I have often aqnd loudly criticized many decisions and actions by the PD, so I wanted to be sure to compliment them when I thought they did something right. And IMO they definitely are doing things right at the Spring Avenue dog park.

I used to use it 10-15 years ago, when it was little more than an unkempt field, and the dogs were often poorly controlled. When they went to a paid permit system, I initially rebelled at paying extra to use what my tax dollars already supported.

While I would still prefer not to pay the fee, I must state that the dog park is maintained beautifully. And the recent addition of agility equipment was a nice surprise.

I think the permit requirement my keep some of the more irresponsible pet owners away, and may foster more of a sense of "ownership" among the users.

Thanks to all involved.

Have they completed the fencing yet? Last time we were there -- only time, actually -- there was nothing to prevent dogs from running out to the parking lot and beyond. Very unsafe.

quote:

Originally posted by Ted E.:
Have they completed the fencing yet? Last time we were there -- only time, actually -- there was nothing to prevent dogs from running out to the parking lot and beyond. Very unsafe.

The only access is to the left side of the building as you face it. The right side is completely fenced off.

The entrance at the parking lot is not gated or otherwise blocked. The entrance is simply a gap in a chickenwire-covered split rail fence. However, I do not see it as a huge (or even significant) problem, as users are specifically instructed to keep their dogs on leash until they get to the dog walk area (although exactly where that starts/stops is not clearly delineated.) So most people keep their dogs on leash until they get to the back of the building.

And most people have their dogs under sufficient control that they do not tear off around the side of the building towards the parking lot. If you were concerned about your, you could prevent it from having any chance of going to the parking lot simply by standing at that back corner of the building while your dog plays.

Yeah, I suppose it could be made more secure, but I kinda like the fact that as it is currently set up it requires that users exercise some care and show some responsibility.

Admittedly, the time we went our guy was a wwacky puppy... maybe five-six months or so. Not yet obedience trained, but hardwired to run like the wind for anything on the horizon.