Off leash dogs outside of designated area

I have had a concern expressed to me (via the Friends e-mail) by a user of the park. The user has been in touch with the member of Councillor for the area. In the interests of covering the concerns of all users of the park, I have published the comments (edited) below. In addition, please go to http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/Living/Pets/ and see the link to Dog Park Etiquette on the left hand side of the page.
Alida

"I just wanted to voice my concern about the park concerning dogs and dog owners. I am a frequent walker of the park, almost every day and more and more I see dogs roaming around off leash. If you approach the owner of the dog, you get nothing but a sarcastic reply ...
I see a lot of seniors that refuse to walk the park any more as they are afraid of the dogs. It just seems that the element is taking over the park and if we don't do something, it will only get worse. People just drive up to the park now and open their car doors and let the dogs run. What can we all do to get OUR park back?"

Upcoming events at LOP - July 2008

More from the City's booking schedule received late May (there may be updates that I have not been made aware of)
Agility Dog Trials – Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6
Great Waterfront Trail Adventure – Tuesday, July 8 from noon to 11pm and continuing Wednesday July 9, 7am to noon.
Oxford Seminars Inc. Staff Picnic – Saturday, July 19, noon to 7pm
Wedding pictures – Saturday, July 26 – late afternoon
Camp Cataraqui – daily on weekdays
Adult sport and social club – Mondays through Wednesdays all month 6:30-8pm except the for July 7 and 8, and July 31

Upcoming events at LOP – June 2008 (mostly now completed)

The City Facility Booking Division has provided a calendar of upcoming events at the Park.
Dog show – Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1 (date range presumed, June date only provided on June calendar provided by City)
RV Rally – Thursday June 5 through Sunday June 8
TOMM Festival - Friday June 13 through Sunday June 15
POW WOW – Thursday June 19 and Friday June 20
Teddy Bear Picnic - Saturday, June 21
Family picnic, church picnic – Sunday, June 22
STILL TO COME AS OF THIS POSTING DATE
City of Kingston Summer Camp – Friday June 27
ALS Walk – Saturday – June 28
Adult sport and social club – Mondays through Wednesdays all month

Off leash dog area (update by Mary)

The city recently established an off-leash dog park (as you may have noticed) at LOP as a pilot project. However, the designated area, as fenced just east of the Long House, was considered to be in conflict with upcoming events in the park, in particular the Teddy Bear Picnic. Therefore, the off-leash dog park will be moved to the north west section of LOP. This change over should occur in the next few days.
The new area will be larger and away from the non-dog pedestrian traffic. There is a road running just to the north that will provide for parking. It looks like a good area for the dogs to continue having fun, exercising and socializing. Picnic tables will be moved into the area for the benefit of the two-legged visitors. Dog owners, and those who just wish to watch the fun, are invited to come out to the Park.
(sorry for the delay in posting this - Mary wrote this on May 28 - you will all have seen the new off-leash dog park by now)

Park Cleanup - April 25

Mary has asked to have the following posted:
Volunteers needed for clean-up at the park on Friday, April 25th. from 1pm to 4pm.
Bags and gloves are available at the 'long house' anytime after one. Hope to see you there

E-mail fixed

The Friends' e-mail address (friends@friendsoflakeontariopark.org) is back in business.
If' you'd like to see information related to the Park posted, please e-mail me and I will post on the site's blog.

E-mail problems

If you've tried to send e-mails to friends@friendsoflakeontariopark.org, they will have bounced in the past 3 or so weeks. I will be arranging for a new e-mail account and let you know that is available (including a direct notification to those already on the e-mail distribution list).