Serious question: How much does a dog park cost to build and maintain properly?  The ones I see pictures of have high fencing, fountains etc.  Who cleans the dog park?

 

I'm thinking their definition of dog park is slightly different from what you're thinking (like what is at Mt. Airy Forest).  This, I assume, would be much smaller and would essentially be a small segment of the park that caters to dogs and their owners.

The ones I see pictures of have high fencing, fountains etc

  Are you talking about a swimming pool?? :wink:

A good model for the dog park would be Union Square in NY.  It's a nice park for everyone and they have a small dog run that is paid for and operated by volunteers.  I would think you could get P&G to sponsor the Iams Washington Park Dog Run.

 

Here is a link to a picture of the park.  The dog run is in the very lower left corner, it has gravel rather than grass:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexandermeckert/351805179/

 

http://www.chriskula.com/us/dogrun.jpg

 

and a close-up:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kissmygrandmother/418427099/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kissmygrandmother/418420812/

Union Square Dog Run! That is exactly what  Washington Park needs. I love the size and how it fits into the urban fabric. I would become a volunteer if that were here.

A good model for the dog park would be Union Square in NY.  It's a nice park for everyone and they have a small dog run that is paid for and operated by volunteers.  I would think you could get P&G to sponsor the Iams Washington Park Dog Run.

 

Here is a link to a picture of the park.  The dog run is in the very lower left corner, it has gravel rather than grass:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexandermeckert/351805179/

 

http://www.chriskula.com/us/dogrun.jpg

 

and a close-up:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kissmygrandmother/418427099/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kissmygrandmother/418420812/

 

 

 

Nice try, but I'm not clicking on anything that you keep in a directory called "kissmygrandmother"!!!  :-D

Exactly what we need...that looks great.

I like the looks of that alot. That would be a great fit.

City looks for downtown dog parks

BY JANE PRENDERGAST | [email protected]

 

Dogs will remained barred from Fountain Square, but the city’s working on something else for downtown dog owners – a spot or two to make into dog parks.

 

City Manager Milton Dohoney announced this morning that he put together a committee to research where a dog park might fit. As more residences get built downtown and more people move in, a park or two would help broaden the appeal of downtown as a neighborhood, Dohoney said.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070829/NEWS01/308290065/

Dohoney decided against changing that rule, which has been in effect more than 30 years. Among the reasons: dog waste can damage the newly remodeled Square’s granite.

 

Hmm I wonder if they will chase off the Pigeons??  They have acidic waste and are now being investigated for the collapse of the Minneapolis bridge.

Hmmm.  Dogs are currently allowed in all city parks, except Fountain Square.  Dog owners are required to clean up after their dogs whether in the "dog park" or in the "people park".  The only difference is a fence and a sign saying "dog park".  Somebody clue me into why there is such a demand for this. Is it just because you can let them off the leash?

I really don't understand the need for a dog park.  How about just having a nice park?  Dogs should be allowed in the park and there should even be baggie dispensers for dog owners to clean up any waste.  That 'park' in Chicago looks more like a pit for a Bad Newz Kennel prize fight than anything that should sit across from Music Hall.

There seems to be a correlation between dog parks and inner city gentrification.

It is totally about letting them off the leash. I currently waste fuel and drive all the way out to Otto Arrmleder Park at Lunken airport just so I can let my dog run free a little. You can see the excitement in the dogs eyes and the owners as the leash comes off. It is a social thing too, you see regulars and meet new people every time. Get a dog and you'll see living in the inner city is tough when there is no place to let them loose.

 

 

This Corgi looks happy, I love it! :lol:

 

 

Every dog I've ever had bites other dogs of the same sex. I wouldn't run the risk of a lawsuit.

Every dog I've ever had bites other dogs of the same sex. I wouldn't run the risk of a lawsuit.

 

It's called training...train/raise your dog not to be a perv and you'll be fine.  But animals do remarkably take after their owners, hmmmm.

dog I've ever had bites other dogs of the same sex. I wouldn't run the risk of a lawsuit

Then this park wouldn't be right for your dog. I have a social dog who gets along with other dogs just fine.  On any given weekend at armleder park there could be more than 30 dogs (I counted) and no problems whatsoever.

Every dog I've ever had bites other dogs of the same sex. I wouldn't run the risk of a lawsuit.

 

It's called training...train/raise your dog not to be a perv and you'll be fine.  But animals do remarkably take after their owners, hmmmm.

Yeah you know those vicious border collies...

Every dog I've ever had bites other dogs of the same sex. I wouldn't run the risk of a lawsuit.

 

It's called training...train/raise your dog not to be a perv and you'll be fine.  But animals do remarkably take after their owners, hmmmm.

Yeah you know those vicious border collies...

 

You need a leash

I always keep my b#tches on a short leash.

*shakes head*

I don't have a dog, but every time I see dogs on leashes come within 10 - 15 feet of each other they lunge and bark at each other. Kinda scary for a non-dog person to witness.

I was taking pictures in Old Towne East, in Columbus and noticed a dog park. I wasn't really used to seeing one so I stood there staring at it for a while trying to figure out what it was. It was next to a person's house, on the corner of a street and took up a footprint probably the size of a typical lot in Hyde Park. It was fenced in about 5 feet high and landscaped really well and it finally dawned on me that it was a dog park and probably something the community used in place of a building that was demolished. The area is in transition, and the same dog parks are forming in other gentrified areas of Columbus. It just seems like a trend in gentrifying areas. Many young people have dogs and treat them as their own kids and want to accommidate them, I guess with dog parks and I don't see anything wrong with it as long as there's plenty of playgrounds for kids already. Kids should be accomidated before dogs. If it's just a section of the park then that's great but I have a hard time supporting parks exclusively catering to dogs.

I think the idea of a dog park sends signals that pet ownership downtown is feasible/encouraged.  That's part of the allure of the Edge (and I believe the McAlpin), where they have dog facilities in their complex where they can run and do their business.

 

But the idea that downtown is a versatile neighborhood that appeals to a variety of people (within a desirable demographic range, of course).  If they get a dog park, then I think a lot of people will sit up and take notice that downtown is a very liveable environment.

A dog park is very symbolic...building a couple of those will almost be as symbolic as landing a full-service grocery store.  It shows that the livability is really improving and that the area is reaching a critical mass.

Another overlooked fact.  People who walk dogs are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood.  If we see something that is not right in our hood we can walk slowly, let our dogs sniff the ground take notice and call the cops if needed. Every household that has a healthy Dog in an urban enviornment walks or should at least try to take the dog out 3 times a day. If I were to walk my dog specifically to go to washington Park I will walk OTR for at least 6 blocks. 

Thats a good point Maximillian, much of the crap going on in the park happens because no-one else is there. Once a steady group of new people start showing up many some of this drug stuff would move on.

The OTR Foundation has set up a meeting with representatives of the Drop-Inn Center to discuss their operations and future in Over-the-Rhine.

 

This is a great opportunity to open doors to some postitive change, but it's only going to be useful if people show up. In addition to the Drop-Inn Center's presentation, there will be 45 minutes of Q&A.

 

The meeting is from 5 - 7PM TONIGHT at the Emmanuel Center at 1308 Race Street.

 

^ Damn.  I may be able to catch the second half of this meeting after work.  I wish I would have known sooner, I would have more time to compile information and formulate meaningful questions.

 

Do you have any specific information on the nature of this presentation or a more specific agenda?

^

I didn't get notice until yesterday.

 

My understanding is that DIC reps will discuss their mission, specifically in regards to their properties in OTR, as well as their future plans (not necessarily in OTR). 

 

The goal (as I understand it) is to have a more honest discussion about the future of the neighborhood and how DIC fits in, set up a more open dialog about the DIC's efforts in the future (unlike how the transitional housing went down, for example), and as part of the broader discussion about the over concentration of social service agencies in the neighborhood (which is getting attention from the city and county level).

 

This is in the Enquirer today:

A meeting is set for tonight, from 5-7 p.m., at the Emmanuel Center, 1308 Race St., Over-the-Rhine between the Over-the-Rhine Foundation and representatives of the Drop-Inn Center.

 

Michael Martin Morgan, executive director of the Over-the-Rhine Foundation, said it will involve a discussion on how the Drop-Inn Center delivers services to its clients.

 

“We are particularly concerned about the number of stragglers who come to the agency, stand around all day and or not part of any organization,’’ Martin said.

The meeting is open to the public.

OTR Foundation asks City to look into CPS contract

Building Cincinnati, 10/19/07

 

The Over the Rhine Foundation (OTRF) has raised concerns with the City over Cincinnati Public Schools' (CPS) ideas for land in the neighborhood and are looking to amend a contract.

 

In a four-page letter to the City's Historic Conservation Board, dated September 28, 2007, OTRF Executive Director Michael Morgan alleges that the City is allowing CPS to bypass historic review standards and evade an agreed-upon contract by allowing a 219-space gravel parking lot to be built on the north end of Washington Park.

http://www.natiyouthcenter.org/programs.htm

 

I have noticed the graffitti getting more artistic since they started classes.

^ Wow!  I have seen Elementz, but I did not realize that they teach a class on graffiti.  :(

When the graffiti comes in or a couple kids get mugged then CPS will have to get all defensive and watch the cameras and big fences make it even less welcoming than it already is.

What can we do?

 

"I have noticed the graffitti getting more artistic since they started classes."

 

So there is your answer, have them spray paint some windows or some grand facade on the blank wall.  Plus you could kill two birds with one stone if you spray painted a cop or two in there.

http://www.natiyouthcenter.org/programs.htm

 

I have noticed the graffitti getting more artistic since they started classes.

 

Oh, that's great!  Have your home page show kids throwing up gang signs!  That will really have kids "grow and learn in positive ways" (<- quote from the website).

^I didn't know a peace sign was considered a gang sign.

 

Elementz is a good organization and partially fills a gap that is needed in the community.

I always thought that building sold oakley sunglasses

City reports on Washington Park greenspace

Building Cincinnati, 11/19/07

 

According the the City, a letter and a Council resolution are adequate to ensure that control of the current Washington Park Elementary School site eventually reverts to the Cincinnati Park Board.

Grand plans

Washington Park expansion to help remake Over-The-Rhine

BY LISA BERNARD-KUHN | [email protected]

 

 

A plan to renovate one of Cincinnati's oldest parks is seen as a key to revitalizing one of its oldest, most architecturally remarkable and most troubled neighborhoods.

 

Under a proposal expected to be unveiled Tuesday, Washington Park is poised to get a bold face lift and be expanded to more than 6 acres.

 

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20071126/NEWS01/711260361/

 

I walked around the park today, the school is completely demolished.  It has opened up a fantastic view of Music Hall and opened up the view from 14th St.  Specifically while walking west on 14th the view of the park and Music Hall opens dramatically, much like similar approaches to parks and plazas in Europe from inauspicious narrow streets. 

 

The line of buildings along Race is a handsome 19th century American streetscape but the row houses along 14th now visible from the park are nondescript.  Also, while walking north on Elm I was thinking there had been a demolition of some kind right in the center of that block only to see that it's in fact Pleasant St.  Because the buildings that stand on those corners don't announce the presence of that street it looks like the block is missing a tooth.  But I'm just being picky, it's overall going to be an enormous improvement. 

 

^Wow, dramatic indeed! I nicked this from CityKin. Does everyone on this forum have their own blog.  :wink:

 

The CSO better figure out how to make it work at Music Hall

 

 

http://www.citykin.com/

[delete]

^^AWESOME!!!

If the plan happens that way it will truly be a great project!

The CSO better figure out how to make it work at Music Hall

 

I agree 100%

what an awesome view of music hall.  simply stunning.

The new components of the park will make it a much more user-friendly park, and in the long run make it a more popular park for the average joe.  I always love the idea of an open green area (Civic Green), the dog park will be a fantastic node for that portion of the park, and you've got a new interactive fountain...this is something the kids always like.  All in all, the Washington Park plan seems to have something for everyone in it...in the long run I think that will shows its value as a high quality park.

 

Oh, and on a side note...I loved the fact that this was the main story on the frontpage of the Monday Enquirer.  Very nice, Go OTR!

i am a big fan that they have bus/transit shelters

Where's pool, basketball court?

Residents out in droves to ask about Washington Park

BY LISA BERNARD-KUHN | [email protected]

 

 

OVER-THE-RHINE - A preliminary master plan for a renovated Washington Park includes a host of amenities, but no community pool or basketball court.

 

That fact drew a standing-room-only crowd to Memorial Hall in Over-the-Rhine for a public meeting Tuesday to discuss the park's future.

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071128/NEWS01/711280407/1077/COL02

There is no pool because of the huge insurance costs involved...I wish people would understand that.  There is an interactive water feature here (splash fountain of sorts), but an actual pool has HUGE maintenance costs and insurance costs.  If there are people willing to pony up that money for a pool...then so be it, but the city (and most cities for that matter) can not afford to continue to operate these pools with the budget constraints they are facing.

 

Basketball courts would be cool, but they inevitably end up looking trashy after a couple of years, and typically end up being areas where fights and what not take place.  It's just the nature of the space...a lot of ego is involved with basketball.