Dog Park Discussion Returns
Hearing from residents in his own district, Muskego Alderman Dan Soltysiak asks parks board to reconsider how a dog park could figure into the mix.
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With all of the changes to the landscape, including road projects and new recreational trails and a new park, is it time for Muskego to consider adding a dog park to its current recreational offerings?
The issue has come up in previous Park and Recreation Board meetings, and was again put on the table Monday night as Alderman Dan Soltysiak explained he's been hearing from constituents that they see a need. Previous suggestions have been to take existing city parks that appear not to be used as much and place a dog park there.
"I get emails all the time about dog parks, but I've never gotten one about a splash pad," Soltysiak told Parks Director Craig Anderson. He was referring to a recent project that a department intern conducted, studying and surveying the costs and appeal of splash pads in the parks.
Anderson explained that at least 10 to 15 acres of land would be needed, as well as costs for fencing, maintenance and basically the right lay of land. Pointing to the Minooka Park dog exercise area, which allows off leash exercise for large and small dogs in separated areas, he said that their facility is ideal because it offers both open and wooded areas.
Alderman Neil Borgman, who was in attendance at the meeting, asked the board about the land off of Tess Corners Drive, which was recently being considered, then denied, as a site for a funeral home and cemetery. However, Anderson pointed out that the land would involve a city purchase, and he wasn't confident that the public would embrace such a use at the cost of having to first buy the land.
Aside from the Minook location in Waukesha, Milwaukee County has two dog parks, but each were already under the ownership of the county parks department. In addition, it's likely that any ventures to include a dog park would require an organized citizen effort to assist with its construction and maintenance.
The board asked Anderson to consider further study, and perhaps return with a more formalized plan for its next meeting to explore the possibility.
Asiseeit
12:51 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
As someone who ran as a conservative, he sure likes to spend money. Dogs don't pay taxes!
Gregory Kluck
10:41 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
But dog owners do.
Brandon Karpowitz
2:00 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
I would just like an area on a local body of water where I could take my dog swimming a couple times during the summer.
SBR
6:41 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
There isn't a ban on dogs in the lakes.
Muskego Mike
8:04 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
In the evening, after the lifeguards leave, people take their dogs for a swim in Muskego park at the beach.
Heidi Lindhorst
2:00 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Don't be silly. Dog owners pay taxes, and they'd like to let their critters off the leash once in a while. Give them an outlet, and us cat lovers don't have to worry about unleashed dogs in the rest of the parks.
SBR
6:42 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Heidi, you would really put a dog park ahead of a child's spray park?
Lib Hater
7:09 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
You cant tell me that we cant find room in Park Arthur or that conservancy Engel Property on Henneberry. That Property is over 100 ACRES!!!! Come on folks, times are tough, going to tough, we needed to better utilize what we have. Would like a dog park, dont want to pay for one right now!!
Muskego Mike
4:20 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
Dogs are not allowed on the Engel property because of ground nesting birds. I agree with you though. This would be a perfect location. We could also use the 45 acres purchased for a school near Tudor Oaks. Allow the dogs until the school needs all 45 acres.
Paul Peardon
12:12 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
This issue has been brought up several times over the years and will continue to be discussed for it's potential. Until then: http://www.doggoes.com/parks/wisconsin/milwaukee/minooka-county-dog-park
A great outlet for dog owners and very nearby.
Denise Konkol
10:57 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
20 minutes from my home. Not as nearby for some as for others...But yes, a nice park.
BCW
1:53 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
A dog park would add significant value to the city. It would be a place to congregate and add to the quality of life in the city.
Put the dog park in an existing park that is centrally located in the city. Coordinate with a civic organization to help donate the initial cost of the project, ask the Boy Scout to assist with an Eagle Scout project. Increase the dog licensing fee to assist with the maintenance of the park. Have a user fee for citizen that would like to use the park for their dogs. Have a fundraising campaign funds donated for trees, benches, breaks, etc..
LP
2:11 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
I'm surprised that our government officials don't know that there already is a dog park in Muskego, just ask those Franklin residents who use it daily along with many Muskego residents.
The Anti-Alinsky
9:43 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
Where exactly is it LP? I would be interesting in running my dog if it is close enough to me.
Lib Hater
4:24 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
you couldnt find an appraiser on the face of the earth to put any "value" on a dog park. We have two dogs, I exercise them in my yard and take them on walks with a baggie. What about the new land off Field Drive? That too is over 100 acres. It would be nice for folks to be able to train their retrievers on the pond there. All Im saying is the City already has 100s of acres where a dog park could happen. I love idea of private donations and fundraisers. Im for a dog park, but not at a significant fiscal note. Dollars are going to get less elastic in the coming years.
Denise Konkol
10:55 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
That is considered conservation land (believe me, I asked!) so it's also off the table. Having larger dogs, it's tough to exercise them just in the yard, especially if they aren't motivated to chase a ball. What should also be added here is the aspect of socialization. 'Neutral turf' that a park offers helps dogs interact with other humans and dogs, and does make them better neighbors in the long run. What worked in Milwaukee County was that the initial park was zero sum in tax impact, and I think it's the only way it could work here.
Muskego Mike
8:50 am on Saturday, February 16, 2013
In the article, Alderman Dan Soltysiak compares a splash pad to a dog park. More people in the city own dogs than have children of the age that would use a splash pad. A splash pad can be used only 3-4 months per year. The two dog parks at Minooka Park are used every day of the year. Additionally, dog people have no problem spending money on their pets. The parking lot at Minooka Park is always crowded and everyone paid to have access to the dog area.
We enjoy Minooka Park and have no problem if Muskego decides not to build a dog park. After all the spending at Park Arthur, I don’t think we need a splash pad.
Gregory Kluck
10:43 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013
The Tree Farm downtown could be an awesome dog park.