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July 27, 2004
In memory of Michael Schpiro
The Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiasts would like to extend our gratitude for the donations offered in Michael Schpiro's name. We are deeply sorry for your loss and will make a special memorial for Michael at our new dog park. We will make sure to notify each donor with details. Thank you very much.
Posted by Gwen at 10:27 AM | Comments (2)
July 12, 2004
Saugatuck's new dog park
Article about the new dog park that just opened from the Holland Sentinal...
Dogs' Day at the Park
Canine play time is for human mingling, too
It's a dog-gone good day for Kodi.
At the Tails 'N' Trails Dog Park in Saugatuck Township, the 12-year-old malamute loses his leash and is free to romp and roam. The park opened May 22 with two acres of fenced land for pooches and their people...
Posted by Gwen at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)
Online Donations
You can now help our cause by donating online. All money collected will go to build our first off-leash dog area. Donate now by clicking on the button below, or your can send a check or money order to:
Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiasts
PO Box 68172
Grand Rapids, MI 49516
Posted by Gwen at 09:02 AM | Comments (2)
July 09, 2004
Notes from Hillcrest Neighborhood Meeting
Here's a recap from Tom Zelinski, City of Grand Rapids Parks Department, about our meeting with the neighbors of Hillcrest Park.
On Monday, June 28, 2004 - 7 P.M., I conducted a meeting at Hillcrest School with area residents and members of the committee that developed the Off-Leash Dog Area report. Thirty attendees signed in and participated in the question/answer discussions. On the whole I felt the meeting went very well and the project was generally well received. I have listed below - in no special order - a sample of the various questions and comments that arose. Following the meeting about 15 people visited the actual park location where Parks staff had painted the grass in approximation of the fence line the facility would have. At this time the committee members have not made significant efforts to generate funds - awaiting the results of this meeting and the go ahead from the department to proceed. I indicated that after the holiday I would convene a meeting with the committee to discuss the next steps.
Questions/Issues
Will the facility generate a lot of traffic?
The facility, as proposed, is too small.
Will there be rules for use and corresponding enforcement?
Will the facility cause noise -from the dogs barking?
A concern was expressed about Hillcrest being the first of such a facility and it therefore attracting quite a few people/dogs from outside the area.
What would the hours of operation be?
Who would be responsible for monitoring the uses?
Who would perform the maintenance and clean up?
Is this a "done deal"?
I asked for a show of hands as to how many in attendance were dog owners. It was pretty close to unanimous. There were quite a few positive comments and discussion on how to make the facility a success. I would suggest that as this proceeds we keep the Neighborhood Association in the loop on informational updates.
Posted by Gwen at 12:31 PM | Comments (0)
July 05, 2004
Blog Contributors
Moving forward, you'll be seeing three contributors, me - Gwen O'Brien, Dave Kagan and Rachelle Thatcher. Both Dave and Rachelle have attended the meetings with the Parks and Rec Department this past fall and are actively working on the creation of our first off-leash area. If you have any questions that you'd like to be addressed on the blog, you can contact me at info@grdogpark.com, Dave at dkagan@comcast.net or Rachelle at rachellethatcher@sbcglobal.net.
Posted by Gwen at 09:48 AM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2004
E-mail Newsletter
If you haven't already, sign up for our e-mail newsletter and we'll keep you posted on all our events.
Posted by Gwen at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)
And we're back!
Thanks to everyone for your patience and support. Stay tuned for news on our first off-leash dog area in Grand Rapids.
Posted by Gwen at 07:12 PM | Comments (0)