2008 - 2009 Robert L. Nelson Dog Park Annual Meeting

 

We had a great turn-out for this year's meeting on April 15th, 2008 at the Animal Aid Clinic - South.  There were 29 people (and we ran out of chairs - sorry).

    Dr. Nelson gave an introduction that ALWAYS includes the understanding that the Dog Park is there purely for fun.  We have many very serious things in our lives and the Dog Park is not one of them.  This is the 5th year of the Dog Park's existence and because there were several newcomers he gave a little history of the property. The property was an abandoned slaughter house on mostly flood plane land with a $150,000.00 lean for back taxes.  It took over 5 years of devotion, working through the State and County to make this park a reality.  The not-for-profit Dog Park is overseen by a board of directors, but is owned and run by the members.  There is actually a total of 15 acres (3 being within the fences) and people are welcome to take their dogs on leashes around the rest of the property.  It is filled with birds and is quite lovely, though there is no official trail at this time.

     The financial report was given and accepted.  (Attached)  The rest of the meeting was used to discuss problems and prioritize projects for this year.

***The Port-A-Potty will be cleaned once a month around the 3rd of the month (there had been a problem getting to it by the cleaning company.)

***The front gate area is always a problem with mud.

***The vandalism of the shed is a problem

***The rule to allow children only 12 years and older was again discussed (as it is each year) and affirmed again.  Safety is the biggest concern at the park and racing dogs can be a hazard to adults, much less small children.

***Take your cell phone in with you when you go - one member was locked in but eventually was able to jimmy the lock to get out.

***The lock system is the best we know at this time.  If you see that it is damaged you can call the Animal Aid Clinic (875-5102) and they will call the locksmith.

***Please keep toys picked up for the mowers.  They will be coming on Tuesdays, so if you are there Monday evening you could be very kind and do extra "toy duty"

***Fertilizing is always a problem.  We hired it done the first year and it was done very poorly, so we have done it by volunteers since.  If you can, contact local sellers of fertilizer and ask for broken bags (make sure it is a more mild chemical mix so it will not harm the dogs) and then spread it.  Or, if you have another suggestion on how to get it done, that would be wonderful.

***The mud holes are also still a problem.  The best solution so far is to move the mulch that is on the south end of the parking lot to the low areas and dump it there.  If you have a wheel barrow or front loader or know of a good way to get the mulch to the low areas that would be great.

***The pond is still not where it should be.

***Water spigot is broken (Frog plumbing has been called since the meeting to get the repair done.)

The conclusions were that the mud holes, shed vandalization, pond, and pavers to go by the front gate were the 4 highest priorities.

     Wonderful Stephanie Newton volunteered to be chairwoman of the committee to create a work day.  Her father Keith is also going to help with arranging for pavers to be purchased and installed around the front gate area to relive the situation there. 

***Dr. Nelson is meeting with a pond expert to see what might be done to make it better

***The shed will be patched as necessary.  It is not worth it to buy a new shed just to have it vandalized again and again.

The new keys are available now!  The lock will be re-keyed on June 1st.

Reminders will be sent out in mid-May that the new keys will be required.

This is your Dog Park, and though it is designed for just fun, as with anything worthwhile it takes some work to maintain.  If Stephanie asks you to come for a couple of hours with some tools to help - please do that and bring your friends.  It is always the same people doing the work, and that should not be.  The more people that come, the easier it is to accomplish wonderful things for our canine friends. 

     Come out to work, and come out to play!  Thank you to all who attended the meeting, it is gratifying to know that the Dog Park is so loved.

Robert L. Nelson board of directors