November 1, 2007Fencing in FishburnI am still getting caught up on my local news from the week I was on vacation, and I just came across this article from The Roanoke Times dated Oct. 24. Fencing in Fishburn Park is the only way the off-the-leash dog area will be useful to most dogs. I have a greyhound, so there is no way I can let my very fast dog, hard-coded in his DNA to chase moving objects, off the leash in an unfenced area, especially one that close to the busy traffic of Brambleton Avenue. No way, uh-uh, not gonna happen. The group NewVa Connects is trying to raise money to add the fence and other necessities like water fountains and trash receptacles. This is a wonderful idea and an good example of community involvement and they should be commended and supported. The group of dog-loving young professionals has also suggested charging users a fee to help offset maintenance costs, an idea The Roanoke Times editorial board finds unappealing. As a pooch parent, I would be happy to pay a small fee to offset the maintenance for a fenced dog park. I would also be happy to bring my own poop baggie and forego the fee. I just want place to let Dexter run off the leash in fresh scenery. I’d also like to have a dog park on my side of northern Roanoke County, but let’s build one fence at a time. Post a comment and share your thoughts about the fences, fundraising, user fees and the need for more than one off-the-leash dog parks. |
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Comments
[December 29, 2007 2:35 PM]
John KI've been researching this lately and there seems to be quite a bit of support behind the need for an off-leash dog park. I've been in the Roanoke area since March/2007 and my biggest disappointment has been the absence of a traditional dog park for my furry friends to romp and play freely. Then a few months back, it crossed my ear that there was FINALLY a place opening......only to find out that they charge what I would consider a pretty substantial fee to have the privilege of using the park. For me, it was just a slap in the face. Other cities and counties seem to be able to "find the money" to not only build dog parks, but also to maintain them. I just don't understand why Roanoke has been balking so long at building something that appears to me and apparently many other residents, to be a really nice way to get outside and give our dogs some room to run (safely). And consider future growth of the Roanoke and surrounding areas, which could be impacted by adding a dog park or two......it would be a little more attractive for dog owners when they find out that we offer recreation just for the dogs.
I believe it was from the movie Field of Dreams......"If you build it, they will come".....and they will run, and they will play, and they will leave fulfilled.
Ok, so I added the last part, but I think I made my point?
-John P. Kornhiser