| Author | Message | ||
     jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 107 Registered: 6-2005 |
What ever happened to walking your dog in the neighborhood, and meeting your neighbors? Now we need a park dedicated to this? | ||
| Nonymous Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 8634 Registered: 1-2003  |
It's not a substitute, it's an enhancement. It's the only chance most of them get to run, if we don't have fenced in yards, and most of our yards are small anyway, and running alone isn't as fun as running with dog friends. I have a greyhound, who is very tall, so he needs room to open up, and to adopt him, I had to promise never to let him off leash unless he was fenced in. If you see a dog park, you'll understand the value. There's a really big one in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside (or Westfield, I'm not sure). | ||
| Husky Citizen Username: Husky Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2004 |
I also think a dog park is a great idea. We went to one when we lived in Boston and it was a great way to meet and socialize with other people in the community (not to mention the benefit to the dogs). I also like the idea of it being implemented on the county level. | ||
| The Oracle of MOL Supporter Username: Oracle_of_mol Post Number: 36 Registered: 2-2005  |
Greetings from Boca. I thought you all might be interested in knowing how this great little town deals with the idea of a fenced-in dog park. (The details are all available at http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/parks/dogpark/dogpark.htm ) Not being a pet-owner myself, I had nothing to do with the creation of Boca's Dog Park, but I must admit to thinking of SOMA when I first passed the place:  Here's a run-down, including the Rules&Regs: "Dogs are allowed to run off-leash Benches are located throughout the park. We DON'T have restrooms in the park. We DO have Water Fountains & Wash Stations. Handicap Access: Yes Trash Cans: Available on site. Doggie Bags for Waste: Available at six stations throughout the park. Owners are expected to pick up after their dog. HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon - Tues: 9:00 a.m. - Dusk Wednesday: Noon - Dusk Thur-Sun: 9:00 a.m. - Dusk The 2-acre property is fenced: One acre is for large dogs, One acre is for small dogs. GUIDELINES FOR USE: Be polite. Scoop up the poop! Bag stations and trashcans are available throughout the dog park. Remain in the dog park and in full view of your dog at all times. Leash your dog prior to entering and upon leaving the dog park. Aggressive behavior must be addressed immediately. Either move your dog to another part of the park or leave the park. For safety reasons, children must be at least 4 feet tall and supervised by an adult to use the dog park. Children must behave in a responsible manner: no running, chasing dogs, or petting dogs without the owner’s permission. No more than two dogs per person on any one visit. Dog toys, leashes, etc. left in the park will be disposed of at the end of the day. The City accepts no responsibility or liability for such items. Female dogs in heat or sick dogs cannot be brought to the park. Dogs should be under voice control (i.e., come when called). Dogs must be vaccinated and display current licenses on their collars. Puppies under four (4) months of age are prohibited. Spayed/neutered animals are recommended. No food, treats, alcoholic beverages (soft drinks and water are allowed), strollers, bicycles, or children’s toys are allowed in the dog park. This is a recreation park for dogs accompanied by their owners. Choke, prong, pinch, and spike collars must be removed inside park area. Professional dog trainers are not permitted to use this facility for training. Persons in violation of these rules may be required to leave the dog park. Use of this facility shall be for a dog park; any other use is prohibited. All incidents and injuries must be reported to the Recreation Services Department This dog park is an unsupervised recreational area of the City of Boca Raton’s Recreation Services Department. The use of the dog park is at your own risk. Dog owners are responsible for, and liable with respect to, the actions of their dogs and any damage or injury to person or property caused by same." Well, that should give you mortals something to chew on. Play nice, and go in peace. -The Oracle of MOL BTW: I posted all this a while back in another part of the board, when your neighbors in Maplewood were all hot & heavy on the subject, but as I predicted, nothing has been done about it over there yet. Surprise me. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 1901 Registered: 1-2004  |
joso- Actually there are many people there. You just can't see them as they are all buried. That park use to be a cemetery. I think a dog park is a great idea, even if we don't own a dog.  | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 1902 Registered: 1-2004 |
Dust That 'homeless lady with the dog and cart' was actually a millionaire with a mansion is West Orange. One of my neighbors told us she died a year or so ago. | ||
| SouthOrangeNanny Citizen Username: Sonanny Post Number: 77 Registered: 3-2005  |
what about that little strech of land accross from grove park..behind the police station...is that enough room for dogs? i don't know about this stuff i don't have a dog.. but i'm all for a park for our 4 legged friends... | ||
| Ace789nj Citizen Username: Ace789nj Post Number: 74 Registered: 2-2005 |
I just never knew it was so important for dogs to meet other dogs  Maybe it's cause I don't have one. Tennis, pools etc. are used by people, not animals but then again we could always petition the town to turn the smaller of the three pools into a dog pool. BTW, that old lady used to clean my house once a week when I was about 7 yrs old living in Orange. After moving to SO I noticed she was homeless, I HATED her dog!!! The thing bit my brother, he had to get shots for months and the town didn't do •••• about it, we tried getting the dog taken away (it had many bite incidents in town) but she defended it with a GOLF club!! I heard someone waited in the bushes and shot at it with a bb gun  She's been dead for about 5 or 6 years now, her legs gave out and she dropped in front of the old castle theatre in Irvington (where she migrated to after SO) she was taken to the hospital where she died shortly after from gangrene complications The stories about her being wealthy were false | ||
| Nonymous Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 8652 Registered: 1-2003 |
Being very social animals, it's a big deal for them to meet other dogs. Don't worry. This is not the start of a new trend of dog pools, dog town halls, dog volunteer rescue squads, etc. | ||
| AlleyGater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 734 Registered: 10-2004 |
Also the dog park is just as much for people as it is the dogs. I get LOADS of pleasure going there. I also don't understand why you would need to get tons of rounds of shots (usually one is enough) from a dog bite unless the dog was rabid. If the dog had rabies, the dog would probably be put down. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 1916 Registered: 1-2004 |
Ace- We must not be talking about the same lady then. Mary indeed owned a mansion in the Lewellen (sp) Park area of West Orange. My neighbor more then once brought her home. Mary went off the deep end after her husband died and decided to roam the streets. It frustrated the police because they would bring her home, and within a week she'd be roaming the streets again. I asked why they just couldn't commit her and was told it was her choice to live on the street so there was nothing they could do. | ||
| Debra Davidson Citizen Username: Peanutslady Post Number: 24 Registered: 5-2005  |
Just the Aunt, Please are you talking about the lady with the shopping cart and the dog named poochie that walked around South Orange? She was a millionaire with a mansion in West Orange? I do not understand why she walked around like she was a homeless person. Did she have mental illness or something? The hole thing about this lady dose not make any sense to me. She was a very sweet person. I'm so very sad to hear she died. Please what happened to her dog? It was her best friend. | ||
| Ace789nj Citizen Username: Ace789nj Post Number: 75 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hmmm, JTA ask your neighbor for more info, did she actually take her home and know for sure it was hers? did she ever enter? How does she know the lady didn't just get dropped off at someone else's house? perhaps a home she cleaned. I"m interested because none of the rich & famous stories were ever proven (as far as I know). The town told us she had no family. BTW, I don't know anything about the shots other than he had to go once a month for a while. | ||
| SouthOrangeNanny Citizen Username: Sonanny Post Number: 83 Registered: 3-2005 |
jta..is it the lady w/ the small white dog and baggy stockings?..if so i totally remember her | ||
| Dust Buster Citizen Username: Coyote Post Number: 34 Registered: 4-2005 |
One day I found a small homeless dog in the entry way to the bagel shop. People were hitting the dog with the door as they entered. I got the dog and wanted to get some food for it from Shop Rite so I asked Mary if she would watch the dog. She was very friendly and watched the dog. After the dog was thru eating I gave Mary the rest of the dog food. It was on a Sunday and Dr Levine was kind enough to open up his office and take the dog in. He said that it had bed sores from being kept in a box or closet. The Jersey Animal Coalition found it a home within a couple of weeks. | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 228 Registered: 5-2005  |
I don't mind if the park is in the reservation that's close enough. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 1927 Registered: 1-2004 |
Debra- The lady I'm talking about was named Mary. She had a 'shopping cart,' but it wasn't like the pushcart type carts in the supermarkets. Hers was one of those tall ones. I don't know what happened to her dog. She use to hang around West Orange as well, by the CVS. From what I was told, she snapped after her husband died. If I recall correctly, she did not have a true mental illness, or her daughter could have had her committed. However, she did have a drinking problem. Nobody could figure out why she'd rather walk aimlessly around in all kind of weather when she had a home. But as long as she wasn't bothering anyone, most times the police left her alone. I agree she was a nice person. More then once I'd buy her a cup of coffee from the old Valley Sweet Shop as well as a roll and something for her dog. Ace- Yes our family friend/ neighbor knew for sure Mary live in / owned a mansion because the neighbor's adult daughter had taken Mary home on more then one occassion. Mary's adult daughter lived in the house as well. Maybe the South Orange police weren't aware of where Mary lived, but the West Orange Police sure were. My mom just told me Mary died about 5 or 6 years ago, so I was off a few years. When my sister gets home I'll ask her for the email address of my neighbor's son, as she herself passed away about a year ago. I'll also try to reach my neighbor's adult daughter as she was the one who knew the most about Mary. My mom still remembers the first time I said something about how badly I felt for this woman with the dog and was annoyed nobody seemed to do anything to help her. When I told my mom, in front of my neighbor's I'd been buying her something to eat at the store around the corner whenever I saw her, my neighbors told me not to feel sorry for her because she was a millionaire and she and a mansion. I asked how they knew for sure and was told they'd been inside it. I've know both of the people who told me this more then 40 years, and they have never lied to me. One of them was old enough to me my grandmother! I wondering if there might have been two women with dogs hanging around town. | ||
| Debra Davidson Citizen Username: Peanutslady Post Number: 25 Registered: 5-2005 |
Just The Aunt, You maybe right. There might have been two homeless ladies with a dog. Or when the lady came to South Orange she used a supermarket shopping cart. I remember her pushing the cart around with her belongings in it with the little white dog on top. I asked her dogs name and was told his name was Poochie. The lady was always so friendly. I also remember hearing that someone called the cops and said her dog was vicious (which was not true)? They took her dog and she was incredibly upset by it. She fought and got her dog back. I do not understand why someone would be that curl to her. She was a very nice lady and never bothered anyone. I feel so sorry for her family if it is the same woman. She must have loved her husband more then life it self if she snapped like that. It's so sad. She was a nice person and I miss her and her little white dog Poochie. | ||
| Dignan Fu Citizen Username: Diggyfu Post Number: 15 Registered: 3-2005  |
Dog Park cost money? The one in echo lake is self maintained. shoot. id offer to spend a half hour every week to maintain. You need a fence and some garbage cans. IM for it. sign me up. | ||
| Jennifer Grogan Citizen Username: Girlnovelist Post Number: 19 Registered: 3-2004 |
I have to say that I would absolutely love to have a dog park nearby. Of course, a dog park is not a necessity. I have a velcro golden who wouldn't leave my side for a years worth of ultra-premium kibble, so I have the opportunity to walk him off-leash up at the reservation. Beyond that, I love walking him up my cul-de-sac and letting him play with the kids. But, there is absolutely nothing better than watching dogs play and be social in a safe space like a dog park. More importantly, though, a dog park would be a huge enhancement to the community. First, well socialized dogs are safe dogs and a park could contribute to that. Further, I have to say that I consider South Orange to be very dog unfriendly and, while it is certainly not the primary issue people use to gauge a town, I think it is something they consider when deciding where to buy a home. When we decide it's time to move into our next home it will definitly be something I think about. I have to wonder if this is really the place for me when I can't even take my well-behaved, always cleaned-up after dog to the park. Again, I don't mean to make a mountain out of a molehill, but every person that chooses not to live in South Orange is a potentially great neighbor that we lose to Millburn or the like. Just a thought, since I was surprised that people would be actively against a dog park. Take care, Jen | ||
| AlleyGater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 864 Registered: 10-2004 |
There are LOTS of people against a dog park. It amazed me too. If you do a search on MOL for "dog park" you can see how the debate went on and on and on (ad nauseum) when the Maplewood people tried to do so. One person was bit by one as a child and is emotionally scarred for life and of course now has made it their crusade to squash a dog park. Another person thinks that the dogs will bark and it will be a public nuiscance. Another person lives close to the proposed location and thinks that the site will waft dog poop smells toward their home. Having said all this, what would it take for you SO residents to get a proposal for a dog park in front of the Town Council's eyes? What I can tell you from the Maplewood Dog Park movement is that there are TONS of people who want to volunteer. There are local businessmen who offered to donate supplies (such as discounted fencing and the like). And there have been lots of people who are have offered to donate cold hard cash to the project in Maplewood. So I suspect the actual construction and upkeep would be very easy to manage. | ||
| SouthOrangeNanny Citizen Username: Sonanny Post Number: 106 Registered: 3-2005 |
DOG PARK! | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 9023 Registered: 1-2003 |
In all fairness, the Maplewood proposal is "asleep" not because of opposition but because we have dropped the ball. Art G estimated we'd need about $1200 for fencing and benches, etc. We figured we could raise it from private donations so the town budget wouldn't be affected. We instantly got a handful of people, each willing to toss in $100. AlleyGater, have you heard from the folks in Millburn who proposed something in the Reservation? And am I supposed to capitalize Reservation, since that's a shortened name? | ||
| Jennifer Grogan Citizen Username: Girlnovelist Post Number: 22 Registered: 3-2004 |
I'm a relatively new dog owner, so I must admit that I've not involved myself in the project. I believe the original proposal was being debated when I first got my puppy and those two months are a blur!  However, I would certainly donate and volunteer to help with upkeep etc. Edited to say that I just read over the original debate about the dog park. WOW, very surprising. I think there is a big misconception about what such facilities are like. Perhaps the nay-sayers might take a drive over to the Livingston Dog Park. The facility there is by no means perfect, but there are certainly no wafting scents and barking packs of wild dogs. | ||
| AlleyGater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 867 Registered: 10-2004 |
No I haven't. I called the Deputy Mayor Bates in Milburn and his son said that he was away until some time in September because he was serving military duty. I suppose someone could call Milburn City Hall and ask them if they know who else is on the dog park commitee. | ||
| Mary Gotz-Rother Citizen Username: Mary_rother Post Number: 50 Registered: 12-2003 |
As Chair of the "Dog Park Committee" of the Essex County Open Space and Recreation Committee, I can assure you that you will be hearing about a dog park soon close to Maplewood, South Orange and Milburn. I will not say any more until the County Ex makes the announcement. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 2109 Registered: 1-2004 |
I just read in the Millburn Item there are plans for a dog park in the South Mountain Reservation. Mary, do you happen to know how true this is? | ||
| SouthOrangeNanny Citizen Username: Sonanny Post Number: 107 Registered: 3-2005 |
oh no the res??? great everyone can have ticks! great idea | ||
| mary brenner Citizen Username: Marybrenner Post Number: 41 Registered: 7-2005 |
This is my observation....I have been to the dog park in livingston it is very nice. The people who bring their dogs cleanup after them and the park is in wonderful condition. this is what i have observed in our parks where dogs are not allowd 1) people use the park they leave garbage all over 2) Baseball players use the park the fans leave garbage all over I think the park should be for dogs only | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 9047 Registered: 1-2003 |
The reservation sounds good to me. I'm not afraid of ticks. If we all were, no one would go there, and that would be a shame. | ||
| AlleyGater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 876 Registered: 10-2004 |
The reservation sound AWESOME to me. There are plenty of areas that aren't covered in trees. I too am not scared of ticks. If my time is going to come it's going to come. But I am MUCH more scared of cars than any tick. Mary B, I understand where you're coming from, but I am terrified that you are going to instigate the Anti-Dog Park Trolls which I PROMISE YOU are lurking. | ||
| Jennifer Grogan Citizen Username: Girlnovelist Post Number: 23 Registered: 3-2004 |
The reservation is a spectacular space and large enough that an area set aside as a dog park is unlikely to cramp anyones style. As to ticks, I hear ya. I've been lucky, I spend a couple hours a day there, nearly every day. I've got the dog on anti-tick meds and I spray myself religiously. I was bitten by a tick once and that was in my own front yard, so go figure~ They are everywhere around this area ... And thank you for the information, Mary. Please keep us posted when you can. Jen | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2233 Registered: 11-2001  |
Cool. It sounds like the res to me. | ||
| MARK CLAYTON Citizen Username: Bob_barker Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2005 |
to all you people who want the res for a dog park good for you!! And when you and your dog get lymes like I have, and your vet and doctors bill come rolling in the little park looks much better. | ||
| Debra Davidson Citizen Username: Peanutslady Post Number: 30 Registered: 5-2005 |
I strongly think that the dog park must be in South Orange. There are many people with dogs that do not drive. South Orange needs a dog park that people can walk to. They do not allow dogs on buses or in cabs unless the dog is a service dog for the handicapped. | ||
| AlleyGater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 901 Registered: 10-2004 |
I support more dog parks rather than less dog parks. I think a SO specific dog park sounds awesome. As I asked before, what does it take to get a proposal in front of Town Council? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 148 Registered: 6-2005 |
How about a dog park paid for by dog owners, rather than another capital improvement project on the backs of the tax payers? If that were the case, would a dog park then seem so appealing? The town can't even properly maintain what it has now. If there is a dog park in an adjoining town, can't those of you with dogs go over there for some dog socializing? | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2254 Registered: 11-2001 |
Please, don't mis-understand me. I love dogs, too. If one were available in town my pooch would be there. Alley, could you step forward at a council meeting with such a recommendation? | ||
| cmontyburns Citizen Username: Cmontyburns Post Number: 1178 Registered: 12-2003  |
Jayjay: I'd bet there are more dog owners in town than tennis players. Not everything has to be an us-vs.-them kind of thing. This is not about adding $1,000 to your property taxes. Settle down. Dog parks aren't expensive. | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 149 Registered: 6-2005 |
cmontyburns: I have no problem if you want to charge tennis users a use fee as well. |
