Dog Park Closed

A light started this whole mess four years ago.  I went to the park and there were about 5 people huddled under the light of one streetlight.  It was dark and there was no way I could spot my dog as she ran around in the park.  I started asking around, why do we only have one light?  This of course led to more questions, such as, why does one side of the park have running water and shade and the small dog section is just a tiny patch of dirt?  Soon everybody was questioning the status of the dog park and getting involved.

Before you knew it I was conducting dog park crawls and presenting my findings to the park district.  One of the problems was the age of our park, about ten years ago it was the first in the area.  Today all new development includes a dog park.

Fortunately, everybody who attended the park regularly wanted to see changes, especially during the winter when the entire park became a swamp. The park district heard us and decided to create a Master Plan for our park. The public was involved in the development of the new plan and the Dog Park began to raise funds.  We sold as many dog cookies, calendars, and cookbooks as possible.  Our great committee chair sent out letters and applied for grants.  Contests were entered for a new dog park.  Community yard sales are being held to raise funds.  Everybody has contributed and worked hard to raise funds.

I am pleased to share that construction has started on the park infrastructure. Unfortunately, our park is closed for the entire summer.  

Signs on the gates.

Dumpsters scattered in the park.

Fencing has been removed.  Dying trees and concrete pads are gone.

I am so pleased with all the hard work of the Dog Park Committee and everybody who chipped in to raise funds.  This is fantastic progress, even though most of us are at a bit of a loss as to where to go in the evenings.  Marley misses her park and her friends.

I just wanted a tree

I've been up at "OMG its EARLY" two weekends in a row and I've started to wonder what went so wrong.

A while back I took Marley to her favorite park and we saw signs on all the trees in the small dog section; the trees were all going to be removed.  The trees were a big draw for us and I became concerned so I contacted the number on the flyer and did not receive a response.  I eventually contacted the park district to inquire about the tree removal and replacements.  

I was a bit unsettled by the response from the park district and I started to do some research about our park.  I learned the park was one of the first in the region (in 1990) and it was considered quite revolutionary.  At that time the park district signed an agreement with the founding members.  That agreement created the dog park association; which maintains the dog park. Today, park design tends to include amenities such as a dog park in the planing stage of a new park. 

Trees in the park were a major draw for me and I started to evaluate the park and amenities and compare Marley's favorite park with others in the region.  I became very upset when I realized how other dog parks are managed and maintained.  At this point it would have been smart had I picked out a new favorite park; instead I turned into Norma Rae. 

The dog park members rallied and we attended park district meetings and we expressed our distress with the lack of basic amenities in the dog park and at times unhealthy conditions.  The park listened to our concerns and after much debate agreed to work on a dog park master plan that would revitalize our park. The park offered to split the cost of renovating the park with the dog park association.

We have a lot of money that needs to be raised for the park to begin construction and in the last few months we have changed our approach.  We will be holding fundraisers every month until we have enough to begin construction.

Last week we staffed a gift wrapping booth at Pet Express.  

This week we held our 1st Annual Calendar Photo Shoot.  It was a huge success. Good Day Sacramento did a brief story on our event.   The photos were taken by Micheal Hall, who graciously donated his time.  Coffee was donated by Starbucks.  Donuts were donated by Richard's donuts, Raley's and BelAir and Safeway.  Goodie bags were donated by Incredible Pets. 

If you are in the area we welcome your attendance at an event.  I would also recommend you to check how your favorite dog park is maintained and if there is a dog park society in charge of maintenance I would encourage you to make a donation. 

As I was setting up yesterday in the frost covered lawn, I realized I still don't know when the removed trees will be replaced. 

Calling All Super Models

In December 2010 the Carmichael Recreation and Park District (CRPD) approved the Carmichael Dog Park Proposed Renovation as part of the District-Wide Master Plan after hosting three community meetings during which CRPD staff heard public input regarding renovation and improvements at the dog park. The resulting Proposed Dog Park Renovation includes upgrading the infrastructure, adding trails, seating, shade, new fencing, and enlarging the small dog park.

Due to economic times the Park District offered to share the cost of renovations with the Carmichael Canine Corral (at times also known as Carmichael Dog Park Society).  This is one of the many fundraisers we will host in order to raise sufficient funds to start renovations for a healthier park.

Cover Girls Need a Whole Month!

The 1st Annual Calendar Photo Event will be held on December 17, 2011 from 10-1 p.m. at Carmichael Park. A professional photographer will ensure all dogs that attend will be in the calendar. There is no charge for participating.

My Cover Girl wants her own month. There is the option for all those fabulous Super Models who wish to donate $50 for their own month.

The calendar can be pre-ordered on December 17th for $15 or you can purchase your calendar at a later date for $17.

Vendors will be present and there will be Free Doughnuts, Coffee and Cocoa. See ya there!