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May 21, 2003

More Public Pulse

Fellow Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiast, Laurel Pruski, wrote a great letter to the editor of The Grand Rapids Press today. Click here or click on the extended entry below to read her letter.

Great job Laurel!

Dog park signals a progressive city

I am responding to the May 3 article in The Press, "Some feel funding bite, anger at dog park plan."

The Press attempted to incite the community by referencing the budget cuts faced by the Grand Rapids Police and Fire departments. However, these departments are part of the Public Safety Service Group and not part of the Planning and Community Development Service Group, which includes the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Police and Fire departments are unrelated to Parks and Recreation. Although a dog park may seem "silly" or "stupid" to some, a large part of the mission of the Planning and Community Development Service Group is "to enhance the enjoyment of urban living by planning, promoting and assisting in the maintenance and improvement of the city's neighborhoods, parks and open spaces."

The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department is "to provide quality leisure opportunities to the Grand Rapids community."

A dog park provides more than just a "puppy playground." It offers a place for dog owners to gather, exercise, socialize and build stronger communities.

As Grand Rapids continues to grow and become more of a progressive city, certain changes will need to take place.

I commend our city manager, Kurt Kimball, and Parks and Recreation Director Jay Steffen for recognizing that a dog park would be one small step towards helping Grand Rapids become a more progressive community.

LAUREL PRUSKI
Grand Rapids

Posted by Gwen at May 21, 2003 09:17 PM

Comments

Great letter LAUREL! Since my hubby and I have 3 four legged, furry kids (well, one has only 3 legs but we haven't told her yet!) it's refreshing to think that our hard earned tax dollars may eventually lead to a doggie park.
Thanks for letting the public know that we still have to pay taxes for parks and playgrounds for 2 legged kids!
Lori Sarki

Posted by: Lori Sarki at June 12, 2003 11:51 PM