Welcome to the Whitney Dog Park action website. A group of residents in the Wilkinsburg area are pushing to have the Council of Wilkinsburg to convert the old baseball field at Whitney Park into an off-leash dog area.
A dog park brings families, residents, and communities together for a fun activity. Having a dog park close brings good families to the area. The regular dog walking in the area to and from the park significantly discourages crime. The community has little need for a baseball field at this location, but a large number of dog-owning families are passionate about using the field with their pets. We firmly believe that the use of public resources should meet the needs of the community, rather than the other way around.
A large group of local residents is willing to contribute financially to fund necessary physical improvements.
We demand that the Council of Wilkinsburg:
- Designate the old baseball field at Whitney Park as the Whitney Dog Park
- Enact an ordinance permitting off-leash dogs in the Whitney Dog Park
- Coordinate with local residents to make necessary physical improvements
If you haven’t already, please sign the petition!
Major Update. On May 1, 2013 by a 5-4 vote, the Whitney Dog Park was re-OPENED! However, it is still subject to the leash law. The formal public meeting to discuss this field being designated as a dog park will occur on Wednesday, May 22nd at 7pm in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Borough building.
Here are 4 of 9 council members who on May 1, 2013 vote to keep the park CLOSED:
Barbara Ervin |
Eugenia Moore |
Paige Trice |
Pamela Macklin |
Saving Whitney Dog Park not only enhances the neighborhood, it keeps it’s residents safe and active, and instills a sense of community.
Do it for the dogs!
Ok, so how does it keep residents safe:
1. brings pedestrian traffic to the alley.
2. regular visitors monitor park usage
What we need, though, are some signs that prohibit parking on the fire lane, and in people’s driveways. This gives park users some leverage to ask people who park in the fire lane to move their cars, or who park in other people’s driveways….Otherwise we have no leverage.
Unless Whitney Field is being used for some human activity ie, Ball Park, walking and or what ever it is the perfect place to unleash your dog and let them exercise.
An owner throwing a ball for her dogs IS human activity. Kids have many fields for baseball, and residents who have dogs but not kids have just as much reason for an exercise area as residents who have kids but not dogs. In fact, off-leash exercise area does not go well with any otehr use of the same space. Many people are afraid of dogs off leash, and they would turn away from the area on seeing dogs using it. We need open spaces maintained as unrestrained exercise areas for all benign uses.
further reflections. Okay. dogs are noisy. So are kids, and I guess this used to be the site of baseball (little League) games, so that must have made some ruckus too. Now the children play ball at Koenig, which is a little farther off the beaten path as neighbors go. I think we should use this as an opportunity to problem solve. If the neighbors are fussed over the noise–and I agree that sometimes there is a lot of barking–then we as responsible dog owners need to deal with it. If the neighbors are upset JUSTIFIABLY over the parking in the fire lane, then we can deal with that too. We try to, but some folks don’t listen, or if they do move their cars, they put them in someone’s driveway, which is equally irresponsible.
I’d like to see the petition amended to say that we request that something be done to secure the unused portion of the park for dog owners and their pets. We can make some suggestions, and we can work with the neighbors on making it acceptable to all of us.
It’s a dog park…. It can’t cost that much to maintain. Get volunteers to mow the grass. Not that difficult.
Never seen any dog owner’s volunteer for the clean up day. Apparently you do not know much about maintenance cost. FYI is NOT an official dog park nor is it insured as such. It was adopted as one 11 years ago by a select group of local residence the walked their dogs to the park after work and did not need to drive there.
There is NO excuse to park in the fire lane or on someone’s private property — come on, people, just use some common sense and common courtesy. Park in the lot where you enter the park. If you can’t find a space there (and I always do), then find some street parking. Parking should NOT be the issue here.
Please forward this link with the petition to any other dog lovers you know who are utilizing the park — we need all the support we can get! Thanks so much for everyone’s help!
Or just walk there….and if you see someone parking in alley or in section between ball park and basketball court SPEAK UP!
How about if the BORO simply erects a sign????????????????
I’d be interested in ways that we can make this work for everyone. We frequently bring our two dogs to the park, and usually everyone there is very courteous to the other people in the park, as well as to the surrounding homes. I have never seen someone park in the fire lane. I would say that the people who care about the park should help to police it as well. If you see something inappropriate/irresponsible: SAY SOMETHING!
The block near the dog park isn’t that long — how many people are really being bothered by the dogs? Just because a few property owners object doesn’t mean they should have the final say. I’ve been going to the dog park for quite some time, and I’ve never seen anyone parking in the alley, or in anybody’s private parking space. What I have seen are wonderful people enjoying the outdoors, talking about their jobs and their kids and their dogs and the community. And the borough wants to take this away?
I called City Council today to inquire about the closure of Whitney. The response I received was “The reason the park is locked is because no dogs are allowed.” This is the E-mail I’ve written (to City Council) in response. Feel free to give them a call: 412-244-2900 x1.
Hi Debra (and CC-d Wilkinsburgh City Council Members),
Thanks for the quick response regarding the closure of Whitney Park. I want to just take a moment and express my disappointment with the answer that it was closed due to “no dogs allowed”, and I hope you’re able to forward it to any individuals who would be appropriate, and left off of this E-mail.
Whitney Park’s field has been a community dog park for more than five years — and has been loved and enjoyed as a wonderful and safe place for dogs to play for as long as I’ve lived in the area. Having a resource such as Whitney Park does more than benefit the dogs and their owners however — it encourages responsible dog walking in a safe and enclosed space, away from families, young children, and other pedestrians who frequent Frick Park and the non-fenced in areas of Whitney. Without Whitney, I am sure many of the frequent users will use these multi-use public areas more commonly. Intermingling dogs and families is not always a great thing.
I am also doubtful about the purpose of closing the park due to dogs. The park is not used for any other purpose, so it seems unlikely that they are reserving the park for field events such as baseball, frolicking, or other community uses. This suggests to me that the park will fall into dereliction, which services nobody. This is very unfortunate, and short-sighted.
If parking is instead the problem, then there must be another solution to closing the park itself. Ticketing comes to mind — and would be a great way to increase revenue while serving a public good.
I will be joining the petition to re-open Whitney – but I also find it very disappointing that the city of Wilkinsburgh would fail to support such a lovely community resource.
Thank you,
Melissa
Maybe we should call WTAE and ask them to investigate??
Melissa,
This is not an OFFICIAL dog park.
The park has been in decay for over 20 years and was in worse condition prior. It was the adjacent residence that endured rowdy little league games with vulgar ill mannered parents and illegal parking which the borough refused to ticket then so why would they now?
It was also the adjacent residence that cleaned up the park on a regular basis. It was also a the select group of residence that had dogs there with them when they did so. The park’s clean-up spurred it’s use as a dog park over 10 years ago by a select group of residence adjacent to the park. They cleaned up after the baseball and soft ball games when the league left their garbage, drink boxes, and beer cans. They trimmed to over grown weeds, saplings, poison ivy growing on the fences. They picked up dead rats and birds killed by local cats, plus used the condoms left behind by midnight visitors.
Now these select group of longtime residents are dealing with a select group of dog owners and dog walkers (or should I call them dog drivers) that do not live in the adjacent area and are to lazy to walk into Frick Park. So they drive to the park. Yes I said lazy. The original group of residence that started to use the ball field just walked to the park.
So will the volunteer group see you on Clean up day May 18th?
So what if I drive from the other side of Wilkinsburg instead of walk? I’m far from lazy. Maybe you want to amend the petition to state that all users of the park must walk to the park? You seem to be making a big deal out of nothing.
I called and was told the same thing . . . no dogs allowed. Debra couldn’t really answer any questions — like whether it’s up for discussion, were there complaints about noise, parking . . . she didn’t really have any answers. In the meantime, let’s continue to encourage everyone we know who utilizes the park to sign the petition. Barney’s going to be quite upset that he won’t be able to see all his friends . . .
I also called and was told basically the same thing as Barney’s Mom. I did find out the next borough meeting is next Wed, May 1st at Wilkinsburg Boro Bldg in council chambers on the second floor. Seems the main reason for the closing is Wilkinsburg has no dog parks. Well, as we all know, there’s a first time for everything. Please continue to pass this petitiion around. Hopefully Patch will run it in one of their editions soon. Barney and all the other dogs will miss each other as will we humans!
I’ve lived within walking distance of Whitney Field as a Wilkinsburg homeowner for about 40 years. My sons played T-ball at Whitney Field. T-ball and older kid baseball was discontinued at Whitney; then people started bringing their dogs to the field. I took my older dog to the field when he was a puppy in year 2002. He’s part border collie and could easily jump a five foot high fence then; he needed lots of space to run. He had so much energy he would not have been a good dog without the great fenced field. One plus about living in Wilkinsburg!
People who say they’ve never seen anyone parking in the fire lane–come on! Until I stopped going to the field last year because there were TOO MANY dogs AT ALL HOURS, I saw professional dog walkers pull up on the sidewalk EVERY DAY to unload a carful of dogs right at the gate.
I’ve been told that a public park cannot restrict access to Wilkinsburg residents only– that a generation ago Oakmont lost an appeal to the PA Supreme Court trying to keep the tennis courts paid for by local taxes available for Oakmont residents who were being crowded out. Too bad from my point of view– but I may take advantage of playing tennis at the City of Pittsburgh courts in Frick Park. To people who DRIVE dogs to Whitney from richer municipalities– do you ever stop to think that generally less well off people in Wilkinsburg are paying for this?
I am not signing any petition that fails to acknowledge this is a Wilkinsburg neighborhood and fails to provide a funding plan for maintaining the fenced field and enforcing rules that forestall overcrowding and barking. (Much of the barking is the result of overcrowding.)
Wilkinsburg residents are paying for WHAT at the park – if that’s what you want to call it. It’s been abandoned for years. And you play tennis at Frick – a city park?
Whitney Field was NOT **abandoned** before you discovered it. My dogs and I and a **few** other families with dogs used it.
I don’t play tennis at the City of Pittsburgh courts YET– because I assumed until last week they were for City of Pittsburgh residents only.
Your dogs and a few other families? It’s not just YOUR private park.
SO Anonymous we will see you at clean up day on May 18th?
EVERY DAY is clean up day for dog owners.
Beg to differ Peg,
This park has not been abandoned by the residence that live adjacent to it. We are the ones paying with our time and our money to keep the park clean. Nor has it been abandoned by the City of Wilkinsburg. Apparently you have no idea of the financial state of the borough and that is has no affiliation with the city of Pittsburgh like Frick Park so it does not have access to the any funds to maintain or update.
Voice of Reason: Wilkinsburg is a Borough NOT a City and also a borough that is slowly coming back financially. Since funds are not available, and as a fellow resident of Wilkinsburg, you should appreciate the time and effort people who use this park voluntarily put in to keeping it clean while there with their dogs. Some even take the water containers to fill them up and bring them back using their own cars and gas and do not ask for any type of compensation. The point of this petition is to make this a nice place for both dogs and humans. There are more considerate people than not that use the park.
Wrong again — I have a very clear idea of the financial state of the borough, and know it has no affiliation with the City of Pittsburgh.
Dog owners are the ones maintaining this vacant piece of land, so what’s the problem? Dogs bring the community together.
Define “community.” My definition is people who pay taxes directly (property owner) or indirectly (renter) to Wilkinsburg. The “vacant piece of land” belongs to the Wilkinsburg community, not to the “dog-friendly community.” Note: I pay taxes on four Wilkinsburg properties and take care of three dogs.
Doesn’t seem as if there was much, if any, interest in this abandoned piece of ground (or the park for that matter) until somebody actually started making good use of it (dog owners) — interesting.
Jill
That statement would be wrong and it is not an abandoned piece of property. It is also not an official dog park. It was not the dog owners who rescued it..it was the local adjacent residents.
See you at the volunteer clean up day? May 18th
I’m sorry your definition of Community is not a friendly one but a monetary one. It’s nice of you to share that you pay taxes on four properties in Wilkinsburg and I have no doubt you keep them up to code. However, your assests are not what this petition is about. It’s about people and dogs getting together for good conversation and fun. I see people, who do pick up after their dogs, sharing their dogs treats and toys with other dogs and enjoying good conversation. Yes, there are people who do not clean up after their dogs leaving it for us but guess what…..the world is not perfect. Take some time to smell and enjoy the roses! If you are so against all of this then buy property.
This petition is about ignoring the fact that this is a public park kept a open public space by the borough of Wilkinsburg for the benefit of the residents of Wilkinsburg.
How about you work to establish a dog park in the municipality where you pay taxes.
The world is not perfect; that’s no reason for the taxpayers of Wilkinsburg to maintain a park for the benefit of many residents of richer municipalities.
this park has literally been maintained by its immediate neighbors for years, since before its use changed from baseball to a dog park. very little, if any, wilkinsburg taxpayer money goes into the upkeep of this park. i’m of the opinion that the people who take care of it should have the majority of the say in what it’s used for, although of course the law is not currently on the side of it being a dog park. but that can change.
the majority of users of this park are wilkinsburg residents, based on my experience of going there nearly every day for a couple of years. i am a wilkinsburg resident.
Is there a reason to believe the vast majority of park users aren’t local (as in “within walking distance”)? Just because someone shows up in a car doesn’t immediately mean they are from some other community. I usually (used to) walk to the park from a couple blocks away, but I did bring my dog in the car on one occasion because we were on our way back from a trip that required driving.
Also, I don’t think that the definition of “public” is “restricted to a certain group of users.” So either it’s a public park, or it isn’t — unless you want Wilkinsburg taxpayers to start paying a bouncer to check ID’s at the gate.
As far as concerns about appropriate and inappropriate parking locations, I think some signs would go a long way. The only time I drove to the park I did park in what, from this discussion, seems like an objectionable spot — the paved strip next to the fenced in ballfield (which I’ve learned from this thread is not OK). I had seen other visitors park there before, so I had no idea it was frowned upon. I expect that a “No Parking” sign in the area would make a big difference.
With regard to the objection to feces that hasn’t been picked up, I have used extra bags to pick up other dogs’ messes when I’ve spotted them. If this was a known area of concern, I imagine other park visitors would also be willing to pitch in to clean up after the few irresponsible (or perhaps just inattentive) dog owners.
I have been in favor of a locked gate with tag key access as used at swimming pools. Subscribers pay the rate for a tag set by the owner (in this case, the borough) to collect enough money to pay for maintenance, and they have to display their tag when using the facility. The community of tag holders self-police, reporting a tag holder who breaks the rules (for instance, allows sustained barking by their dog). Break the rules ongoing, tag is revoked. This way the taxpayers of Wilkinsburg generally– many of whom do not agree that dog owners need a fenced field– do not have to pay for maintenance of the field and admin of its use.
The phrase “dog park” has created some confusion. Whitney Park has five areas– (1) parking, (2) children’s playground with equipment, (3) fenced basketball court in currently in disrepair but occasionally used, (4) open space with rain garden, (5) large field completely enclosed by high fence ideal for either adult baseball (little kids couldn’t hit halfway to the outfield) or OLEA, off-leash exercise area.
It seems awfully strange to say that you won’t support something that would benefit you because it might accidentally benefit someone else.
Dog park is of benefit to me; Wilkinsburg resources for Wilkinsburg residents is of more benefit to me.
So what’s the current benefit to anyone of the park being locked shut? What is your ideal outcome of this situation? I don’t understand how a park can effectively be restricted to use by residents of a specific zip code.
A friend I spoke with last night who is an attorney specializing in municipal law supported what I was told last week– a public park cannot be restricted to residents of the municipality only.
Zipcode isn’t the issue– tax base is. BTW, Wilkinsburg has properties with 15235 zipcodes and a few 15218 and two 15208 in addition to mostly 15221.
So the public policy points are (1) keep overcrowding from ruining the field (“tragedy of the commons”); (2) administer to allow Wilkinsburg residents opportunity for use before use is subscribed by nonresidents; (3) protect the quality of life of the neighbors (barking); (4) public safety and insurance if necessary.
I’d like to correct/clarify a couple things on this website. First, in the history in the “ABOUT” section. Specifically: “Local residents became concerned and decided to take action. They transformed Whitney Field into a family friendly enclosed dog park.”
About ten years ago residents who border Whitney Park and from around the neighborhood banned together to form the Whitney Park Neighborhood Association. These members along with the support and help of borough officials, met to address and work on the problems in the park. Our objective was to improve the park for the benefit of residents, families, stop crime, but not to create a dog park in the ball field.
These efforts started when the Little League was still using the ball field. The kids and coaches showed up one Spring to participate. The Little League continued to play and practice in the park for, I believe, 3 years after the Association started the park remediation. Informal dog walking started a year or two after the Little League stopped using the field.
There have been occasional Association discussions, but nothing in depth, about considering a dog park, most of these years in the area beyond the outfield to the far end of the park. Other suggestions for the ball park have been a soccer field, sale to a developer where funds would be used to improve the rest of the park and increase borough income, and recently a fruit tree nursery, and a community garden.
Over the years, the Association has had clean-ups, coordinated with the borough, sometimes once a year, sometimes in the Spring and Fall. (I see we need one now.) We started and continue to: rake leaves; cut back the trees and vines in the parking lot area; shovel mulch under the swing sets; weed around (and in) the basketball court; weed generally; plant trees and flowers and bushes, etc. We also worked with the borough to get the dilapidated volleyball court removed and grass planted in that area. Residents who bordered the parking lot pledged to call the police whenever they saw suspicious activity, and to call Duquesne Light when streetlights went out. (In my opinion, that’s what reduced crime.) A resident who borders the parking lot installed, at his expense, bright lighting on the back of his building to better light the area.
All of this can be verified by some members of Borough Council, and residents, who were involved in these efforts.
The way to deal with noise or improperly parked cars is to talk to your neighbors or call the police, not to close the park. If your neighbor is playing music too loud you ask them to turn it down or call the police to tell them to turn it down, you don’t ban music. I do agree that some posted rules would be helpful for informing people about the community standards and empowering people to encourage those standards. But honestly, even with no formal regulations this is the most respectful dog park I have ever been to.
I agree – everyone is so friendly and share a common bond – our love for our dogs. I’ve found everyone responsible and concerned with the conditions and maintenance of the park, and feel these people are the boro’s most valuable assets. Let’s all work together.
I have to say that I’m pleased to see that there is minimal antagonism on here – it seems that we all agree that adjacent residents have reasons to not appreciate the way the park is utilized as is, and that there are numerous easy things that the dog park users and community can do (and have been doing) as a whole to help mitigate those problems. I think that’s a step in the right direction.
I am a little biased because I’m a landscape architect, but it seems to me that we have an opportunity before us. Perhaps this is a perfect time to look at the park as a whole, and come up with a new design – as a community – that not only mitigates the issues that adjacent residents have, but would also provide other amenities that would turn the park as a whole into an asset for Wilkinsburg. To me, the “dog” issue is only one of several with that park. There is a TON of space that is allocated poorly, especially given the current desired uses.
Obviously, money is an issue, but there are also several institutions out there who are looking to give money away for projects like this. On top of that, given the number of people who have been posting on this site, and signing the petition, it seems that there are a fair number of people out there who might be willing to help implement a design (e.g., demolition of existing structures, or planting new trees and shrubs), which would also cut down on costs. We wouldn’t be able to do everything (liability would be an issue), but there are ways for the community to chip in with manpower.
By the way, Whitney Park clean up day is on May 18, from 9AM to 1PM. We should all come out in force!
Help keep this park
Good afternoon everybody. I just want to let everybody know that we have scheduled a public meeting to hear resident concerns on both sides of the issue for Wednesday May 22 at 7pm in Council chambers. In the meantime, I have been working to get the park unlocked for people to use. I will keep you posted on that effort.
I would also like to clarify a few things. At the top of the web page, it states “The word on the street is that Whitney Field will no longer be open to our four legged friends owing to a decision by the Wilkinsburg Borough Council.”. That is NOT correct. The decision to lock the field was from the Police department. It is my understanding that the Police department received numerous calls regarding parking issues, noise, and dog feces, and burdensome commercial use of the field. The Borough of Wilkinsburg does not have an official dog park. According to our actual ordinance (Section 191-1-E), “Unlicensed dogs are not permitted on playgrounds or in the parks at any time. Licensed dogs are permitted in parks, not playgrounds, if held on a leash and under the control. of the owner or other person having such dog in charge”.
So if you would like to expression your viewpoint, please plan on attending the meeting on the 22nd so that we can try to work together as neighbors to preserve the park as an asset for dog-lovers and for the residents who live adjacent to the park. Thanks for your help in getting the word out there about the meeting.
Councilman Mr. Lefebvre is absolutely correct in asserting that the Wilkinsburg Borough Council members had nothing to do with initiating this current brouhaha. It was the result of neighbor complaints. Several Mondays ago, I called 911 in the mid-afternoon after the third dog fight in the ball park. Several days later, a neighbor, after hearing constant barking, looked out on the playground area and found two folks trying to “socialize“ contentious dogs, and parents corralling their children into the tunnel of the playground equipment for safety. He called 911. Several days after that, a neighbor emailed the Chief of Police about folks parking within the park in a grassy area that had been the old volleyball court. These were not coordinated actions.. Given concerns for public safety, and illegal dog walking and parking, the Chief had no choice but to assign officers to enforce the law. Just her job.
It is my contention that Mike Milberger or his “neighbor” inaccurately witnessed events at a distance, is grossly exaggerating, or is completely fabricating his story. Dogs are not present in the playground that is at a distance from Whitney Park. It would be silly for two dog owners to remove their animals from the enclosed field, bring them all the way over to the completely open playground, and then threaten children.
Mike Milberger’s silly proposition raise an inference that it is pretext for his own purpose to close down this park.
Further, this issue with parking is a typical red herring fallacy. The road has never been blocked or has a fire hazard ever been created. In the absurd situation where there was a safety vehicle that needed to pass (on the virtually deserted dead end road) and couldn’t, the owner would be at the adjacent field mere feet away. Because a few residents may have parked inappropriately does not raise case a public safety outcry.
One could easily say that Mr. Milberger and a few local neighbors have decided to embellish their stories when contacting police to prompt action for the goal of excluding the community from the park.
I agree 100% — some of these stories are grossly exaggerated (i.e., dogs fighting in the open playground and family and children fleeing for their lives; parking issues, etc.) And I too believe there are only a few local neighbors who are objecting to the dog park.
If this (obviously grossly exaggerrated) event did occur, this is all the more reason to post signage about hours, rules, parking and liability. That way, the offending folks are dealt with, not the entire dog park community.
I honestly think it is two neighbors who call frequently.
I genuinely understand and support the parking issue. The thing is, and I have heard no neighbor bring up the fact that we, as a community DID address that parking issue quickly and with aplomb. People policed that curb when neccessary after concerns were aired about the parking there.
Again, these issues are easily dealt with if there is signage. “No parking” There is a lot right there, for Petes sake.
Incessant barking happens at Dog Parks and on the street, in back yerds and inside houses. Believe it or not, its not a punishable offense unless it continues for a length of time, or the dog is unattended.
Most users of Whitney Dog Park are responsible dog owners and will remove or correct an incessant barking dog. I had my pup go through that phase and we dealt with it.
Thank you for scheduling the meeting on May 22.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons
Kate, thanks for posting that link to the “Tragedy of the Commons” and giving us an historical perspective.
Most residents of Wilkinsburg don’t even know this park exists, if they did it would really be a disaster. I see 105 signatures, out of what, 16000 residents. I liked the dog park, and I love dogs, but after reading this page, I no longer think it should be a dog park.
Does anyone know just how much money the borough has spent on maintaining Whitney Field during the course of a year? Just wondering because it seems like the users of the dog park / field contribute time and energy in maintaining it — 1) because they’re making good use of it and acting responsibly (from what I’ve observed); and 2) because Wilkinsburg has a limited budget and it doesn’t appear that parks are on their list of priorities. I can’t see where any one group using this park is robbing the taxpayers of much monetary value.
The saddest thing to me, other than the great loss for the dogs themselves, is that people who have mobility issues literally have nowhere else to exercise their dogs off leash. No matter how you approach it, the OLEA at Frick is a long hike.
Here are my two cents’ worth, based on my own experience, everyone I’ve talked to, and what I’ve read posted here.
1 – Parking is a red herring. If that was a real concern, why doesn’t Wburg PD show up to ticket? If they did that every day for a week or two, I guarantee the thoughtless parking anarchists would get the picture.
2 – I agree with the issues raised about professional dog walkers. I know many of them and some are respectful of the space — i.e., moving their cars once they unload the dogs, and being very attentive to cleaning up everyone’s poop. But many of them are not. I don’t know how it would be physically possible to ban them from the park, but in my opinion they are a big part of the problem.
3 – The fact that barking is an issue is strange to me. I’ve been at Whitney when there were probably 20 dogs, and there was very little barking. There are two or three regulars that are real barkers, but that is about it and I spend a lot of time there. Besides, I think almost every one of the neighbors has at least one dog. I hear them barking all the time.
4 – I feel quite certain that the dog owners who frequent Whitney would be happy to do any kind of regular upkeep that was requested of them. Many of them already do. For example, I know several people who take extra bags with them so that can pick up the poop that others leave behind, as good dog owner-citizens.
I really hope we can work this out.
I think there should be a limit to the number of dogs people can bring. Maybe 2 dogs max per person. This would help eliminate some of the mess and help improve safety for everyone.
It’s good to see the discussion opening up here. I’ve been bringing my small dogs to the park since about 2002. I often come in the afternoon, and have been the only person there for two or three hours. I bring a book and water for the dogs, and after I clean up all the poop in sight (sometimes there isn’t much left), I read and the dogs lay about in the sunshine. I know of only one person who is a dog walker and who uses the park, but not for commercial purposes–she brings her own dogs.
As for the barking, this is what dogs do. There are dogs barking at Rockwell, dogs barking up and down Barnes, and dogs barking on Trenton. Dogs will bark. As for dogs fighting, there are the occasional kerfluffles during which dogs establish their space but most owners I’ve seen get right on top of the situation. This may be a case of people who don’t know dogs not understanding the dogs’ communication processes. My mother’s dog is a determined barker, and we simply don’t bring him there any more. Tucker, another barker, is part basset hound, and barks from sheer joy. Most dogs will bark when they *don’t* get enough exercise or attention, not when they do. The last time I was in the park, there were 15 dogs there, and NONE were barking. A dog in Rockwell was barking, though.
Seems to me that most of us are grownups and that we could figure out a way to resolve some of this. I have friends who live on Barnes, and I certainly sympathize with frustration. I have seen people parking in the fire lane, but this seems to be much less common in the past six months than it used to be, mainly because we (dog owners) have gotten on the cases of the people who will do it. I was told there was a lot of poop on the lawns nearby, but this is part of a larger problem in which some dog owners don’t scoop. I don’t think it’s limited to the people who use Whitney as an exercise area for themselves and their dogs.
I would like to make a suggestion that we follow some of the rules developed by Fox Chapel for the wonderful designated “Dog-Friendly” runs and wooded trails there. First, each entrance to their properties have signage reiterating that off-leash dog-walking is a privilege and that everyone must self-police to keep it. They limit handlers to two dogs per person, thus eliminating the issue of professional dog-walkers dumping their charges without supervision, which seems to be at issue here in Wilkinsburg. And they forbid unruly or aggressive dogs – that includes dogs who do not return on command, or who jump on people. The parking issue aside, I think if we dog-owners show that we plan to be responsible and put it in writing at the door, the resistant neighbors may have less to worry about.
I bet this is all because of the really mean old man that lives across the street with the shed in his backyard. He verbally threatened and harassed me when I was at the dog park. He threw things at my dog and threatened to call the police.
What a great park that adds a lot to the community. I loved seeing familiar faces there.
I hope this works out!
If the person was throwing things at your dog, wasn’t that illegal?
Good afternoon everybody, I have an update. Last night we had a Council meeting. I made a motion to have the field reopened for use. It passed 5 to 4. I just walked down to the Field. It is open for the public to use. Please remember that according to Borough ordinance, dogs must be on a leash and under the control of the owner at all times. Also please do not park in the alley and remind everybody to pick up after their dogs. Also don’t forget about the meeting on May 21st at 7pm to continue the discussion regarding the use of Whitney Field. Let’s all work together so that the park will be an assest to all of the residents.
Thank you
Michael
Great! Thanks for keeping us informed.
Fantastic – thank you so much!
Sorry that is Wednesday May 22nd at 7pm in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Borough building.
Yeah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Thank you so, so much!
Folks, just to reiterate, at this point the park is not open to off-lead dogs, but is open for any legal activities. I would encourage people not to damage the argument for establishing a legal dog park by resuming the off-lead activities prior to an official change to the park’s status. Please pass the word.
Additionally, I am pretty sure that the police will fine people who disregard the current law, and it’s not a small fine. This is an emotional issue on both sides and I’m hoping we can all be respectful to each other as we work this out as a community. Thanks for your patience!
Jason Cohn, Council President
I am Pamela Macklin, Council Member. I read the report of our Council vote On Wed May 1st. The count is correct however some important facts are missing i no particular order. In Council email we discussed the police action taken from nuisance complaints from neighbors of the park. A public hearing was scheduled. I requested information on the liability of the boro and what our insurance coverage is now and if we moved to an off leash park from boro solicitor and manage ..still awaiting details. Unfortunately our Police Chief was not requested to attend to give us an update on the park situation as would have been apprpropriate
Continued
I believe Council should gather all the facts before we make a decision or overide the police chiefs decisions to lock the gate to the field. We had insufficient information to make a safe and sound decision. We are not law enforcement. I look forward to the Public Hearing on May 22nd at 6pm to listen to all of the issues and facts pertaining to the park. This is election season and I do not want to fan the flames on this issue to pit neighbor against neighbor.
Is the meeting on the 22nd 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.??
Am I correct in gathering then that we can go to the dog park in the interim timeframe but dogs must still be leashed?
The meeting is May 22nd at 7pm. And yes, dogs are allowed in the parks when on lead. Thanks!
Kate: We are talking about a small fenced in area for dogs to freely run and play, not an secret area that has rules and regulations. Having a locked gate and expecting the tag holders to self-police is a little over the top and inevitably will end up with grown adults in a dispute. A good manager knows if something is working well and produces good results, don’t mess with it.
Your second post lists #3 as “protect the qualityof life of the neighbors (barking)” Quality of life….? This is a bit of a stretch. I’m there a lot and maybe one or two dogs may bark. Most of them run and play and come back to any adult that has treats or is willing to throw a ball. The adults do not talk loud and do not bring their childredn. Any children playing in the adjacent lots live in the neighborhood. People who live around there know it’s a park and there may be kids, dogs, and people at any time. Noise should be expected.
Who is “we”? Is it a secret?
Far from wanting Whitney field to remain a secret, I would be in favor of letting the world know that Wilkinsburg has something great that (so far) most municipalities don’t. Should attract people to become residents!
A “small fenced area”– what a lose-all-around idea. That would be absolutely useless for exercise for large retriever dogs. Just big enough to say it exists and too small to be used by large dogs.
It’s not OK to force sustained barking on neighbors, and it’s not OK to let the field be overcrowded such that the grass never regrows.
Give up the idea that OLEA and baseball can share a field. That is what is not possible. Fortunately Wilkinsburg has Turner and Hunter fields for baseball.
http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/activities/dogPark/DogPark.html
In response to public requests, the Somerset County Park Commission has created a leash-free dog area in Colonial Park. Dogs and their owners may visit the three acre (530′ by 250′) fenced area, in which dogs are free to roam and play. While you are visiting, we ask that you follow the guidelines for use as listed below.
…
Guidelines For Use
All users are hereby advised that the leash-free dog area is an unsupervised recreational area of the Somerset County Park Commission, and are advised that the use of this facility is at their own risk.
1. Users must abide by all rules and regulations governing the use of Somerset County parklands and must comply with the directions of park personnel.
2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under eight years of age are not permitted within the leash-free dog area. All children and adults enter at their own risk.
3. There is a limit of two dogs per person. When others are waiting, please limit your use to 30 minutes.
4. Users are responsible at all times for the behavior and safety of their dogs.
5. Dogs with a history of dangerous or aggressive behavior are prohibited. Puppies under six months old are prohibited. Dogs must be spayed or neutered.
6. Dogs must wear collars displaying licenses at all times and have current vaccinations.
7. Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving. Users must remain with their dogs at all times and must carry a leash for each dog at all times.
8. Users must properly secure access gates upon entering and leaving the leash-free area.
9. Users must clean up after their dogs.
10. All incidents and injuries must be reported immediately to the Somerset County Park Commission by contacting the Park Rangers at 732 873-2695.
[New Jersey]
>>>>
http://carlisleareadogparks.org/
January 17, 2013
The first annual membership renewal process for CADPA is under way and new members are also joining at a steady pace.
There are still some lifetime memberships available -they are $500 for the lifetime of the person (not the dog) for any and all dogs the person currently owns or will have in the future. This is definitely the way to go for those who can afford it right now – particularly those who have more than one dog.
[Pennsylvania]
>>>>
https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/facilities/dogparks.cfm?typeid=1
Our best friends have a place to run, play, meet (and sniff) new four-legged friends and even catch a ball or frisbee. The City of Madison Parks Division has off-leash dog exercise areas for dogs and their human friends. Ranked fourth in the nation for number of dog parks per resident, there are so many to choose from! These areas require a Dog Park Permit. Please be aware that in order to purchase a Dog Park Permit, you will first need a Dog License. You may purchase a Dog License at the City Treasurer’s Office. The Dog Park Permit is good for the City of Madison off-leash dog parks, in five Dane County Parks (posted areas only), the City of Middleton and City of Sun Prairie pet exercise areas. Please see the Dog Park brochure for details. Fees collected by each agency are used to support their own dog exercise areas.
2013 PERMIT FEES
Daily Pass $ 5.00
Annual Permit: $30
Senior, Disabled: $15
Replacement/Additional Tag(s): $14
Please remember that dogs are not allowed in any non-designated park, children’s play areas, beaches, athletic fields, conservation parks, or in any park building. During the winter dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails.
Dogs in Parks: Rules and Regulations
Dog Park brochure, dog park permit vendor list, and permit application (PDF)
Dog Park Permit Application
Dog License (Each dog must have a current license to be eligible for a dog park permit tag)
Establishing a New Dog Park (PDF)
Dog Park Review Process Flow Chart (PDF)
[Wisconsin]
Thanks, Kate, for compiling this research. These are fantastic guidelines, and Wilkinsburg can modify as they deem necessary, perhaps restricting hours from 9 a.m. til 9 p.m., for example.
I’ve used the Whitney Park to let my dogs play. I park in the lot, never go before 9am, or after 8pm, pick up my dog’s excrement and any I see, pick up trash, and do believe in respecting the neighborhood. I will volunteer for clean ups, as I volunteer for other community projects. I am hoping this dog area and this discussion will draw us together as neighbors, not apart.
Whether you have a dog, or not, a child or not, we can and should grow together, help each other and co exist. There may need to be guidelines, but this dog area is a good community fixture, is needed, and can be a positive place in the neighborhood. I’m willing to help research how to make this a better community dog park, and help with putting together good dog etiquette guidelines and training methods. This park can be better, not just for now, but for future dog owners and neighbors.
Maribeth Hook
Architect, Landscape Architect, Dog Trainer for WPHS, Splash and Dash K9 Sports, and Camp Gone to the Dogs, and especially someone who will volunteer their time to make this the best, neighborly dog park possible.
Please check out this link for info on the Whitney Park cleanup on May 18.
http://wilkinsburgsun.wordpress.com/?attachment_id=1328
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Hello to all. Have to say that as a new neighbor (sometime in June) at 613 Whitney, my wife and I were thrilled about the make shift dog park. We visited briefly to let our weimaraner get a feel for the place. I wasn’t sure where to park or what the “rules” were but I always have my little plastic bags with me anyhow. I did notice there were many areas where owners had not picked up after their dogs.
Our dog runs with my wife and she or I are never without bags for picking up goodies left behind.
I will say that the potential dog park did help us to decide on buying in the area but, we would have bought anyhow.
I will be at the clean up on Saturday. Don’t feel as though I can sign a petition as I am not a neighbor YET !!
Yes, you CAN sign the petition!
Will do, thanks.
I have been informed that being at our current house and helping with a yard sale is priority number one. I will NOT be at the cleanup. Got to sell some things so I don’t have to move them to Whitney. Apologies to all.
I have rented an apartment directly in front of Whitney Park for the past two years. My partner has lived in the same apartment for a total of six years. We have a bird’s eye view of the park.
The only issue for us has been the few dog owners that park directly in front of our driveway or in the road itself, making exiting the driveway difficult. We have addressed this each time with the offending individuals, and have been happy to see other dog owners enforcing proper parking in the area on behalf of all the dog owners and the neighbors. I feel that the parking situation has improved.
As for the noise, there is one dog that has an extremely loud bark, but seems to be at the park for only 15-20 minutes at a time. It’s not a big deal.
I do not want to see the park closed because of a few bad apples. I’m sure that there is a good compromise. Personally, I like the extra eyes and ears that the dog owners bring to the neighborhood. I believe it adds a level of safety to the area.
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