« February 2003 | Main | April 2003 »
March 25, 2003
Meeting -- April 10
We'd like to get together and discuss the results of the March 24 meeting with the Grand Rapids City Manager. So please join us at the Hair of the Frog Brewery (3113 Plaza Dr NE off of Plainfield) at 7:00 p.m. to talk about next steps and ideas. Everyone's input is important. We hope to see you there!
Posted by at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)
City Manager Meeting
Dottie Rhodes and Laurel Pruski went down to City Hall to talk to the City officials assigned with the task of getting GR a dog park. All-in-all a great meeting!
Click on the link below to read our notes.
List of the attendees: Kurt Kimball, Jay Steffan, Tom Zelinski, Victor Vasquez, Dottie Rhodes, and Laurel Pruski
Jay informed us that the County is considering a dog park just North of Riverside Park at Lamereaux Park. There are 20 acres available and the park is located on the South side of the river.
Even though the County is planning for a dog park, the City officials were very open to the idea of a City sanctioned dog park, too. Jay also shared with us a budget estimate that the City Commission generated for the costs of a 1 acre dog park. The estimate to create the park is approximately $25,000; however, it does not include the costs for ongoing maintenance. The $25,000 included everything from 6' fencing, double gated entrances, water fountain to a pavilion for shade. It will be determined within the next 30 days as to whether the dog park budget will be included in the city's budget for fiscal year 2004, which actually begins July 1, 2003. The city's total budget is over $300 million and the officials reinforced that the budget of $25,000 is really not large in the scheme of things. (We learned that the poop scoop bags cost the city $6,000/yr and they were cut from the budget for the next fiscal year.)
The city would like to pursue with the establishment of one dog park instead of multiple parks within the city. We shared the benefits of a couple smaller parks versus one large park, but it seems the city wants to start with one park and see how things go.
The City Commission had not made progress on determining proposed sites. We shared our list of five proposed parks and Kurt suggested either Fuller or Wilcox parks since they are most centrally located. Plus, if the County will have a park just North of Riverside, then it wouldn't be ideal to have the City dog park at Riverside: so close to each other.
Tom mentioned that the City should plan to talk with neighbors of the proposed dog park areas.
Victor mentioned that we should consider obtaining non-profit status. Laurel has already done research into non-profits and we should plan to discuss this at our next meeting.
We will be checking back with Mr. Kimball at the end of April to see if the city has actually put the $25,000 in the budget and proceed from there.
Overall the meeting went very well and it was stressed that our group wants to partner with the city and work as a team to get this project under way.
A few miscellaneous comments that pertain to the agenda:
~ An additional consideration for an ideal facility would be an emergency "blue" phone, suggested by Jay Steffan.
~ We discussed park enforcement and the city does not have money for this, so we would have to be a self-policed park.
Posted by Gwen at 10:48 AM | Comments (1)
Dog Park Rules
We would like to make some suggestions for dog park rules to the City of Grand Rapids. Here's a list of some of our ideas, please add your comments or rules by adding a comment below.
1. Dogs must be licensed by Kent County. (This insures that rabies vaccinations are up to date)
2. No dogs allowed that are in heat.
3. All owners at the park must be aware of what their dog is doing at all times and if any problems arise, address it immediately.
4. No dog treats. (This causes problems with many dogs, not just Hobbes!)
5. All waste must be picked up by owner and disposed in provided receptacles.
6. Do not keep your dog on a leash once in the park. Dogs that are on a leash feel vulnerable and will lash out at other dogs, even if it is a friendly dog.
Posted by Gwen at 08:50 AM | Comments (1)
March 24, 2003
Dog Photo of the Week
Bill and Mary Mast took this one of Shorty with her owner.
Please e-mail your fun dog park photos to Gwen at gwen@grdogpark.com.
Posted by Gwen at 09:48 PM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2003
Dog Photo of the Week
Bill and Mary Mast took this shot, entitled "Three moms and their canine daughters (Abby, Juliette, and Sienna)." Good job!
Please e-mail your fun dog park photos to Gwen at gwen@grdogpark.com.
Posted by Gwen at 02:47 PM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2003
Furnishing a Dog Park
If someone gave you an empty lot and told you to create a dog park, what items would you want to have there? We're compiling a list of dog park "essentials" and would like to hear your ideas as well. Here are some items that we think our canine friends (and their owners) would really appreciate. Can you think of any other items we can include? Submit your comment below...thanks!
Fencing and gates
Garbage cans
Scoop bags or plastic bags
Some sort of shelter (if there are no trees)
Water access or doggie drinking fountains
Benches or picnic tables
Posted by at 08:34 AM | Comments (1)
March 11, 2003
Dog Photo of the Week
Dave Poortvliet snapped this shot from a Dog Run Park in San Jose, CA. He brought his greyhound “Cat” there everyday to play with the other dogs. Cat loved showing off how fast she was.
Please e-mail your fun dog park photos to Gwen at gwen@grdogpark.com.
Posted by Gwen at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)
March 03, 2003
Dog Photo of the Week
This photo was taken by Lori, Juliette's mom. That's Winston and Brickman at Cambridge Park.
Please e-mail your fun dog park photos to Gwen at gwen@grdogpark.com.
Posted by Gwen at 01:11 PM | Comments (0)