donated by Mascaro and the facility improvements include a large new barn for rescued horses, two large horse pastures, a 1,500 foot walking trail for on-leash dogs, two large fenced in play parks for off-leash dogs – one for large dogs and the other for small, four canine water fountains, a pavilion with four picnic tables, a stone patio and monument area dedicated to Ruiz-Murphy, and a unique decorative entrance that highlights the facility.

The Grand Opening and Dedication of the Ruiz-Murphy Center was attended by more than 600 dog lovers, most of who came with their dogs.  Gloria Ruiz-Salveson, Danielle’s mother, cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the dog park.
And then it happened!  Scores of dogs were set free in the off-leash play areas and play they did!  According to Humane Society Executive Director, Karel Minor, “Anyone who saw them all running around and jumping knows they were happy dogs and knows the dog park is a good thing.  Happiest of all though were the smiling dog owners who truly enjoyed watching their canine family members having a great time.”

The Ruiz-Murphy Center is located off of US Route 422 on Route 345 in Exeter Township.  It is open from dawn to dusk, and there is no charge to use the facility.  The Ruiz-Murphy Center is just another example of J.P. Mascaro & Sons ongoing commitment to the community and its residents.  Mascaro’s commitment in that regard is broad based and benefits many worthwhile programs, organizations and causes.