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Towards a dog park in Chimborazo
10/01/2007 7:45 AM by John M
An effort to bring a dog park to Chimborazo Park, including a petition at Captain Buzzy’s, has sprung out of the comments on the early-September post Animal Control in Chimbo Park?. Contact the organizers at chimbodogs@hotmail.com for more information.
I have heard lots of concerns about a dog park in the neighborhood. And people that know me can vouch for teh fact that I am usually the biggest skeptic in a room. (I have even been called the most sarcastic man in America on more than one occasion). However, I do feel that this is one of those scenarios where we need to do something, to try something just to know that we made the effort. If we do not, we might loose a lot of outdoor dog privileges all together.
I know several of teh organizers and have talked with them. They are dedicated to makeing a dog park that works. ANd are researching successful dog parks in other cities. Some of which actually are public/private partnerships that allow the dog park to have a membership committee that polices the park to prevent from becoming a chaotic place, marred by inconsiderate and inattentive owners as well as out of control dogs. Other cities have found options to prevent their parks from becoming canine “thunderdomes” and I think that it is quite possible we can achieve the same here. So, if you are a dog owner who would like to have a place for your pet to run, I encourage you to at least look at the petition and talk to the organizers.
To sum it up quickly: we don’t want another Barker’s Field where people are afraid to bring their dogs into the park due to negligent owners and so forth. The way we go depends on how much money we raise and/or are given by the city so please keep this in mind when you see our fundraisers throughout the next several months, : ).
We also understand we’ll have to have a separate place for tiny dogs to play as they tend to get ran over by the Great Danes and other large breeds that live in the neighborhood.
Or to keep the little dogs from feeling like they have to try to alpha all the bigger dogs…
Channel 8 is doing a piece on the efforts for a dog park and it airs at 4:30pm (now) and 6pm tonight. You’ll get to see what I look like, : ).
And here is that story w/out the video: Plans For New Dog Park In The City. The video *is* currently on their front page, but in a way that I can’t seem to link to. Good job, y’all!
I live on Chimborazo Blvd. and I think it would be a great idea. I would be willing to volunteer in any way possible. I have 3 little dogs, and definately think the little dogs need a space. Hopefully they will incorparate the trees and maybe an obstacle course. A little wading pool would be great to.
The Mrs. and I signed the petition at Buzzy’s the other day. Here’s a reminder for those that have not done so to do so.
Cheryl, email us at chimbodogs@hotmail.com so we can have your email address on hand and tell you about the meeting we’re having Monday, October 8th at 7pm in my house.
A wading pool will be out of the question simply because they get mucked up fast and essentially will be a waste of water. Also, we have to think of drainage, lighting, water, and so much more. We will need lots of help and even more resources!
Since we’re in a city/state/federal historic area, things can’t “just happen” if you know what I mean. And it all depends on how much money we can get/raise in a very short amount of time.
“The Man” stopped me in the park yesterday and gave me a verbal warning. Once I was sure that he was not going to issue me a ticket, I quizzed him about the dog crack down. He merely said “things had gotten out of control” but could not cite any incident. He also warned that Parks and Rec was planning on reverting to the old policy forbidding dogs (Leashed as well as unleashed) in the park.
He did flippantly add that it should be no problem to get a dog park somewhere.
Anyway, you have my offer of manual labor. If I had other skills to add, I would.
I think this is a great idea. We need it. With the dogs not being allowed in the park…without a ticket…..we need something. We live in the city!!
I will do everything possible to help! Just let me know. =)