BLOG: Perry Hall Deserves County Dog Park Funding
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This blog post is in response to a post from the Perry Paw Dog Park committee requesting county funding for development.
I do not understand the funding issue for the Perry Paw Dog Park. When I first heard about it, I was excited to get a place close by for my puppy. I was surprised that it was up to the community to raise funds for it, but at the time I was unaware that other communities received county funds. Why does Perry Hall have to raise so much money for our dog park while the county has funded other communities' parks? Obviously dog parks aren't the most important item in strained budgets, but how can the county ignore us? I pay a lot in taxes for the privilege of living in this community and I don't think it's unreasonable to expect the county to provide the same amenities to Perry Hall as other communities in the county!
Tim
11:42 am on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
No, it doesn't. Although honestly, no dog park deserves full county funding.
Look, i've been to a couple of the fund raisers in the area - and I don't even own a dog.
The reality is, what entitles ANY dog owner to funding for a park in this economic environment when our children are still in schools without air conditioning? How about a youth center or two instead with County funding. Worry less about your pooches, and more about our actual future.
Dog parks are a luxury this county cannot afford. maybe the other dog parks were built during better economic times, however I still don't agree with it in concept.
Paul Amirault
1:08 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tim, I would respond that each person has their own set of priorities for needs or perceived luxuries. We all pay for many things we don't use such as senior citizen centers, schools, parks, etc.
I disagree with your reference to air conditioning. If they are "our" children, then are they "our" dogs as well? I believe it is well established that the presence of pets in the home is very beneficial to the mental health of humans.
Tim
2:04 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Paul,
Any person who puts their dog priorities equal or over our collective children's needs their head checked. Including you, if it applies.
Paul Amirault
2:17 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tim, my head is fine, thank you for asking, had it checked last week. I can give you a referral if you like.
Under your scenario, should we stop all funding of everything that is below "our collective children's needs"? That appears to be what you are suggesting?
I have stated before that I don't believe in air conditioning in schools as the first plan of action. I would rather try alternatives to air conditioning before spending millions upon millions of dollars on something that is only used a small part of the school year. Such as lengthening the school day, reducing holidays, vacations, and "teacher" days and thus shortening the school year by finishing earlier and starting later.
Spring Heeled Jack
8:27 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
How about the $1,000,000 enclosed, off limits soccer field in the park? It is only available for use by people with young children in a soccer league.
DGAF
1:05 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
You can still bring your puppy to Honeygo regional park without their being a dog park.
Spring Heeled Jack
8:25 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
OK. People say a dog park does not need funding because it only caters to dog owners. Well then: Why did the county build a million dollar enclosed, artificial turf, football/ soccer field in Honeygo Regional Park? It is 100% off limits to everyone! Unless you have a little kid that plays soccer or the rare usage by PHH. Is that not a super waste of money? It is exclusive to only a few people. That field sits unused almost everyday of the year.
Spring Heeled Jack
8:29 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
BTW. I do agree that the cost of this dog park is absurd! Take away the stupid key code opener and security system and high tech crap. Build two basic fenced in areas and a few garbage cans.
Donna McDonough
9:11 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
I agree about the electronic devices. All people really need is a place for dogs to be able to run free and play safely. Some things are definitely over developed. And speaking of schools, and rec centers, they are different, albeit all quality of life issues. Perry Hall is a place where people come for the high quality schools, low crime, and sense of community that is not always available in other areas. We need county funding to maintain that. I teach in Baltimore county, and have been in both air conditioned and non air conditioned schools. And believe me, both have pluses and minuses. Schools are funded differently than dog parks, as they should be. Careful consideration should be taken for all spending, it just needs to be fair.
Paul Amirault
10:45 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Donna, you state that "All people really need is a place for dogs to be able to run free and play safely.". The purpose of controlling access to the Dog Park is exactly that.
Only registered members who have agreed to the rules of the Dog Park, proven their dogs are properly vaccinated and licensed will have access to the Dog Park. Although it may sound like a luxury to some, it is actually a necessity to control who uses the park.
The proposed park is nearly two acres with about 1,500 feet of six foot high fencing. The fencing is by far the most significant portion of the cost.
DGAF
9:29 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Evets your a tool
Donna McDonough
10:54 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thank you for the clarification. I still don't see a need however for the registering and electronics. I've gone to Fallston's dog park. It is open to anyone. People as well as dogs were enjoying time to meet and greet. That would seem to help monitor usage when people and animals get to know each other. And again, it builds community spirit just like rec council sports.