tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61983054870440344482024-02-20T01:02:05.509-08:00Shreveport Dog BlogDogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-3413992282327659202009-06-19T13:35:00.000-07:002009-06-19T13:50:04.528-07:00Tell SPAR "Basic" or "Better"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiCE-bp5f_2JKSw5PC5Hj5VKAebzcou4DSazzE2pSyzX9e4Nu1c2DnXDoK_ub_d6P4htaXLa79tJEliEEpx0AFBBskgNHF2m3evHf5lADAkr7oQSJOqWiod-LYSrrCahRrm3LssgJucY/s1600-h/Dog+Park+Schematic+Design-Basic-June+2009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiCE-bp5f_2JKSw5PC5Hj5VKAebzcou4DSazzE2pSyzX9e4Nu1c2DnXDoK_ub_d6P4htaXLa79tJEliEEpx0AFBBskgNHF2m3evHf5lADAkr7oQSJOqWiod-LYSrrCahRrm3LssgJucY/s400/Dog+Park+Schematic+Design-Basic-June+2009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349140322135984018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4jjAKifTuxh4cWUVlt-XHVXnWc9FUAlyHpAtR-9HdFq07nrXQoFpXsXX7DjnuUv4CV-fDHaEN0m3T1pDJlfGRO9Evf-lK7ttQMLevPayP66HS2PoAzAb2dpeALnDqncZ3CmgHiyx01k/s1600-h/Dog+Park+Schematic+Design-Better-June+2009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4jjAKifTuxh4cWUVlt-XHVXnWc9FUAlyHpAtR-9HdFq07nrXQoFpXsXX7DjnuUv4CV-fDHaEN0m3T1pDJlfGRO9Evf-lK7ttQMLevPayP66HS2PoAzAb2dpeALnDqncZ3CmgHiyx01k/s400/Dog+Park+Schematic+Design-Better-June+2009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349140317018141634" /></a><br /><br />Shreveport Dog Park Alliance is currently in Stage 4 of the Project Milestones for Shreveport's first official dog park. Stage 7 is the Grand Opening! In order to get to Stage 5 FINALIZE DOG PARK PLAN, Shreveport Parks and Rec need to hear from YOU!<br />Compare the two designs and also the budgets from the last post and decide what you want.<br /><br />I vote for BASIC DOG PARK because it costs less, has room for expansion, and would probably get more support. <br /><br />I also let Tim know that I dont think we need TWO doggy fountains (in order to cut down costs). Just one outside the MAIN ENTRANCEDogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-62296218078611536312009-05-19T13:19:00.000-07:002009-05-19T13:26:03.588-07:00SPAR updates Dog Park Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZbIfhwQE88UcV-zJXlHZk0zH_TdBN1ey-j2X2SDzWgtlhVNsUY9oK4gaCkvTLjjpTcEsIRJSPVGCxl-mTVow-VadU4ctlQSyGroMUe-qKadDcH_ANezPIZSTU22wWYKhSD8rGhgTTPk/s1600-h/Program+and+Cost+for+Dog+Park.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZbIfhwQE88UcV-zJXlHZk0zH_TdBN1ey-j2X2SDzWgtlhVNsUY9oK4gaCkvTLjjpTcEsIRJSPVGCxl-mTVow-VadU4ctlQSyGroMUe-qKadDcH_ANezPIZSTU22wWYKhSD8rGhgTTPk/s400/Program+and+Cost+for+Dog+Park.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337633896899538386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyG4NQRf9jeu1Bine5uJW7AyiawZOOeqQYrkgewjNYieJqwXXKnY7IjRMYDhVxxnblmDL1B_GcZKcn-s0S6zrdzqkdYgNLiNkGwz7qiD1JxkSJjC2MuYbFIFy7b3KHosTicPR2lF3OKw/s1600-h/Veterans+Plan+Feb+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyG4NQRf9jeu1Bine5uJW7AyiawZOOeqQYrkgewjNYieJqwXXKnY7IjRMYDhVxxnblmDL1B_GcZKcn-s0S6zrdzqkdYgNLiNkGwz7qiD1JxkSJjC2MuYbFIFy7b3KHosTicPR2lF3OKw/s320/Veterans+Plan+Feb+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337632994377050274" /></a><br /><br />Greetings,<br /> <br />It's been two months since my last update and I have been trying to get a topographic survey of the Veterans Park site. (It's due to be done May 27) Without the survey I can't do a real plan, but I got impatient and used the old schematic drawing from February (attached) and came up with some quantities and costs for a "Basic Park" a "Better Park" and some other items. (See the attached Program and Cost for Dog Park.pdf) The Basic Park is about an acre, smaller than the February drawing, and the Better Park is 1 3/4 acres. All the costs shown are estimates based on contractor installation.<br /> <br />After I get the survey I can do a layout so you can see what this will all look like.<br /> <br />Tim Wachtel, ASLA, Planner III<br />Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation<br />505 Travis Street, Suite 560<br />Shreveport, LA 71101<br />Phone: (318) 673-7721<br />Fax: (318) 673-7878Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-45574752933353430972009-03-26T20:21:00.000-07:002009-03-26T20:29:38.871-07:00Shreveport Dog Park Needs Friends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgcjXQP3Ch7XGTMGXgbKP8pIMkFbEu09WYzPkyj9JpdXsRu3yeAc6KD8bH3VeXBIYROPfLxCAyrJ09FUHcJJoiyaXkJSavnTB4LH81Ce2rqfMJomPITs78B26HypVW_c59w1KH_9JGtg/s1600-h/SportDogParkAlliance.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgcjXQP3Ch7XGTMGXgbKP8pIMkFbEu09WYzPkyj9JpdXsRu3yeAc6KD8bH3VeXBIYROPfLxCAyrJ09FUHcJJoiyaXkJSavnTB4LH81Ce2rqfMJomPITs78B26HypVW_c59w1KH_9JGtg/s320/SportDogParkAlliance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317704364821437394" /></a><br />If you are interested in joining SHREVEPORT DOG PARK ALLIANCE, comment here with your email address.<br /><br />Tim Wachtel of SPAR is seeking an official name for the dog park and an official GROUP (dog park users) that will help run the park.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-8857515861592675662009-03-01T20:25:00.000-08:002009-03-01T20:47:38.096-08:00Shreveport Seeking Dog Park Design<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ8aom_G_bIjXiS3QqqPKrGrnWC1WqQBnuVGg7hPTotqEGL-PZxURnodvZu66jQSTNcLw0v65H5xTQDh4nf0jS-3-bjZK0Fy1hDxzsa6dwGj1s3FWokO1-qBfUFHWhLoLqxPLI4j2GbI/s1600-h/dogpark1-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ8aom_G_bIjXiS3QqqPKrGrnWC1WqQBnuVGg7hPTotqEGL-PZxURnodvZu66jQSTNcLw0v65H5xTQDh4nf0jS-3-bjZK0Fy1hDxzsa6dwGj1s3FWokO1-qBfUFHWhLoLqxPLI4j2GbI/s320/dogpark1-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308447527536540482" /></a><br />Tim Wachtel, a Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation landscape architect and City park planner, wrote in a mass email sent Thursday that he has started work on designing a public dog park. However, he would like to hear from the future park users. <br /><br />"I could just sit in my corner and come up with something, but I believe that the best parks are designed with input from the ultimate users and from those who operate and maintain them, " he wrote.<br /> <br />Wachtel says that he is willing to receive comments, ask & answer questions, and write project updates. He also would like help getting a "Dog Park Contact Group" email list so that he can send out the project schedule, post updates, and maintain communication.<br /> <br />If you want to participate, email Timothy.Wachtel@shreveportla.govDogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-28456099967955371932008-06-17T12:39:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:02.421-08:00VOTE RED RIVER DOG PARK<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4jR2_9z42r7ZN2gFZjIqr7gZW4qNXH1BeVy3mdtSfA2GqEbVeKBnFXtTLJ24balzwv5dryjzH4Le1QuWEA-21lPR5lfSwRfTD5IGFqFVi0fs5wToSsHnor3uiD59T7dAAJw4A6jfFRM/s1600-h/reddy+Vet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4jR2_9z42r7ZN2gFZjIqr7gZW4qNXH1BeVy3mdtSfA2GqEbVeKBnFXtTLJ24balzwv5dryjzH4Le1QuWEA-21lPR5lfSwRfTD5IGFqFVi0fs5wToSsHnor3uiD59T7dAAJw4A6jfFRM/s320/reddy+Vet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212941771005769586" /></a><br /><br />Red River Master Plan Open House<br />Thursday, June 26<br />5-8 pm<br />Stoner Boat Launch Pavillion<br /><br />The Clyde Fant Parkway Rec Plan, 2nd draft, is now available to the public. Tim Wachtel of SPAR sent it over to me to share it with the dog park people.<br /><br />Are you still reading this blog? Sorry, I live in New Orleans now so some priorities have shifted. But I still believe in a dog park for Shreveport's future. My niece and nephew are growing up there, and dog parks are cool.<br /><br />The revised <a href="http://www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/spar/News/ClydeFantParkway.pdf">MASTER PLAN</a> indicates the pubic's request for a dog park, but it was not in the TOP THREE requests (read it to see what did make the top three).<br /><br />The plan notes flooding issues along the Red River, including both the Hamel beach area site and above the Stoner Boat Launch area. HOWEVER, I do believe a dog park can be in a flood zone because the site is maintained (dog poop IS picked up by owner, or else...) with little infrastructure.<br /><br />And then there is the little hidden secret of VETERANS. I have heard RUMORS of the Veterans' site being considered by the city for luxury loft condo gated easy street living facilities. So perhaps that is why this place exists in a sad state, just waiting to be rescued and loved. But the Master Plan does recognize this area as a good potential spot. The only thing that needs to be done here is a major clean-up effort because it is hidden by trees and more trees, therefore invisible and dangerous.<br /><br />Please note: The Shreveport Dog Park Petition is still in circulation with over 1,100 signatures...Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-31514677878058940012008-03-25T18:05:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:02.718-08:00NOLA: City Bark<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU-_m3niRRpBcHZAqCgVEy2Fi8YBse566wYSxyyG1lPK29KbRfxurg50YvU93Ih1cbYLlNB8lD2Stdqj4lNmn_OueqkqCs7lfMMotWggrfHzWxfcytk-3-T7kmWW8wSPxwBL_yFCVAgY/s1600-h/Cover.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU-_m3niRRpBcHZAqCgVEy2Fi8YBse566wYSxyyG1lPK29KbRfxurg50YvU93Ih1cbYLlNB8lD2Stdqj4lNmn_OueqkqCs7lfMMotWggrfHzWxfcytk-3-T7kmWW8wSPxwBL_yFCVAgY/s320/Cover.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181863687310071810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkStS8F4zFdV82PAdUJrLAQPh5IwYsS8X6QP_GmihZzwDxwRrLdsAdQ30xRH1pJ981uuCzGX3AV_Y2IjKanFKk7etCvegrBknq5_lvgQPYsmpoREjgYFhkXyp9bC1KPClWNoqZQhoGbqM/s1600-h/CIMG6018.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkStS8F4zFdV82PAdUJrLAQPh5IwYsS8X6QP_GmihZzwDxwRrLdsAdQ30xRH1pJ981uuCzGX3AV_Y2IjKanFKk7etCvegrBknq5_lvgQPYsmpoREjgYFhkXyp9bC1KPClWNoqZQhoGbqM/s320/CIMG6018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181862093877204978" /></a><br />Plans for the first official dog park in New Orleans can be seen and read about in this week's <a href="http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/current/cover_story.php">cover story in Gambit Weekly</a>. The location of the dog park is destined to a little-used area of the park, and it is believed that the addition of the official unleashed area will boost the City Park attendance significantly to more than pre-storm numbers. There will be a pass fee, and access will be granted through a type of swipe card.<br /><br />Part of City Park's master plan, the design of the 4.6 acre dog park area is well-researched and thoughtful, with features such as a dog wash area and future dog agility course. Says Bob Becker, City Park CEO:<br /><br />"It means several things for City Park. First, it responds to public demand.Secondly, it's just going to be cool. The committee that's been formed to do it is very gung-ho. With any successful project, if you peel back the layers, you can find a core group that has that passion; this group has that. It's a great way to promote socialization of people. I know it sounds corny, but it could be a great healing place, too."Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-6251401920774499092008-01-02T10:30:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:22:02.934-08:002008:Year of the Dog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuTSEKa4iZ3Hkfc76nZRn87BfZ8sGyc6u0qCIv6LiPT84TMldi9tvuEZeKW68MUIRqIgZFD_heq26qpTQw9rz5dD9yP1vUGB4GclkXuP38W35iipah528AZ1O-lHU1LDeKmpRAI6PJbY/s1600-h/SportDogParkAlliance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuTSEKa4iZ3Hkfc76nZRn87BfZ8sGyc6u0qCIv6LiPT84TMldi9tvuEZeKW68MUIRqIgZFD_heq26qpTQw9rz5dD9yP1vUGB4GclkXuP38W35iipah528AZ1O-lHU1LDeKmpRAI6PJbY/s320/SportDogParkAlliance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150949022613312418" /></a><br /><br />park?<br /><br />It takes a leader to make Shreveport's dog park a reality. Who will it be?<br />I hate to start something and not finish it, but alas, I have moved to New Orleans. I am no longer the Shreveport dog park leader. Consider me the instigator.<br />I think Shreveport has a lot of potential, and others agree (see petition) a dog park would be the perfect amenity for a city that wants to nurture its creative, modern, young, professional, retired class.<br /><br />There needs to be more options in this town, and being outdoors with your pup, socializing with other people is a healthy way to achieve this.<br /><br />Thanks to all of my Shreveport dog owner friends, especially Kathryn Bloomfield who worked tirelessly on the presentation we have sent out to Shreveport city officials. and thanks to the talented Emily Ellis Welch who designed this awesome logo that I hope to one day see on a cap or t-shirt. It is adorable.<br /><br />Happy New Year!Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-46571343140013027742007-12-11T22:19:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:22:03.188-08:00Who let the dogs out?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_AvBFydW3X0ynahnVRc04lYy0UwAi2fRthycFi3J6IZC8aNaerdSKehIWDgVLqDNPz_9DGstC3JNQEqqf0STGWl60_DIEn4SC1M00juqeKhkt8H_ER0U5tg5Xg6olYqZxdY7gfQlA7c/s1600-h/Shreveportrivertrail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_AvBFydW3X0ynahnVRc04lYy0UwAi2fRthycFi3J6IZC8aNaerdSKehIWDgVLqDNPz_9DGstC3JNQEqqf0STGWl60_DIEn4SC1M00juqeKhkt8H_ER0U5tg5Xg6olYqZxdY7gfQlA7c/s320/Shreveportrivertrail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142967657779095106" /></a><br /><br />"We did," we answer next Monday morning. <br /><br />Bringing Reddy to Stoner on Sunday, and we hope to meet you there. We have some things to chat about, mainly about the future.<br /><br />Sunday Dec. 16 at 1pm<br />Stoner Boat Launch<br /><br />Dont forget the poo bags!Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-91952920347778891902007-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:22:03.383-08:00City Park to add dog park area<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_USGo-85CIGKg8eV4QgfZt3Ua8KNwUMAkzRcrcouGsJiI2VudBpSwrRR0pzavGgP4SpF-f6XVU4xEnOibFHaRgR90_qbE98bVRkqNW87WdVhCfr33VZm1-daP6d1XCxkyAMIzE16HT8/s1600-r/CIMG5150.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx5Gh4VeweVKzgn6NCRwjdIslZBMID6IoIxt_4fWyEm8TrvHPzOKLXvmt_8tWgRimwhTQhZDeNQyTLA6ee4b7MwCU9d0msYdQu2ju1SzNEMrx5DJHJ0hnnslzK1FAwHPnjO6aS_mVFGg/s320/CIMG5150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138677491229773554" /></a><br /><br />Times-Picayune reported recently that City Park of New Orleans plans to add a dog park to the north part of the property as part of future improvement plans. This means that New Orleans will have their first official dog park, despite the numerous unofficial dog parks that pepper the city, including sites at the levee south of Carrollton and the Barracks in the French Quarter. So typical of New Orleans, which I love: people just doing what they wanna do!Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-25585720985942820752007-11-13T06:28:00.000-08:002008-12-10T09:22:03.495-08:00Our shadow from a bridge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZd5BvPzF9DLWCdhUi3keN97hYYEXUThFGBeY0ZO2LOml6F9ETAGn9H3hAS1SFHgN8b1JURp_4sQRZjPNd6nhSEKWS17sirQlBecdAHczVxWHZFouzV6LH0DmBeOM6DrsHcjYFdKjVD8/s1600-h/CIMG6028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZd5BvPzF9DLWCdhUi3keN97hYYEXUThFGBeY0ZO2LOml6F9ETAGn9H3hAS1SFHgN8b1JURp_4sQRZjPNd6nhSEKWS17sirQlBecdAHczVxWHZFouzV6LH0DmBeOM6DrsHcjYFdKjVD8/s320/CIMG6028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132332056656505906" /></a><br /><br />Our second to last weekend in New Orleans (for now), Reddy and I strolled through City Park on Saturday. It is hard to imagine the park was submerged for three weeks after the hurricane. I saw a palm tree down in a pond, but otherwise the moss on the ancient oaks are hanging on, and the Picayune headline says the carosel re-opens today!Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-90234824115168653732007-11-02T07:26:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:03.978-08:00Imagine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe321GLeN3W4H-XMU-UP0LpywKr8jXelV-7p8QJx89D7TpVk-P5bakiJWTQeXxHU7GAOEiiBAFhFYd08Ba1BI6OlgDe0dnP8CNP25Q3OqxVXOcY7w8VRI1jUi0ogSjyZ13AOc1QUVdco/s1600-h/963068903_f8accce636_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe321GLeN3W4H-XMU-UP0LpywKr8jXelV-7p8QJx89D7TpVk-P5bakiJWTQeXxHU7GAOEiiBAFhFYd08Ba1BI6OlgDe0dnP8CNP25Q3OqxVXOcY7w8VRI1jUi0ogSjyZ13AOc1QUVdco/s320/963068903_f8accce636_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128249925572094402" /></a><br /><br />This photo was taken last year in front of my apartment. Its amazing how much changes in one year. I dont even live in the same apartment. Now we are in New Orleans and I am working on a great project, and Reddy has housemates. When we return to Shreveport in a couple of weeks things will look different from when we left them. The apartment will have a neglected smell (and hopefully the electricity wont be turned off again!), the colors will be warmer, the air cooler, friends will have new stories to tell, and new efforts will chug along to make the dog park happen. Wish it could happen overnight, but these seemingly simple things never quite happen this way. Perhaps this time next year, our dogs will be frolicking together in an urban, open green space called Veterans' Memorial Dog Park (or somethng like that).Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-86286009923804623992007-10-22T18:12:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:04.165-08:00Cowboy and Reddy on the Levee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjd0qMYYj039Bh3G_OXO8jceu50XlHImTFM4BzvnvtJwUDtcut_K1c7a1FvUFMbd_5hmBbgs59-Vecwc3hRMiR-vml8FGrxL2si0VZfGXZLt7phm_IzZ5ww9QZvgYdlvFdLldQ2Xw5Yk/s1600-h/cowboy&Reddy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjd0qMYYj039Bh3G_OXO8jceu50XlHImTFM4BzvnvtJwUDtcut_K1c7a1FvUFMbd_5hmBbgs59-Vecwc3hRMiR-vml8FGrxL2si0VZfGXZLt7phm_IzZ5ww9QZvgYdlvFdLldQ2Xw5Yk/s320/cowboy&Reddy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124334148449434386" /></a>Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-6608461261257812482007-10-17T19:23:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:04.330-08:00Mayor's Forum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v2oS5JfIjuzZo0kuzCvlcGG7pPfafLunww-zf9uHn40EIra9dQpHEV60qC_SXpRsvKQXCsToTbjmYADgWFofupf3rAjgfOdqjlYjjHlCDyZna_I4Q_JdFLwhJH5hyH41FrjUp89G8rI/s1600-h/CIMG4733.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v2oS5JfIjuzZo0kuzCvlcGG7pPfafLunww-zf9uHn40EIra9dQpHEV60qC_SXpRsvKQXCsToTbjmYADgWFofupf3rAjgfOdqjlYjjHlCDyZna_I4Q_JdFLwhJH5hyH41FrjUp89G8rI/s320/CIMG4733.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122496993368439522" /></a><br />Shreveport Dog Park Alliance correspondent David McCormick attended the Mayor's Young Professional's Forum Tuesday evening at Stoner Boat Launch. Amidst crawfish pies and such, McCormick said he got some good one-on-one time with Da Mayor.<br /><br />" We talked about the park and he was very diplomatic about how it is important and how will be good for the city. When he spoke at the beginning he talked about Shreveport being 'a hallmark of a progressive place to be.' I mentioned that a dog park would be instrumental in that."<br /> <br />McCormick said he walked away from the meeting with the notion that the dog park was going to happen, but the question remains WHERE? and WHEN? <br /><br />"I think it went real well, and we are on the right track," he said. <br /><br />Apparently there is some talk of a MASTER PLAN that I can not get to the bottom of at the moment as I am working away from Shreveport. However, efforts continue with the Veterans' site as I received news today from local activist Jason Scott about re-vamping an existing non-profit organization dedicated to this once glorious park that exists today in disarray.<br /><br />Thank you for your continued interest and emailed suggestions on our dog park efforts!Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-60474851568658275662007-10-14T15:20:00.001-07:002007-10-14T18:22:01.791-07:00St. John's Bayou<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { }.flickr-frame { float: right; text-align: center; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10769318@N07/1571721377/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2092/1571721377_ce8f2d560b_t.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="CIMG5148.JPG" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10769318@N07/1571721377/">CIMG5148.JPG</a>,<br /> originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10769318@N07/">jujuhoffpauir</a>. </span></div>While I am working in New Orleans for six weeks, I am staying with a friend off Esplanade near St. John's Bayou. I enjoyed exploring the area this weekend and have decided I really really dig it. <br /><br />And Reddy loves it, too. He has come alive again. He now walks me, and is busy sniffing around the hood. There are tons of cats, and I add that to my list of How New Orleans Reminds Me of Some European City or Third World Country.<br clear="all" />Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-42120872261555242702007-10-14T15:18:00.001-07:002007-10-14T18:25:49.299-07:00Poop-free neighborhood<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { }.flickr-frame { float: right; text-align: center; margin-left: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10769318@N07/1571723651/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/1571723651_7d1b632f1f_t.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="CIMG5138.JPG" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10769318@N07/1571723651/">CIMG5138.JPG</a>,<br /> originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10769318@N07/">jujuhoffpauir</a>. </span></div>This is a neighborhhood -maintained park on Esplanade Ave. with plastic chairs, hand-made signs, birdhouses, and fountains.<br clear="all" /><br /><br />Whenever we stroll on by, there is someone raking leaves, re-setting stones, or reading under a tree or by the fountain.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-71700102030453856552007-10-06T08:39:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:04.541-08:00From Dogs I Have Met<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uyD99dlCWbAUH90NRlkyJF2U2JhIkDSedvxd1fG6Wc0EWeBNCz79CaCTULetmkBip4cmniHG_oTIoOfoaU3enEpyhnznPQgJp8QCGMG5TVAZoWnMN07oaQd6B6SeQE17GWMYThBSR04/s1600-h/foster.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uyD99dlCWbAUH90NRlkyJF2U2JhIkDSedvxd1fG6Wc0EWeBNCz79CaCTULetmkBip4cmniHG_oTIoOfoaU3enEpyhnznPQgJp8QCGMG5TVAZoWnMN07oaQd6B6SeQE17GWMYThBSR04/s320/foster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118249326547270354" /></a><br /><br />Always judging a book by its cover, I picked up <a href="http://ken-foster.com">Ken Foster's The Dogs Who Found Me</a> at the <a href="http://www.faulknerhousebooks.net ">Faulkner House</a> in New Orleans' Pirates Alley last summer. What ever book you pick up in this intimate store, it will be good. So it doesnt really matter if I pick one up soley for aesthetic reasons. And it was one of those books I finished in a day or two then sent to a friend who had watched Reddy for a couple of months while I was away.<br /><br />Presently back in New Orleans for a couple of months, I read in the Gambit that Foster was reading from his follow-up book Dogs I Have Met and the People They Found at Octavia books in Uptown. So I went, poured myself a glass of complimentary red wine and listened to him read from a couple of chapters from the book. <br /><br />Foster's theme is centered around the kinds of people who take in the unwanted, stray dogs. And most of the times these dogs are pits and/or pit mixes. His stories also include other people's reaction to this breed. I did not know this but pit bulls used to be as popular as the lab is today in American Culture. Helen Keller had a pit bull, the dog from Our Gang was a pit bull. Foster had big displays of old advertisements and such from the turn of the century, all positive images of the pit bull. However, as we all know, pitties have fallen out of favor and not because of any fault of their own. From owners' ill-breeding practices. <br /><br />Afterwards, Foster signed his new book and I had him sign one for a new friend of mine in Shreveport. She is like one of his characters he writes about-taking in the unwanted dog left at the truck stop, or tied to the bridge, or wandering down the country road. You probably know one of these people yourself, if you are not that person already! This book is a great read. Yes, I am reading it before I send it along to my friend.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-36394051586937910442007-10-04T08:39:00.000-07:002007-10-04T08:42:34.860-07:00Das Pooch<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bfl3m9DHv9o"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bfl3m9DHv9o" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />An inspiring six-minute short film by William Wegman called "The Hardly Boys."Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-58083760500629007822007-10-04T08:36:00.000-07:002007-10-04T08:37:19.230-07:00Dylan's shameless Promo<object width="528" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dylanmessaging.com/mediaplayer/assets/flash/message-embedded.swf"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#AD1A22"></param><param name="flashvars" value="messageID=FSU3-16V4-L26M-KMML-N69L&embedID=3574&"></param><embed src="http://www.dylanmessaging.com/assets/flash/message-embedded.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="528" height="400" bgcolor="#AD1A22" flashvars="messageID=FSU3-16V4-L26M-KMML-N69L&embedID=3574&"></embed></object>Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-42681077120072190272007-09-24T08:59:00.001-07:002008-12-10T09:22:04.706-08:00Dog Park Presentation Click HERE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O500A95jEp0ChkaStTcHySdhd3tHgpq4moRybzc3kUOkjzkBrrrGqZzLz2fht61y0QKflpO_jKOGsmTiRAu0a0Bi4KZVWHDPmZMpP4aKmf8fdkL8zc7ZqGGkzH7Kjly5042_8vXON2s/s1600-h/SportDogParkAlliance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O500A95jEp0ChkaStTcHySdhd3tHgpq4moRybzc3kUOkjzkBrrrGqZzLz2fht61y0QKflpO_jKOGsmTiRAu0a0Bi4KZVWHDPmZMpP4aKmf8fdkL8zc7ZqGGkzH7Kjly5042_8vXON2s/s200/SportDogParkAlliance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113801475595401906" /></a>Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-69667074508147739422007-09-21T10:24:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:04.905-08:00Wegman's wigged out weimers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dMvCWhd6ouXKUsyQ_YRwkJ4I46MmOpitaNlg7rsXsRTgKenJTAguP6uAlRNFU2lNjlHXq4Qrur__kISJekEpf_nTqp9u_1bq05cOKkSxZdBMvVNaWeKWletKHXmRHKSsicKsxAw5oYk/s1600-h/CIMG4918.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dMvCWhd6ouXKUsyQ_YRwkJ4I46MmOpitaNlg7rsXsRTgKenJTAguP6uAlRNFU2lNjlHXq4Qrur__kISJekEpf_nTqp9u_1bq05cOKkSxZdBMvVNaWeKWletKHXmRHKSsicKsxAw5oYk/s200/CIMG4918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112711820917569378" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuV6awnh6hgO3A-eu81sMEr0yCdSz4wx6k63RNRfL4ufMVMFDQmniCEgMpVQHxn9Y1jODnpkAl6ibWMNAW3EdNxJgbHR4fio9aZ8lY6SLjFTTTwyUgUxcU2vCU9MUO6k2EN8eWLgmIKg/s1600-h/CIMG4922.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuV6awnh6hgO3A-eu81sMEr0yCdSz4wx6k63RNRfL4ufMVMFDQmniCEgMpVQHxn9Y1jODnpkAl6ibWMNAW3EdNxJgbHR4fio9aZ8lY6SLjFTTTwyUgUxcU2vCU9MUO6k2EN8eWLgmIKg/s200/CIMG4922.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112711829507503986" /></a><br />While in Manhattan this week, I strolled through Madison Square Park to check out the dog run there, as well as photographer William Wegman's new video installation "Around the Park." The seven-minute long video stars his famous weimereiners as they enjoy a fall day at Madison Square Park. Apparently he filmed the project this time last fall and got some skinny actors to hide behind the dogs as they order lunch, eat lunch (funny), and drive the maintenance truck around the premises. It was pretty hysterical, odd, and a great addition to the dog park.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-56426896524582032822007-09-14T09:16:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:05.066-08:00Shreveport Dog Park Alliance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOjhHROpynDm02MQjCyK02U33hha1wqUiqCuDXZG_uwGVRmcdzV68AH1bIfXOVD5ojxNzQdkvGuwV6M2FVAs2cRTELKcQL6PCYEYZq0zg9owvkQxXZlbHJc83pIEczWnz8OaV9tAW-XQ/s1600-h/Revised-Dog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOjhHROpynDm02MQjCyK02U33hha1wqUiqCuDXZG_uwGVRmcdzV68AH1bIfXOVD5ojxNzQdkvGuwV6M2FVAs2cRTELKcQL6PCYEYZq0zg9owvkQxXZlbHJc83pIEczWnz8OaV9tAW-XQ/s400/Revised-Dog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110094768078783042" /></a><br /><br />Check out our SWEET logo designed by the talented Emily Ellis Welch of Shreveport. She is also working on the fundraiser t-shirt design, and I can hardly wait to see that!<br /><br />Kathryn Bloomfield and I have been working on a power point presentation on the benefits of a dog park in Shreveport. We decided it is now complete. It is the intention of the Shreveport Dog Park Alliance to meet with Da Mayor and get him in our pocket. We have called the Mayor's office and left a message...<br /><br />If you would like to view the presentation, email me at juliana2006@mac.com and I will forward it on to you.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-41873688394828987012007-09-13T10:42:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:05.228-08:00Dog parks create educational opportunities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMq8kKHfg1wLVSCVrYuW3duygoRm42-KVox9_RlgC22dxJPTIQ_qg5NyvGD5t66UIyff6kSfNp5Q_hWN_8LloxipKy6-AoK2k_2cM-75ApLZKipLWO71EWVGmmHQtaqJasvH9yRq_3xc/s1600-h/dogpark1-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMq8kKHfg1wLVSCVrYuW3duygoRm42-KVox9_RlgC22dxJPTIQ_qg5NyvGD5t66UIyff6kSfNp5Q_hWN_8LloxipKy6-AoK2k_2cM-75ApLZKipLWO71EWVGmmHQtaqJasvH9yRq_3xc/s320/dogpark1-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109745759036310066" /></a><br /><br />Tim Wachtel of SPAR sent me a <a href="http://www.asla.org/land/2007/0522/dogpark.html">LINK</a> to the American Society of Landscape Architects with an inspiring article about how some school kids in Idaho and Montana designed dog parks!<br /><br />It took the fourth and fifth grade students 10 weeks in the classroom to complete the project which culminated in presentations to the school board and city council.<br /><br />"The dog park project served many educational goals, including introducing students to the landscape architecture profession. Students also worked on their math skills with budgeting and mapping, research skills (including on-site research), science and thinking skills with planning, and communication skills with writing, drawing, and public speaking. The students worked both in small groups and as a whole throughout the dog park project. Some of their assignments included designing signage, defining problems and program elements, and drafting site plans using online 3-D mapping tools."<br /><br />Since most kids have a natural affinity for dogs, the kids' were enthusiastic about their project.<br /><br />Maybe we can get our students to do the same, particularly with the budget. I still hate math.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-24556783182483378992007-09-12T08:58:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:05.476-08:00Baton Rouge Dog Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOPVl-7XB8LzU9rXtsk1GlgAvCli9TYSZ0TibeqUCP6qksAxtHC-0i2nkJ4UqVdVVguVetdEhub2vejcx6nNtgW60ufH-KINEj3gNKPGtf-WffMqyn7r-790mWpFeaHZBa3IjcLTst34/s1600-h/Shade+Tree.JPG.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOPVl-7XB8LzU9rXtsk1GlgAvCli9TYSZ0TibeqUCP6qksAxtHC-0i2nkJ4UqVdVVguVetdEhub2vejcx6nNtgW60ufH-KINEj3gNKPGtf-WffMqyn7r-790mWpFeaHZBa3IjcLTst34/s320/Shade+Tree.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109348212568424994" /></a><br />As part of the Imagine Your Parks program, Baton Rouge constructed a ground-breaking facility located at Forest Park, near the corner of Harrell's Ferry Road and Millerville Road. <br /><br />The park features areas for both small dogs and large dogs set apart by chain-link fences. Park benches are set in tree -shaded areas so dog owners can sit, drink a cold one in a white styrofoam cup, and watch as their animals run unleashed.<br /><br />Water fountains for both dogs and owners are located near the entrance of the park on a concrete slab to prevent mud puddles from forming.<br /><br />BREC planners and landscape designers said they are working on a variety of layouts for future dog parks that include ponds and walking tracks.<br /><br />Dog parks were identified as one of the improvements East Baton Rouge Parish residents wanted as part of the Imagine Your Parks campaign conducted by BREC from June 2003 through June 2004. Citizens said they wanted areas where they could bring their dogs to run without a leash and have the opportunities for their animals to interact with other dogs while they meet fellow dog owners.<br /><br />The parks have been widely successful in many other communities across the country because they give owners who are forced to keep their pets in small yards or indoors a place to let their dogs run free and exercise. It also gives those who enjoy spending time with dogs a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.<br /><br />The Forest Park Dog Park is the first of many dog parks to be built at the community level parks BREC is currently renovating.<br /><br />Park hours are from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Owners are asked to keep dogs leashed until inside the fenced-in areas and asked not to bring food or rawhide chew toys that may encourage fighting among animals.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-73665694869456071052007-09-11T18:28:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:05.693-08:00Lafayette Dog Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAqshhcdl2a39Yq886dN_QNOwxnG_m_AZkIlEqxI8Qxyzo9nNk9Gk5kdzoc2vhspyOhUQyY5y7l32RUK2PCimav92Ro_ihwkMkqnGIGn9xMzSvlj0u0Tmwnf2-cfCWlG8YpBK2JzhkTY/s1600-h/dogpark1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAqshhcdl2a39Yq886dN_QNOwxnG_m_AZkIlEqxI8Qxyzo9nNk9Gk5kdzoc2vhspyOhUQyY5y7l32RUK2PCimav92Ro_ihwkMkqnGIGn9xMzSvlj0u0Tmwnf2-cfCWlG8YpBK2JzhkTY/s320/dogpark1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109123913837829890" /></a><br /><br /><br />This 6-acre native grass dog park is Lafayette's first dog park (but why is that little kid there? Scram kidd-o! Seriously, my dog can take you down with his enthusiastic momentum. He is not aggressive, just PLAYFUL). Check out the minutes from the city council meeting before the dog park was approved. This is interesting info, and the process to make Shreveport's dog park a reality could mimic the process in Lafayette. <br /><br />City of Lafayette<br />Dog Park Task Force<br /><br />July 27, 2006<br />Minutes<br /><br />Call to Order<br />Items from the Public<br />There were no items from the public.<br /><br />Minutes<br />The May 4, 2005 minutes were approved as written.<br /><br />Site Plan<br />Members reviewed two site plan options and preferred Plan A. They agreed that the area for small or timid dogs could be made larger. It was noted that there will not be any water in the dog park now or in the immediate future. The plan is approximately six acres. It is in a temporary location because if the Great Park is built later, the dog park will be moved to the west. There was discussion about how to do native grass restoration with Plan A. It was suggested that portable fencing could be used to close areas for seeding. The group liked the idea of shade structures with seating rather than trees and it was suggested that two more shelters with seating be added if there is enough funding, for a total of five. It was also suggested that bag dispensers be added to the enclosed area. Staff added that trash receptacles need to be outside of the enclosed area so that they can be safely maintained. The group agreed on a 4-foot tall fence like in the new Louisville dog park (three flat rails with round posts and welded wire) with the rail closest to the ground 2-6” from the ground to prevent rotting. There will be wire under the lowest rail to prevent dogs from escaping. The posts would not be placed in concrete so that the fence could be salvaged later if the dog park is moved. It was noted that the rest of the Great Park site is currently under an agricultural lease and that at this time there would not be a trail connection to the west for people to come from Rothman Open Space to the dog park. The parking area could be spread with 6” of recycled concrete, which would provide for better accessibility. The portable toilet could be a composting toilet. It was suggested that the crusher fines used for the trail be in the small entryway fenced enclosure as well to cut down on mud. Having a recycling toter was suggested. It was determined that staff will monitor the trash and see if a recycling toter is needed. Recycling service would be paid from the General Fund and that budget is very tight. <br /><br />Timeline<br />The area of the Great Park where the dog park will be has to be annexed into the City of Lafayette. Monte Stevenson is working with the Planning Director on this. There is a neighborhood meeting on the annexation scheduled for August 1, 2006 at 5:30 pm at the Lafayette Public Library. The next time the Dog Park Task Force comes together may be the groundbreaking for the dog park. The City would plan a grand opening event as well. <br /><br />Budget<br />The current budget for the dog park is $127,000, down from the $200,000 approved in the 2006 budget because of lower than projected revenues citywide. Kerry Bensman suggested there may be additional funding available for the dog park if needed.<br /><br />Proposed Rules<br />The group discussed the proposed list of rules for the dog park and offered the following suggestions:<br /><br />• Dogs must have a current license to enter the dog park; identification tag is not needed; they will also need a current rabies tag; move this rule up to be the first one.<br />• Owners/handlers must be at least 18 years old; owners/handlers are limited to three dogs per visit; no age limit on children, but owner/handler is responsible for them.<br />• Dogs must be spayed or neutered.<br />• Added language to clarify use of the gates.<br />• Dog bites must be reported to the Police Department.<br /> <br />Kerry Bensman asked Monte Stevenson to have the City Attorney and CIRSA (the City’s insurance carrier) review the proposed rules before they are finalized. He would like the City Attorney to make sure the rules are in line with Lafayette’s new ordinance on dogs. <br /><br />Proposed Name<br />Staff handed out results of a website poll on name suggestions. The group recommends naming the dog park “The Great Bark,” which was the top vote getter on the poll with “Dog Town” and “Bark Park” close behind. A suggested promotional tag line was “Lafayette has gone to the dogs.”<br /><br />Miscellaneous<br />• Members commented that at some point they would like to discuss how volunteers could be organized to help keep the dog park clean. <br />• Monte Stevenson confirmed with the group that they would like natural amenities in the park such as logs and large boulders.<br /><br />Adjournment<br />The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198305487044034448.post-33331648258356657252007-09-11T08:09:00.000-07:002008-12-10T09:22:06.067-08:00Bickham-Dixon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVcqt4q_3gGtPbi7P8eySAhj8QED0vIT724xgiXf9Jm6GKKC_0MNdrgAjRpzNw-umw-pw73Y0x20FMr9Lko9n07UzQpzMBNRpnpNkOusurz8USLuKy06KOePVv4lfTMJylFKYILpI868/s1600-h/bickham-dixon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVcqt4q_3gGtPbi7P8eySAhj8QED0vIT724xgiXf9Jm6GKKC_0MNdrgAjRpzNw-umw-pw73Y0x20FMr9Lko9n07UzQpzMBNRpnpNkOusurz8USLuKy06KOePVv4lfTMJylFKYILpI868/s320/bickham-dixon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108964304263175922" /></a><br /><br />What a charming flooded plantation. This park really is a marvel. Swampy. And noone was there! Well, we saw a couple walk toward us and we were nervous one of the dirty green-gooped dogs would jump up on the woman wearing all white. But they passed us without incident. The dogs did manage to eat rotting fish carcasses the whole time. At the end of our hike (it was HOT), Reddy barfed up the most disgusting pile I have ever seen!<br /><br />Bickham-Dixon would also make a great dog park.Dogbloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05054311039620015032noreply@blogger.com1