tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305017844481845189.post4094883803207845747..comments2023-08-18T11:14:00.577-04:00Comments on Forum News: New Push for Dog Run in Juniper Valley ParkThe Forum Newsgrouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04512528340659321463noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305017844481845189.post-80922156147133155582009-03-27T15:47:00.000-04:002009-03-27T15:47:00.000-04:00I frequent Juniper Park and see dogs of all types ...I frequent Juniper Park and see dogs of all types throughout the day. I think its a great idea for a dog park. I think it would be great to see the dogs all running and playing together in an area that is safe for everyone in the park. <BR/>I see that Mr. Giordano said that the current area is too close to the ball fields and potential 'children' playing there. Well if memory serves me, the ballfields on one side are completely fenced in and on the side its a good distance away. Furthermore, Mr. Holden is suggesting putting the dog park BETWEEN a hockey rink and a running track/soccer field/football field and in close proximity of the batting cages and those 3 fenced in baseball fields. Do you want it away from children or right in the center of hundreds of them. <BR/>Most people who walk in, around and through the park do so on the out skirts. Few people cut across at the current location. But even with a dog park (fenced in) at that location, there are still paths running along both sides of the dog park where people could safely cut across. Maybe they will even stop for a few moments and watch the 'DOG SHOW'.<BR/>Its time....put in the dog park and watch if flourish!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305017844481845189.post-82565604695776643752009-03-26T18:31:00.000-04:002009-03-26T18:31:00.000-04:00The location the dog owners would like for a dog p...The location the dog owners would like for a dog park (not run) is actually the best location for some of the following reasons:<BR/><BR/>• It is centrally located making it accessible by dog owners north/south, east/west of the park.<BR/>• It is the furthest spot from surrounding homes thereby reducing any noise.<BR/>• An enclosed dog park would allow seniors to let their dogs socialize off-leash without fear. <BR/>• An enclosed dog park would spread out dog owners throughout the hours the park is opened instead of squeezing them into the hours before 9 a.m. when they are allowed off leash. Again this reduces noise and brings people in the center of the park which is good for all.<BR/>• The area decided is backed up against the baseball outfields on both the east and west sides. The open fields means there is space around the dog park. Locating it by bleachers, the track, hockey rink, etc. likely means the dogs would be subject to intense noise from nearby activities that would encourage barking and excite dogs, especially when the stands are full of screaming fans.<BR/>• The trees provide necessary shade in warmer weather. Dogs do not sweat and need shade.<BR/>• There is a drain nearby for any run-off.<BR/>• There are nearby waterlines in the event money is found to install a dual people/dog water fountain.<BR/>• The area is surrounded by paved walkways, allowing easy access by dog owners, families wishing to watch the dogs from outside, and Parks Department maintenance trucks.<BR/>• The trees can be easily protected with readily available (inexpensive) tree rings topped with wood chips.<BR/>• The Parks Department has a big supply of woodchips. This is important since the Longhorn Beetle threat requires that wood chips be used within certain zones to reduce the possibility of spreading this plague.<BR/>• There is lighting nearby so users are safe and police can monitor the facility as they do other areas of the park.<BR/>• The paved path through the desired area is a perfect demising line to create two areas: one for large dogs and another for smaller dogs. The paved path bisecting the space can hold the benches the dog owners have agreed to supply. <BR/><BR/>Mr. Holden raises some interesting points that should be addressed. He is well meaning in his desire to protect the trees. The barren areas caused by extensive use have not caused “irreparable harm” as Mr. Holden alleges. Interestingly, I was recently at a restaurant near Tompkins Square in Manhattan. After dinner my wife, kids, and I walked through the square and noticed their dog park. It is magnificent. There are huge trees in the dog park and they seem to be doing just fine. <BR/><BR/>As shown, his concerns can be addressed at reasonable cost. His other comment about the dust being kicked up and it being hazardous is simply wrong. <BR/><BR/>Dog parks have become highly desired facilities in parks throughout North America. In some towns, they are intentionally placed directly near children’s playgrounds because the presence of adult with their dogs is an added measure of safety. A higher the concentration of responsible people lowers instances of graffiti, senseless damage, or inappropriate behavior. <BR/><BR/>The dog owners would become another active organization helping to maintain Juniper Valley Park. Their contributions are the type of things the civic association has encouraged. lawsuit is long over and it is time to work together for the benefit of all of Middle Village / Maspeth.<BR/><BR/>Oh, one final thing. The desired area shown in the satellite photo is shaped like a dog biscuit, so maybe it is fate that the dog park should be there!<BR/><BR/>Middle Village Dad<BR/>*We live off Metropolitan near the parkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com