In a followup to an entry from last week noting the possible deforestation of 5 acres of forest in Grant Park to make way for an off-leash dog park, I emailed Supervisor Chris Larson regarding the possibility of 5 acres of forest in Grant Park being leveled to make way for an off-leash dog park, and Supervisor Larson made it clear the dog park will be in Warnimon Park, adjacent to the Kelly Senior Center. Here’s Supervisor Larson’s response to my inquiry:
The dog park will be in Warnimont Park. It came up before Parks Committee September 15th of 2009 and was approved unanimously after several questions by the committee members (including me) about what it was going to look like, who was for it, and why it was needed.
For me, I ended up voting for it because the neighborhood group was requesting it. Any objections I had were answered or were surrendered to the will of those that use that park the most.
Here are the minutes. I can send you the audio clip also, if you wish.
4. 09-369 A resolution by Supervisor Jursik, authorizing and directing the Director of Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture to construct a dog exercise area in Warnimont Park, adjacent to the Kelly Senior Center, and in accordance with the 2009 Capital Improvements Budget for Milwaukee County.
APPEARANCES:
Supervisor Patricia Jursik, District #8
James Keegan, Parks, Chief of Planning and Development
Sue Black, Director, Parks, Recreation and CultureSupervisor Dimitrijevic requested being added as a cosponsor. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
Supervisor Jursik said that originally, a neighborhood dog park was considered for Bay View Park. A public hearing resulted in strong opposition for that proposed site.
Friends of Sheridan Park approached Supervisor Jursik and suggested Warnimont Park as an alternative site. A meeting with Kelly Senior Center staff supervisors, seniors and talks with neighbors provided support to locate the dog park near the Center.
Mr. Keegan explained the area will be fenced in and have a buffer between the current bike/walk path and the dog exercise area. Details regarding use of restroom facilities or port-a-potties will be worked out.
Ms. Black informed the Committee that the overall capital improvement budget for dog parks was to start regional then go local and include neighborhoods. This project will exhaust the 2009 capital improvement budget for dog parks.
MOTION BY: (Dimitrijevic) Approve. (Vote 7-0)
AYES: Sanfelippo, Coggs, Dimitrijevic, Rice, Larson, Lipscomb and Broderick
(Chair) – 7
NOES: – 0
This is certainly good news, both that the dog park is coming to Warnimont Park and that it appears no significant amounts of forested area will need to be cleared in order to accommodate construction of the dog park.
Not understanding why any trees would have to come down for a dog park, anyway. The dog park in Green Bay is heavily forested and I love it that way because it’s usually a solid 5 or more degrees cooler on a hot sunny day. Plus, it makes for a fun place for the dogs and a petty place for me (with tons of birds and other wildlife).
Yeah, I’m not sure either, but thankfully it’s a moot point.
This is indeed good news. People who want another dog park get one and without the superfluous loss of trees. Everybody wins.
Yeah, it really is a win-win for everyone.
I’m still hearing from the foresters that they are cutting some old growth from the edge of Grant Park, but am waiting for official verification.
Thanks for the update Chris.
There were no talks with neighbors. “Friends of Sheridan Park approached Supervisor Jursik and suggested Warnimont Park as an alternative site. A meeting with Kelly Senior Center staff supervisors, seniors and talks with neighbors provided support to locate the dog park near the Center.” The people who were opposed to it in Sheridan park must be the “neighbors”. There was no public hearing, I’ve checked the records. I love dogs, but will not put up with listening to barking dogs all day long. Seriously, behind a senior citizen center, next to a 1,000 person apartment complex and across the street from a hospital! Since offical notice for a public meeting, concerning moving the dog area from Sheridan park to the Warnimont park location, was not properly conducted this should be stopped. “Supervisor Jursik said that originally, a neighborhood dog park was considered for Bay View Park. A public hearing resulted in strong opposition for that proposed site.” A public hearing for the Warnimont park site would have also resulted in strong opposition, if it had been held. Do you know all the wildlife that will be affected by this clearing?