I debated about writing this, but thought again. I remember ten years ago when we moved here, I was so excited to join the dog club!
I went to the first open meeting I could and tried to give input on structuring a dog park. I had been involved with a dog club and park for many years and thought I could help. After saying my piece, I decided to go to a club meeting at which time I was ignored and realized this was a clique group who had been together for a while. No problem, I took the hint.
I went to Duffeeland park and realized this is not a dog park! This is a social park. That’s fine and lovely, but don’t call it a dog park. There are other dog parks. I think you can see the difference from the Sun City one and the other two.
Dogs need space, not all the tables and chairs nor stones and trees. People only need a few benches around the perimeter for owners. Owners should be watching their dogs or playing with them.
The sign with the rules is ridiculous. There is to much to read. Dog parks usually have 10-12 one-line rules that cover the rules. When there’s to much to read, it’s not read.
I agree that infractions should be given to the chair of the club. They should have the authority to inform the offender.
Maybe this park should be a people park, as there is no room for the dogs to run and play and they aren’t supervised by the owners. I think you should review some of your present needs and wants and instill upon your members to be aware of problems that need immediate solving like not picking up after their dog, letting someone know when their dog needs a pick up, watching aggressive behavior of dogs and telling the owner to control and definitely no treats or weapons.
Walk around the park and not just sit. Have small and large dog areas (but there isn’t room). If you want a social park, then say so, but those of us who have been to real dog parks know what I am talking about.
