November 27, 2002
Petition Support
Stacy, Jonah’s mom, is organizing a group of dog lovers to gather signatures for our petition this Saturday, November 30th, in front of PetsMart on 28th Street. It’s a great way to volunteer and show your support!
Please contact Stacy via e-mail at ss2@iserv.net.
Posted by Gwen at 06:16 PM
November 19, 2002
Wood Radio Poll
Wood Radio 1300 is currently polling visitors on whether Grand Rapids should have a dog park. Please show your support and log on to vote!
Posted by at 08:34 PM | Comments (2)
The Grand Rapids Dog Park Petition is ready for circulation!
This petition is asking for a place where people and their dogs can play together. Please download the petition here and distribute it among your neighbors, family and friends to get as much support as we can. The more signatures, the better!
Once you've collected your signatures, please mail the completed petition by December 13, 2002, to:
Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiasts
P.O. Box 68172
Grand Rapids, MI 49516-8172
If you prefer not to circulate a petition, check back here soon for a list of locations around Grand Rapids where you'll be able to sign the petition.
Please note: There are two different forms. One for Grand Rapids city residents and one for non-city residents. The City Commissioners are primarily concerned with Grand Rapids city residents, but we encourage anyone that is supportive of this issue to sign our petition. Every signature counts!
Remember, all petitions must be returned to the address above no later than December 13, 2002. Please let us know if you have any questions at info@grdogpark.com.
Thanks for your support and stay tuned!
Posted by Gwen at 12:41 PM
November 17, 2002
Cambridge Park on Fox 17 WXMI tonight!
Carl Apple from Fox 17 WXMI stopped by Cambridge Park today, and will broadcast a report on this evening's news at 10pm.
Posted by Gwen at 05:57 PM | Comments (1)
November 16, 2002
More Media Coverage
WOOD TV 8 has scheduled an interview with Dottie Rhodes, for Sunday, November 17th, to discuss the need for a dog park in Grand Rapids.
Will be broadcast on WOOD TV 8 at 6pm and 11pm tonight!
Posted by Gwen at 11:39 AM | Comments (1)
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to help hand out information and answer questions about the current petition at various locations in the coming weeks.
Please e-mail info@grdogpark.com, and someone will be in contact with you as soon as we get the details.
Thanks for all the wonderful support!
Posted by Gwen at 11:27 AM
November 14, 2002
Get the Latest News!
Get our petition delivered to your inbox (petition scheduled for circulation next week), and keep up-to-date on the latest news on our quest for a dog park.
Send a blank e-mail to info@grdogpark.com, and stay tuned!
Posted by Gwen at 08:27 AM
November 13, 2002
Radio Interview
Gary Allen from WOOD AM 1300 will be interviewing Dottie Rhodes, a local park user and dog owner, about the current petition drive for a dog park in Grand Rapids.
The interview is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, at 8:35 A.M. Listen and call in with your comments, 616.774.2424.
Posted by Gwen at 07:56 PM | Comments (2)
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:
- Concern for the environment
- One acre or more surrounded by a 4’ to 6’ fence
- Entry — double gated
- Shade and water
- Adequate drainage
- Parking close to site
- Grass area with routine mowing
- Covered garbage cans with regular trash removal
- Poop scoop stations
- Benches
- Wheel chair access
- Safe location that is not isolated
- Regular maintenance
Please submit your suggestion on where the dog park(s) should be located, by posting a comment below.
Posted by Gwen at 08:43 AM | Comments (11)
November 12, 2002
Top Neighborhood Weakness - Lack of a Dog Park
On the City of Grand Rapids web site, under planning, I found an interesting point at the top of the “Weakness” list — lack of a dog park.
Posted by Gwen at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2002
Cambridge Park In The News
The Grand Rapids Press interviewed Dottie Rhodes, a local park user and dog owner, about petitioning the city for a dog park.
Posted by Gwen at 11:17 PM | Comments (2)
Fox 17 at Cambridge Park!
Carl Apple from Fox 17 WXMI will be stopping by Cambridge Park on Sunday, November 17 around 3:00 p.m.
He read the article, "Dog parks idea gives pause to city officials" in the November 11 issue of the Press that featured our quest for a dog park in Grand Rapids.
He's interested in doing a dog story with a positive spin and would like to talk with us and get some video of the dogs doing their thing. If you can make it to the park at that time, please come. This is a chance to get the word out to other dog lovers in the area.
Posted by Gwen at 09:43 PM | Comments (2)
Grand Rapids Dog Park Petition
This petition, supported by the undersigned, is directed to the Grand Rapids City Commission, the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, and other interested city officials. Its goal is to support the construction of an enclosed dog park within the Grand Rapids city limits.
Grand Rapids city ordinance mandates that dogs be kept on a leash in public areas for the protection of fellow residents, as well as the dogs themselves. However, many cities across the United States have been operating off-leash dog parks for as long as 25 years with great success. This includes several parks in the eastern part of the state. We would like to add Grand Rapids to these progressive communities.
Just as other taxpayers enjoy public swimming pools, tennis courts, jogging trails, golf courses, and playgrounds, dog owners need a place to exercise and enjoy their pets in an off-leash environment. With so many dog owners in the Grand Rapids area (37% of households in America own dogs) we urge our local leaders and politicians to create an off-leash dog park for the following reasons:
- There is not a facility in our area to accommodate safe, off-leash activity
- Such a facility would resolve any angst between dog owners, non-owners, police and park authorities regarding dog access to the park
- It would increase park utilization and interaction among families in the community
- Socializing dogs is very beneficial to the community, since it makes them less skittish and mitigates aggressive behavior when meeting other dogs and people
- It's an opportunity for people who share an interest to socialize while engaged in their favorite activity
- Many dogs need exercise over and above human limitations; leashes limit the dog's space and pace
- It would promote responsible pet ownership
- It would provide elderly and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions
- It would contribute to physical fitness by providing a place where people can exercise with their dogs
- Dogs contribute immeasurably to their family's quality of life, helping to foster a sense of community for everyone
- Making dog parks a priority creates positive community spirit for everyone
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiasts
Posted by Gwen at 08:04 PM | Comments (63)