Does Ferndale Need a Dog Park?
One resident started a Facebook page this month to support the idea of a dog park in the city.
Would you like to see Ferndale have a dog park?
Resident Derek Kuschel would, and he recently started a Facebook page where those who agree can discuss the idea and think of ways to help make it happen.
"I'm looking into some areas that would be good sites for the park, and hopefully we can get some more Likes on the page and some attention from the city," he told Patch.
Kuschel says he has a tiny backyard and would like a place where his dog can get some exercise.
"I noticed a lot of people over the summer taking their dogs inside that fenced in area in front of that school/church on Woodward just north of Marshall. Then I remembered the parks I've seen when I go to visit my friends in Brooklyn or Austin," he said. "It was nice for the residents there too as they probably wouldn't have met their neighbors otherwise."
[Find the Facebook page: "Ferndale Needs a Dog Park."]
Kuschel says he would help take care of a dog park, if the city were to have one, and he thinks other residents would too.
Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said a dog park is something that could be considered as the city starts a re-evaluation of its Parks Master Plan soon.
"There's a lot more we could do to fully utilize our parks, and the city is open to creative ideas to increase participation in them. Dog parks are certainly a use I think our residents would appreciate, but there's other good ideas, too," Coulter said. "I'd love for those who are passionate about our parks to join with us in creating a plan that looks at all the potential uses, including dog parks."
What do you think?
Would you take your dog to a dog park if Ferndale had one? Where would you like it to be? Do you visit any other dog parks in the area? Tell us in the comments section below!
Ferndale Resident
7:30 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
Jessica, has anything more been said about any plans to build a pool? I know this isn't directly related to this article, but I figure you'd know more than I about it, and the discussion about the pool seems to have died down a bit recently.
Jessica Schrader
9:20 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
I don't think there's been any official discussions or plans, but recreation director Jill Manchik was researching the issue in late August when we did the story about the Facebook page the resident made (https://www.facebook.com/FerndalePool). I'll keep you updated if I hear anything!
LopeintheD
7:32 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
Many of us here in Ferndale have small yards, which can be limiting to anyone who has dogs that are very active or larger breeds...THEY LOVE THE RUN FREE. I used to visit the "Bark Park" in Lake Orion (before moving to Ferndale) and my dogs LOVED IT. Was huge and so much fun watching all of the dogs play. This is a great idea!
Paulette Krist
11:36 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
I am a dog walker in the area and lots of my clients have a pass to the Pleasant Ridge dog park. I live in Ferndale too but it is available to anyone although the fee for a non-resident is higher. It is very nice but I would also like one in Ferndale.
AdamR
12:39 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
I'm surprised people are still asking about a pool. It does not seem very realistic or cost effective. Maybe in pleasant ridge where property values continue to rise along with tax collections but not in Ferndale. A dog park is much more logical. As a dog owner, I would love to hear more discussions of Ferndale getting a dog park .
Ferndale Resident
1:06 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
I'm by no means into real estate, but wouldn't having a pool raise property values and draw people to live in the city? The same could also be said of a dog park to a lesser extent.
Ferndale_1986
1:01 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
in a word, NO.
in three words, NO BIG TIME.
Birmingham tried it and was rightfully sued by residents and the dog park was abandoned.
It's call legal precedent, people.
LopeintheD
1:28 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
What happened?
etx
3:02 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
^ [Citation Needed]
The new Dog Park in Birmingham IS open. The previous park was closed after legal issues related to the usage restrictions placed on the deed. It was probably just a grumpy old cat owner complaining about it, much like yourself.
http://birmingham.patch.com/articles/dog-park-opens-with-rain-happy-pooches
Motown Voice
5:50 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Delicious, ETX. Well done.
Easydude
10:08 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
With everything that happens in the city. The issue of a dog park has sparked a great interest.
Pamela Bartz
10:11 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
I would bring my dog to a dog park. She would love the chance to meet other dogs and run free with new friends. I would even be willing to help with upkeep.
Carey Gustafson
4:13 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Ferndale Pool Campaign page was designed to discuss and incubate ideas, get a headcount of interested locals and have some fun. Although it would be righteous, I don't think a pool can be kickstarted!