Rich Low has some very active dogs — so active that he struggles to get them enough exercise.

The Niles resident began taking them to a dog park in Goshen, Ind. where they could run free without a collar. And now he wants to bring the concept to Niles.

“Everybody I know has dogs,” he said. “But you can’t take your dog and let them run free the way they’re meant to. You can’t let your dog go and let him be himself.”

Low is working on an agreement with the city to lease him a seven-acre parcel of land near Walker Street off of North Fifth Street in Niles.

The park, which Low has dubbed the “Field of Dreams Dog Park,” will be completely fenced. Low estimates he will need $500,000 for the fencing alone.

He is starting small, trying to raise $1,000 to get 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which will encourage more businesses and individuals to make bigger donations. A spaghetti dinner and silent auction benefitting the dog park will take place Saturday, April 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Eagles Club.

The preliminary site plan for the park includes three acres for a large dog play area, a half-acre for small dogs, an obstacle course and a training pond shaped like a dog biscuit. Park benches, water fountains for humans and dogs and a wash-down area will also be included.

Low envisions a place where hundreds of dog owners from all over Michiana can let their canines run free, get exercise and play with other dogs.

“The interaction with other dogs is vital to a dog,” Low said.

Donations have been low so far, Low said. But he said he may receive some larger donations from area businesses once he gets nonprofit status.

For more information about the dog park and on how to donate, visit www.fieldofdreamsdogpark.com or contact Low at (269) 684-8318.