Our Beginnings

The Friends of Ellicott was originally started as an informal small volunteer group of Park users/dog walkers, who wanted to see the Park better utilized and improved upon.

In 2013, we formed a “not for profit”, allowing the Friends of Ellicott, Inc to have a status to better interact with Erie County, NY the owner of Ellicott Island Park.

The main goal of the Friends of Ellicott, Inc was to work with Erie County Park officials to provide for an environmentally sensitive off-leash dog park.

With the support of many, an agreement between the Friends of Ellicott and Erie County has been attained, effective Jan 1, 2014, the Ellicott Island Bark Park is an official off-leash dog park.

The By-Laws of the Friends of Ellicott organization can be downloaded at the following link: By-Laws.

A link to our Guidestar Non-Profit page can be found here.

A link to our statement on discrimination can be found here.

Our Current Board Members

Ganesa Glose

President

Hello! First off as the President of Friends of Ellicott Inc. welcome to our page, and more importantly, to our Park and Community!

Some background on myself, I was raised in Western New York and have been visiting Ellicott Island for years, starting with my first dog Kayla. When Kayla and I moved to Tonawanda we discovered Ellicott Island during one of our many ventures, and I instantly fell in love with the beauty of the island! While Kayla never saw the island as an official park, I was able to introduce my aging Weimaraner Rocca and my German Shorthaired puppy Mila to our official Park in 2013 during its inception. It quickly became a place where they could have the freedom to connect with nature and I couldn’t keep them away. We enjoyed it so much that our visits to the Bark Park increased to almost daily and it gave Rocca some of her happiest days in her final years with us. We recently added Nena, a surprisingly calm, yet silly Blue Weimaraner to the mix and she has extended our tradition of almost daily visits to the Park.

Through the people I met at the Bark Park, I slowly began to learn more about Friends of Ellicott Inc. how much they did for the Bark Park and the support they needed. I started out helping with fundraising events and cleanups, which eventually lead to me chairing the fundraising committee and diving in and researching the history of Ellicott Island. Since then i’ve been driven non-stop to help Friends of Ellicott Inc., and Ellicott Island, to maintain its use as a Bark Park and make our absolute gem of an island as amazing as possible for canine and humans alike.

Through all of this, I have had the love & support of my husband, Ron Glose and our three children who have enjoyed helping out at various events. Though i’m not sure if they just want to help, or if they just do it for the pop & snow cones! Also,I’ve gotten to know so many people that regularly attend Ellicott Island Bark Park that have become family to me. They keep me going and believing that we can do more than we ever thought possible for this lovely piece of nature that we all love and care so much for; even if it’s gone to the dogs!

A repatriated ex-pat, I grew up in the Northtowns. Having spent many years living in the Northeast, I realize just how much I enjoy the WNY area. .While I was commuting to and from Buffalo for several years, I discovered the Ellicott Island Bark Park and was immediately smitten! Kenji & I were on the road often back then and each time we returned to the Park it was like coming home. I knew I wanted to get involved to help in any way I could, just to enure the future of this remarkable place. Once we moved back for good, I was able to do just that!

It started with a Fall Clean-up event. As I was raking, and really paying attention to the entire park and its amenities, I saw so many little things that could be done to improve the grounds. Not one to shy away from a little work, I said YES when I was asked to be a lead for the Spring Clean-up. I kept saying YES whenever a hand was needed and I soon lead the Burdock Brigade. At some point, as I was packing gift baskets for fundraisers and harassing patrons for 50/50 tickets, it became clear (to the Board), that I might need a seat at the table. In 2024 they

appointed me as Fundraising Chairperson for Ellicott Island Bark Park. Not long after, Friends of Ellicott, Inc. held elections, and I was voted in as your new Vice President. Welcome to our beautiful Park, and if you see us, say “HI”!!! We’d love to meet you!Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Andrea Leonard Vice-President

Hello, Ellicott Island Bark Park is a magical place. I began coming here in 2022 with my Dog Louis who has adopted the park as his own 🙂. We have visitors to the park from all points near and far including outside of Western New York. The visitors are impressed as am I as to its unique character and sense of serenity.

Shortly after my first visit, I learned about the non-profit organization Friends Of Ellicott who supports the island as a dog park and have taken on a stewardship to preserve and maintain this awesome resource. I knew I wanted to get involved with helping the park thrive in any way that I could.

I began by joining the Tote Committee and quickly thereafter found myself supporting Fundraising, Grounds-caring and any other areas where help was needed.

In 2023, I retired from a 40 year career in the Financial Services industry where I served in numerous different roles managing global /operations projects, line management of Banking Operations, Operations Finance and complex Accounting/Reconciliation Departments. So when the 2024 Board election time approached I was happy and excited to run for the Treasurer position. I feel my management skills as well as my tactical hands on experience in Finance will add value to supporting the organization's financial viability.

I look forward to supporting our members and visitors in my role as Treasurer to ensure the Bark Park remains a viable resource for Dog Lovers and enthusiasts everywhere. We truly are an association of kindred spirits and I feel honored and privileged to be a member of this community.

Marty Glaeser Treasurer

I am excited to bring my skills and passion to the role of Secretary for Friends of Ellicott, Inc. As one of the park’s biggest fans, I deeply appreciate the beauty and positive, uplifting atmosphere it provides. Walking in this park has had a profound impact on both my well-being and that of my dog, Buzby. There’s truly no better place to enjoy nature and spend quality time with our furry friends, relishing in the freedom we all deserve. The sight of so many happy dog smiles make me light hearted. I believe every dog deserves an active and joyful life.

Professionally, I have a background in business and healthcare administration and am a lifelong resident of Western New York. My husband, Gary, and I have been longtime park volunteers. I began volunteering with park cleanups in 2018 and have been a core volunteer since 2022. In addition to my responsibilities as secretary, I will focus on membership and assist in improving our website.

I’m dedicated to making this community space even better, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming environment for our four-legged friends. I’m excited to contribute to the continued success of the bark park and help keep it a cherished haven for dogs and their owners.

Lisa Zakes Secretary

Shannon is one of our newest core volunteers who will enthusiastically share her fundraising experience and unique talent for the benefit of the dog park and the community it serves. She makes meaningful personal connections with park supporters, truly sharing in their strong appreciation for having this vibrant bark park available in the area. As an accomplished insurance professional, Shannon brings her valuable business acumen to enhance the park's public events. We are genuinely thrilled that she has chosen to join our board, and we look forward to her contributions.