Officials Sniff Out Dog Park Location Options
Port Washington officials have checked out a few viable spaces within the city to add a dog park, and are seeking feedback from the community on the idea.
With both resident dog owners and potential visitors to the city in mind, Port Washington Mayor Tom Mlada and other officials have begun tossing around the idea of adding a dog park in the city.
"It's a quality of life thing, where people love their dogs and want (to get out with their dogs)," Mlada said. "Frankly, it's another draw to the city."
Mlada said officials have checked out seven possible locations — narrowing their focus on three — but are really hoping for feedback from the community before making any moves.
"(I'm) just opening the door to this discussion, I really believe that there are enough dog owners that are interested — similar to the (Hales Trail Community Garden)," Mlada said, adding that the idea is to have the space be a city-owned park, but run and funded mostly by volunteers interested in the cause.
While some of the spaces being considered may have some logistic issues to consider, Mlada is optimistic about the ability of a dog park to bring people in and get them exposed to Port's downtown businesses.
Mlada said officials recalled a movement in the community to add a dog park in the past, which was largely opposed by a group led by a veterinarian, citing the possible spread of disease or animal fights.
"I think people have a great time, and the dogs have a great time — let's not make this more complicated than it should be," he said.
Do you support a city-owned dog park in Port?
Vote in the poll and tell us your reasons in the comments.
Bridgett Bartlein Drews
2:56 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I think it would be great! There are many people I know in the area that go to Grafton's.
Robert B.
4:40 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
YES! The open field next to Harbor Village. Empty parking lot to use and it's in the middle of town. It's a big empty field that costs a fortune to cut I'm sure. Toss a fence around it and let's go! Tired of people with unleashed dogs in Sauk Creek Nature Preserve!
Robert B.
4:41 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
"Mlada said officials have checked out seven possible locations — narrowing their focus on three — but are really hoping for feedback from the community before making any moves."
What are the locations?
Lyssa Beyer
8:20 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I only know of two of the locations specifically, but the others we didn't discuss because there are several logistical things to look into before even saying whether those spots would actually be viable so it was premature to go into details. The two locations I know about are Guenther Pond and space offered by Paulus Printing business owners (they have two greyhounds) on Mineral Springs Drive. Anyone who has interest in supporting this project/organizing it — I highly recommend getting in contact with the mayor!
CatMM
9:03 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
That would be great. We love Muttland Meadows, but a closer park would be really nice.
Tom Kamenick
6:55 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Ah, we know the Pauluses! How nice of an offer. We have a greyhound as well, and go to Muttland Meadows a lot. We'd likely go to Port instead, since it's closer.
Howard Hinterthuer
8:03 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I think dogs need to run and be "social," and the City should try to accommodate those needs in a managed way. But am also concerned about the concentration of e-coli and other pathogenic organisms in a confined area where they may leach into the ground water. Just a thought.
Robert B.
8:55 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
That wouldn't be a problem Howard, assuming responsible owners pick up the doodie immediately and toss it in the trash. Dog park doesn't equal feces littered field.
Betty Fields-Mueller
8:13 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I think a dog park in Port Washington is an absolutely wonderful idea! I currently take my dog to Grafton and would love to be able to take her somewhere closer to home.
Robert B.
8:56 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I emailed the mayor yesterday offering suggestions and support. I suggest you all do the same.
tmlada@ci.port-washington.wi.us
Lyssa Beyer
9:06 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Great to hear, Robert! Love it when community members get involved :)
Vic
9:55 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I have a perfect location - the place that is now called "bid sanctuary" or some such by power station. No birds there anyway.
Jim L. Olson
10:13 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
If you want to see a reay we managed dog park, go to Mequon. It's just over the Freeway off of Port Washington Rd. From Mequon Rd exit go South on Port Washington Rd and as soon as you cross the freeway turn left. There are 2 parking lots and the main lot is the second one you come to. Walk the trails and enjoy. It is wonderful. Way better than muttland meadows and only minutes further away.
debra
4:28 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Is this one fenced in? I don't trust my dogs off leash with distractions, and 1 is just a 4month old.
Missy Winkworth
11:06 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I think it is a great idea. I live near a fenced in graveyard and it annoys me when people use it as a dog park in the summer. It's nice to see the dogs (and owners) exercise, but it should be done in a more appropriate place.
Ellen Paulus
11:49 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
We had no idea the City was discussing this, but yes, we are in the process of writing a business plan for a dog park here on our property in the Industrial Park off Mineral Springs Drive. Our idea is that the park would be for members who sign up to be part of the park, so not technically public. People who are members would be able to use it any time, the area would be fenced and locked, and we would have 24 hour surveillance to prevent vandalism or inappropriate behavior. The idea is that we want to control who uses the park by making sure that the dogs brought in are appropriate for social interaction with people and dogs. We've heard horror stories about dogs being bitten, etc and want to curb any interactions that are less than positive for people and dogs. We'd also look at renting out the park for just you and your dogs if you want. There would be separate small and large dog areas, again for safety. I have a call in to Mayor Mlada to discuss.
Robert B.
1:25 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Interesting idea. My initial reaction to this not being a public park was not good but I like the idea of screening dogs. My dog is very timid and taking her to socialize only to be confronted by an aggressive dog would be more harm than good. That's why I get so angry when unleashed dogs approach us at Sauk Creek and Lion's Gorge.
The amount of people who think their dog is special and doesn't need a leash is staggering.
debra
4:44 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Separate areas for large and small is a great idea. While at Muttland M I worry about the little guys, esp ones that "think" they're big. I've see them get rolled by the big dogs. Little guy area needs to be a good size too though for them to open up and run. I foster dogs which are often young puppies. I'd like to socialize them with people and other dogs but often large dogs running loose at Muttland are alittle too much for a pup that needs TLC to come out of shell. (I always wait to take them until vaccinated.) I have a fenced in yard and use that until fosters can go to Muttland. Would love another option in Port, (and Saukville, hint hint Saukville Village Board).
Bridgett Bartlein Drews
6:43 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I think that is a great idea Bob! Would there be a fee for the members & if so how much? Most pet owners are responsible but you always seem to get "1 bad apple" to spoil it for the rest
Ellen Paulus
11:55 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
You would also be able to just get a day pass for people visiting the area, as well. This would be part of a larger dog complex we are hoping to develop with possibly many offerings such as doggie daycare, an indoor dog run for winter or bad weather, dog events, etc.
debra
5:09 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
How do you propose to assess a dog's temperment for the park when they are here visiting for the day? Or will this idea be up to the owners to judge if their dog is right for your park? Are you going to proof of required vaccinations and stool checks for parasites? This has alwys been a concern of mine regarding Muttland. My brother won't take his dog there anymore due to the fact it acquires something "evil" after visits there. Since he has stopped going to Muttland he has not had a problem.
Ellen Paulus
5:34 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
We (and our dog) will be assessing the dogs temperaments, even those who just want a day pass. One of us will always be here when the park is open (dawn to dusk). Proof of vaccinations or health record will be required.
debra
6:36 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Sounds great but most people traveling within the state or state to state don't bring records with them. Sounds OK for locals though. I'd join ya!
Ellen Paulus
1:56 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Robert, many greyhounds are on the shy side as well, and not suited for dog parks where there are more intense dogs. We realize not everyone will understand or agree with a private dog park, but we think there are so many benefits to having more control over every aspect of it - keeping it clean, etc. We also are considering renting the park or part of it out for private parties or events but would only rent part at a time so the rest of the park would be open for members. There is a lot of potential if we do this right it could be a great service to the area. Maybe we would even have "Shy Dog Day" or "Small Dog Day" in part of the park for dogs who fit those different categories. Our idea would be to try to provide service to all responsible dog owners.
Robert B.
2:14 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
It's a great idea, Bob. I think there's enough room in town for your controlled park and a public park. Lord knows there's almost as many dogs as people in this town. Good luck! Hope you can make this happen.
debra
4:50 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I fear the city will back away from the idea with another dog park in the city even though a private one. I'd like to remind them that they have a pool and playground equipment in city parks even though there are swing sets and pools in private backyards.
MB
7:38 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Would love to see a dog park in Port. Muttland Meadows in Grafton is nice - not overly controlled. Proof of vaccines, screening process, etc might be overthinking it a bit. Big dogs especially need a safe place to run off leash for awhile. Hope to see it happen. Any chance one of the locales is near the lake?