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November 13, 2002

Where is our ideal dog park?

So, let’s say that the City of Grand Rapids says, “Yes, we are for a dog park!” What spot would you suggest for the dog park? Should there be more than one?

Of course, the ideal dog park should include the following:

Please submit your suggestion on where the dog park(s) should be located, by posting a comment below.

Posted by Gwen at November 13, 2002 08:43 AM

Comments

The dog park already established at Cambridge Park is ideal. Why change a good thing.

Posted by: Tina Pribbernow at November 13, 2002 12:20 PM

Unfortunately, Cambridge Park is not sanctioned as a dog park. And the improvements that are being made there will most likely bring more non-dog events to the park, possibly making it difficult for people to gather with their dogs. The plans for Cambridge do not include a space for the dogs. So we'll have to consider other options for an "official" off-leash area.

Posted by: Lori at November 13, 2002 12:52 PM

First - additions to your list for an ideal dog park - several of the many sites I have visited in the past suggest that a fee be charged for 'admission' to the dog park - typically $5 to $10 for the first family dog (with a reduced fee for the second family dog). The dog gets a sticker/collar to show that they've 'paid' to gain entrance to the park. The positive aspect of this is that it adds to the City coffers so that the park is one day, ideally, self-sustaining.

Second - as far as ideal location for the park - at the intersection of Fuller and Michigan there is the Fuller Park, the Hillcrest Elementary School as well as another 'school' - it appears there are at least 15 acres, divided up between these three entities, it is populated now with dog owners - why not make it official?
I'd be glad to help in any way I can.

Posted by: Gwen Kirsch at November 15, 2002 08:20 PM

Would that fee for use of the park be an everyday fee, a monthly fee, or a year round fee? I think that the Fuller Park would be ideal also for a dog park! And the dog parks I have seen in the news are big hits with dogs and owners alike, and it appears to be working for all involved.

Posted by: at November 18, 2002 10:53 AM

Garfield Park has many amenities, including a large, shaded area along Jefferson that has seen no improvements. If properly fenced, it would make a nice dog run. Already existing at this park are tennis courts, basketball courts, softball diamonds, football practice area, gymnasium, pools, playground equipment, picnic shelters, three parking areas, and a lodge/meeting hall. Why not make part of it a nice place for dogs, too?

Posted by: Michele at November 18, 2002 02:47 PM

I think that no matter where the park is located people are going to go by the hundreds. I live in SW GR and would drive just about anywhere to let my dog run freely and play with other dogs. Cambrige is a great place--make it happen!

Posted by: Amber Berndt at November 19, 2002 12:44 PM

At least one dog park in each of the city's quadrants would be a good place to start. I'd like to see "off lead" hours at some of our county parks, like Seidman Park, but that's another issue (county parks).

The city of Madison and Dane County, WI, have a number of dog parks. They issue an annual "park exercise permit tag," for which they charge $15 for the first dog and $4 for additional dogs. Dogs must have a current license to obtain a tag. I'm not sure how it's enforced ... perhaps they do spot checks of the parks. For GR dog parks, the city could tack on a non-resident fee. Anyway, I think having a permit system is best for all involved. It'll insure that the dogs have been innoculated and provide some funds for park maintenance.

Posted by: Valeria at November 19, 2002 03:12 PM

I really think that Cambridge park is an ideal dog park area. I just moved to the area and Its really helped my agressive dog calm down I think there sould really be more than one area in town though.

Posted by: DyAnna at November 19, 2002 08:52 PM

john ball park zoo!!!!!!

Posted by: tom at November 20, 2002 09:23 AM

John Ball Park would be an excellent place for the dog park. People take their dogs there every day for walks and play.

Posted by: Janet at November 21, 2002 11:03 AM

Riverside park would most likely be the best shot for actually getting a dog section. It is the largest park in the city, and is not surrounded by residential buildings as most of the other parks are. This would mean a smaller number of people to contend with regarding the standard issues of barking and the smell. One other possibility would be Highland Park, this park is situated next to the freeway and some train tracks, so the noise and smell issues might be reduced somewhat.

It will be important to pick a park that is not a major gathering place already. Someplace like John Ball Park might be a nice central location, but it is visited by people throughout the city, thus increasing the likelyhood of serious opposition being generated as the result of proposing a park there.

Posted by: Erik Litts at December 9, 2002 11:13 AM