 |
RHINEBECK DOG PARK
We would like the town of Rhinebeck, NY to consider a dog park for our town.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING AND THEN SIGN THE GUESTBOOK. YOU MAY EMAIL THIS PAGE TO YOUR FRIENDS! GET INVOLVED! YOUR POOCH WILL THANK YOU!
Our Objective:
To have the Town (Village)Board of Rhinebeck and the recently selected appointees of the Rhineson Property (land behind the Starr Library and the rec park) approve a site and plan for the construction of a dog park or OLRA (Off-Leash Recreation Area) for dog owners and their canines. The newly purchased Rhineson Property is over 70 acres large. WE ARE ASKING FOR ONLY A FEW ACRES TO BE FENCED OFF FOR OUR DOGS.
Benefits of a Dog Park to the Community:
Dog parks promote public safety. Designated spaces for dogs and their owners reduces the likelihood that dogs will be let loose in other recreational areas where they could infringe on the rights of other park areas.
Dog parks promote responsible dog ownership. All users will license their dogs, not only because the threat of a fine is greater in a dog park but also because there is a considerable social pressure from regular dog park users to do the right thing. The social aspect of dog parks also tend to enforce the basic rules of dog ownership such as cleaning up after one's dog and always controlling one's dog behavior.
Dog parks are a social hub for communities: Dogs often help people break the ice, allowing people who share interests to socialize while exercising their dogs. These interactions help neighbors to get to know each other and to build a sense of community. These interactions are perhaps the most significant benefit offered by dog parks. In fact, many people who visit dog parks do not own dogs. They simply enjoy watching other people's dogs play. Not all dog lovers are fortunate enough to own a dog for a number of reasons.
Dog parks reduce neighborhood noise. Well exercised puppies and dogs are less likely to create a nuisance by barking excessively or destroying property. Also, dog parks can make dogs less aggressive, reducing the risks of dog attacks.
Dog parks help with law enforcement resources. Designated off-leash spaces reduce the resources law enforcement and animal control officers must spend enforcing leash and dog litter laws, allowing them to devote their time to other areas of crime prevention.
Benefits of a Dog Park to Dog Owners:
Dog parks provide a vital public space allowing people to meet and form the bonds fo community.
Dog parks allow people the pleasure of watching their dogs at play.
Dog parks contribute to overall physical fitness of people by encouraging them to exercise with their dogs.
Dog parks provide an opportunity for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors.
A well-adjusted, less aggressive dog is more enjoyable and easier to handle for the owner.
Physically fit dogs are healthier and are not subject to problems that overweight dogs are resulting in lower vet bills.
Dog parks provide elderly and disabled people with an accessible place to exercise their companions.
Benefits of a Dog Park to Dogs:
Studies have shown that dogs that are exercised and are allowed to run free are not as aggressive towards people as dogs that are under-exercised.
Allowing dogs to have an off leash area socializes dogs. It brings them in contact with other dogs and causes them to be less aggressive in each future encounter with dogs.
Dog parks improve the mental state of dogs. Many dog owners report that after a heavy exercise their dogs are less agitated and more relaxed and in general, nicer to be around.
It is common to plan areas that are exclusively for the use of people engaged in a particular sport: tennis, soccer, basketball, softball, etc. All of these activities exclude persons not involved in the activity. The thing is, they all provide exercise and social activity desired by the participants. People enjoy watching their dogs at play. They enjoy participating in recreational activities with their dogs and need a place to do such a thing.
The Rhineson Property was purchased for public use by the town and village of Rhinebeck back in 2002. The idea for a dog park was suggested, after the purchase, as one small part of a large recreational facility plan. The entire 70+ acre property is going to be developed into what seems to be lovely ideas. A dog park, ballparks, lawn bowling, a walking garden, soccer fields, etc., are some of the suggestions already given to the Rhinson Committee. They money to develop these things and other suggestions has already been considered by the town and village when they purchased the property with the intend to develop it. To suggest that dog owners pay privately for their fair share of public land is like asking tennis players, ball players, soccer players, etc., to pay privately for the recreational facilities that they enjoy. What makes Rhinebeck great is the recreational facilities that are in this community that allow us to intermingle and socialize. A dog park allows us to get out and meet others even more. The Rhineson Property was purchased with the specific reason of adding even more public recreational facilities and the suggested dog park, soccer field, walking garden, etc., all fit into this plan.
(All of this information would be posted on a bulletin board at the dog park.)
People and Dog Etiquette at a Dog Park:
Owners must clean up after their pets.
No aggressive dogs allowed.
Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and have a park pass.
No female dogs 'in season'.
Spayed/Neutered dogs recommended.
Leaving dogs unattended is prohibited.
No food allowed.
No Smoking. (Cigarette butts can be fatal to dogs.)
Owners must remove any pinch, prong or spiked collars before entering the dog park area.
Be sure children stay in the viewing area only. No pets are allowed in this area and no children are allowed in the dog park.
DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO VISIT THE CHILDREN'S PARK FOR ANY REASON, EVEN LEASHED!
Owners need to have a leash available at all times.
No strollers, carriages, bikes,skates or roller blades are permitted.
Use only donated park toys. Do not bring in your dog's toys that he/she may be possessive of.
Dogs must be leashed at all times when not in the dog park. This includes walking to and from the dog park.
Owners must be sure their dog is playing in the appropriate area for their size pet: either the 30 pounds and under area of the over 30 pounds area.
Owner waives the liability to the town, village or municipality for any injury or damage caused by any pet during any time in the off leash area.
Children under (determined age) are not allowed in the dog park for the following reasons:
-This is not a place for children to get over their fear of dogs.
-Not all dogs are child-friendly.
-Children are easily knocked over by running dogs.
-Herding breeds may nip children in an attempt to herd them.
-Children and dogs are unpredictable and should not interact while a dog is off a leash and unrestrainable.
Recommendations for building a Great Dog Park:
Location is important. If located too far from town, most people will not use the park and continue to run their dogs in other public areas.
Having a small sectioned off area for small dogs is advised. Same principle holds true for building a playground for children. It is fair for all involved to have a safe place to play and not worry about little ones getting hurt by the larger dog's innocent play.
Remember, for every dog at the park, you have a human. Most of us would like a nice place to sit with shade.
A grassy area is necessary. It prevents dust and mud. It also gives the dogs traction for running.
Garbage cans are essential. Good ones are mounted directly onto the fence and off the ground.
Human drinking fountains with the dog watering station on the bottom are great! If not, a spigot with a heavy-duty bowl would suffice.
A receptacle for donated clean plastic bags would be useful for those who forget to bring something to pick up their dog's messes with.
A fenced observation area for kids that should not come in contact with the dogs would be nice.
Posted rules and hours of operation are important.
Adequate fencing is a must.
Trees or shade structures are great on hot days. Trees also help soak up extra water when it rains, helping with mud problems.
Having a double gated entrance is essential. Somewhere the dog owner can go to remove the leash and then let the dog go in. This double gate also acts as security. If a dog gets out of the first gate in an attempt to 'escape', it is less likely he'll get through the second gate. (They have these systems in prisons!) This is a standard item in most dog parks.
Bulletin boards can be very useful to display rules, upcoming events and precautions about the dog park. They are a great way for the town to communicate with those using the park.
The cost to put up a fence around an acre or two, add lighting, benches, shade and garbage pick up is probably the cheapest of all the recreational facility ideas suggested. For the large amount of dog owners and the relatively inexpensive cost to construct a dog park, it seems a good way to preserve an area of land that is designated to be developed anyway.
I HOPE THIS SITE HAS GIVEN YOU REASON TO WANT A DOG PARK IN RHINEBECK. PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY SIGNING THE GUESTBOOK AND LEAVING A COMMENT. I WILL RETURN ALL E-MAILS AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE AT THE DOG PARK WHEN IT IS CONSTRUCTED!
Thank you to the countless dog lovers around the country who gave their advice so freely. We will keep in touch and let you know how it goes.
Also, thank you to Marion from the Matted Mutt Dog Groomers in Rhinebeck. Her support for dogs has been very much appreciated. What an incredibly caring person who has just a magical touch with animals! Marion truly has a way with the dogs she styles. My dog won't let anyone brush her except Marion! Belle, my maltese, looks fabulous everytime she visits Matted Mutt! She is located on River Road in Rhinebeck and her email address is mattedmutt@yahoo.com
Thank you also to Patty from Patty's Pet Palace. A wonderful and caring woman that boards dogs. You could not get a more compassionate person to care for your pet when you are away. Leave your pet at her large facility. Patty's Pet Palace is located off of Route 9 in Rhinebeck and her telephone number is 876 7211.
Thanks also to the Rhinebeck Animal Hospital for showing such a great interest in our neighborhood dogs and dog owners!
Countryside Animal Hospital has also shown us a great deal of support and is helping to spread the word about a dog park. They are incredible! Thank you to everyone there for all you do!
Gloria J Cestero-Hurd, Owner of 'Sit Happens!' is also a wonderful supporter of the Rhinebeck Dog Park. 'Sit Happens!' is a pet-sitting company perfect for the busy professional. A Bonded, Insured, Red- Cross Certified Pet Sitter will come to your home and take your dog out for walks. Felxible schedule and reasonable fees make this a business worth checking out! Email Gloria at NYBeatnik@aol.com. She would be glad to send you a brochure full of information about her company.
Please support the businesses that support a dog park for Rhinebeck!
SIGN THE GUEST BOOK!
Send E-Mail to: mcassarino1@aol.com
Copyright © 2005 Rhinebeck Dog Owner Group. All Rights Reserved