Many of these initiatives could be funded by the Friends group, which will look to host some fundraising events at the park. Denise Accardi, director of events for the group, said there are many benefits to joining. In addition to free admission for events, members of the Friends group can have input on future improvements to the park. “We have a lot of people who have great ideas,” she said.

On Saturday, the group hosted a Halloween — or Howl-o-ween — costume contest for dogs, which Accardi said was a success. First-, second- and third-place winners were chosen. She said the dogs were well behaved and the costumes, which included a bumblebee, hula girl, airplane and Winnie the Pooh and Piglet, were very creative.

Mayor Ed Fare said he was glad to see a large turnout of dogs at the park last weekend and hopes that trend continues.

“I really think the new surface has made a big difference,” he said. “You modify and adjust things to suit the needs of the public.”