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Dogs and their owners gather on a recent Saturday at Longview’s 3-acre dog park at Gerhart Gardens. Photo courtesy of JR Moul

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Nothing to growl about

Monday, November 17, 2008 12:19 AM PST

By Amy M.E. Fischer

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Despite naysayers’ predictions that Longview’s dog park would be a poop-filled fighting pit, city officials say the park’s first two months have been problem-free.

"Things appear to be going pretty well," Longview Parks Director Rich Bemm said Friday. "I don’t hear any issues. ... I think it’s been a good start."

The 3-acre fenced area at Gerhart Gardens Park has proved a popular place for dogs to romp and owners to socialize since it opened Sept. 19, according to Friends of Off-Leash Areas chairman Les Ozment. Even when it’s raining, people bring their dogs to the park, he said.

"The most gratifying thing for most of us who’ve worked on this for three-and-a-half-plus years is just to see people using it. There’s been a tremendous amount of use out there," Ozment said Friday.

Friends of Off-Leash Areas formed in 2005 to lobby the city for an off-leash dog park and raised $2,300 for the project. In June, the City Council voted 4-3 to spend $15,000 in unallocated Neighborhood Park Grant Funds on chain link fencing. FOLA intends to hold a grand opening next spring and fundraisers for park improvements.

The council had debated the merits of the project on and off for three years. Because the site chosen for the park is a couple miles out of town, at least one councilman voted against funding it, fearing it would be inconvenient and underused. Gerhart Gardens along the Cowlitz River off Tennant Way across from the county landfill, about 2.6 miles from 15th Avenue.

The city doesn’t have plans at this point to erect signs on Tennant Way directing people to the park, Bemm said. He doesn’t think advertising the park on Interstate 5 is a good idea.

"The facility does cost money to operate, and I’m not sure I’m excited about advertising it off the freeway to bring non-residents in who don’t support the facility," Bemm said. "I don’t mind them using it; I’m not sure I want to advertise."

Some council members had worried no one would pick up dog poop or that the dogs would fight among themselves.

Bemm said dog park users have been diligent about using the Mutt Mitts the city provides to pick up after dogs. Also, FOLA members have upheld their promise to keep the park clean, he said.

"The garbage can is really packed" with poop bags, Bemm said.

On the whole, dog owners have been good about policing themselves and their pups, Ozment said. The city has posted a temporary sign listing the dog park rules, but some new park users overlook it because it’s small and low, he said.

"Our number one rule is aggressive dogs should be removed at the first sign of aggression," Ozment said. "That really hasn’t been much of a problem. People have been pretty good about taking care of that right away."

The biggest problem FOLA members have noticed is that some people let their dogs out of the car without a leash, which puts the dogs at risk of being run over in the parking lot before they enter the dog park gate, Ozment said. A larger sign for park rules should alleviate that problem, he said. A permanent sign is on order with the state Department of Corrections, according to Bemm.

With the park open, dog advocates are sniffing out improvements such as a covered shelter and water fountain to make the experience even more enjoyable for users.

But because FOLA didn’t want the hassle of obtaining 501(c)3 nonprofit status, raising money for the park has been slow. It took a summer of pancake breakfasts at the Longview Saturday Market to raise the $2,300 FOLA gave the city toward the chain-link fence.

That’s why Longview resident JR Moul, 47, plans to obtain nonprofit status for his newly formed group, Cowlitz Pet Lovers Association. Businesses are more likely to donate supplies or money to nonprofits because of the tax write-off, said Moul, a professional photographer with a background in sales and marketing.

He’s willing to work with FOLA, but he’d like to see things progress at the dog park more quickly, he said. As soon as he can get enough people for a nonprofit board, Moul will apply for nonprofit status from the state and then start raising money for the Longview dog park — and later, perhaps to establish dog parks in West Longview, Kalama and Castle Rock.

"Why are we waiting? Let’s get the program going," said Moul, the owner of two Siberian huskies. "I’m not one that just lets grass grow. ... I don’t think some of this stuff would be too hard to accomplish."

Someone Who Cares wrote on Nov 17, 2008 6:08 AM:

" A note to Mr. Moul: The state is not the first stepping stone to obtain non-profit status, the IRS is. You need to have the non-profit 503(c)(3) status from the IRS before the state will grant you non-profit status. It's a time-consuming, difficult task. I suggest you get a CPA to help you out. If you do it wrong it could not only jeopardiz your organization but the people serving on the board. Good Luck! "

KelsoLesbian wrote on Nov 17, 2008 6:19 AM:

" The park is great, and we use it regularly, however I have one complaint. The city has moved the garbage cans so you can no longer toss the dog poo into the garbage from inside the park. This only happened a couple of days ago, however since the mutt mitts have been empty all weekend and there are no garbage cans available people have been putting the poo in the wrong places. The city needs to put garbage cans around the park so we can reach from inside and not have to leave our kids, and dogs unattended. "

Kelso Gringo wrote on Nov 17, 2008 7:18 AM:

" The dog park has been a hit from the beginning. I take my dog there often and have seen nothing but responsible owners and friendly dogs, which was exactly what I predicted two months ago when the first story came out about our new park! Haha to the naysayers and whiners, the dog park is a big hit. My dog, Chili, thinks the park should have an official name such as "Chili's Dog Park". "

mrsnelson wrote on Nov 17, 2008 7:52 AM:

" I am so glad that longview decided to put this park in. We take our dog Diesel there all the time to play. Dog owners definately needed an off leash area. I think that the only problem with it is someone needs to come out to refill the poop bag dispencer more often, but thats it. When we visit we bring extra milk jugs full of water for the puppy dogs. I dont know why it took them so long to do this, when dogs get together like that all they want to do is have fun not fight. I really hope they put when out a little closer to us. A perfect place would be at the park out at Bakers Corner. They have a dog area in the far back corner of the park but it's not fenced in. I do believe that longview and its citizens would benifit with more of these new additions. Things are somewhat depressing these days with our country and personal financial problems that no one wants to leave their homes,this would give people a good excuse to get out and get some fresh air. If they stratigicly place the dog parks people could just walk. So once again, THANK YOU!!!! "

Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:10 AM:

" Firstly, I could care less about a dog park. I'm glad people have a place to go play with their pooches. However...there's a comment in this article which in my opinion sums up this areas problems. That being the following...""The facility does cost money to operate, and Im not sure Im excited about advertising it off the freeway to bring non-residents in who dont support the facility," Bemm said. "I dont mind them using it; Im not sure I want to advertise."" This attitude against outsiders, is a direct problem this community faces. It is prevelant amongst residents here. Longview/Kelso doesn't want them here for any reasons. Granted, a sign on the freeway would garner little attention, but the thought behind that comment, certainly got mine. "

scooby wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:11 AM:

" First, the dog park is a great place for "LARGER" dogs. I would like to warn anyone who owns dogs under 15 pounds to stay away.
I would like to see the City of Longview subsidize a small fenced area at John Null Park strictly for small dogs. There is about a 3 acre picnic area at John Null. I would like to see the back half of that area fenced and turned into a petite dog park. They already have the poop bags in place.
That is where I take my Chihuahua's to socialize. Most feedback from other "SMALL" dog owners I run into at John Null, is the same sentiment. "

Tom wrote on Nov 17, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Sounds like a tweaker magnet. It's just a matter of months before the place is infested with scumbags and their pitbulls. "

El Fuego wrote on Nov 17, 2008 2:02 PM:

" Scooby, you got your dog park so why not leave the issue alone. You sound like one of my kids. I want, I want. Sheesh, give a dog a bone and they want the whole darn park and then some. I expect five years from now, people will have to petition the city for a park where there are no dogs. "

cooky wrote on Nov 17, 2008 2:43 PM:

" I don't have a dog at this time but I refered a friend of mine. She lives in Kelso and always went out to willow grove to run her dog. I suggested the dog park, she has really enjoyed it and has met lots of new people and their dogs. She still goes out to willow grove but now she knows about the one closer to home. "

KristyC1978 wrote on Nov 17, 2008 2:52 PM:

" I see people out there all the time with littler pet's. People complained that there was not a place to take our pet's now they find other things to complain about, my gosh enjoy it. I love knowing that my pooch is having a great time with other dogs and all the friendly people who also enjoy their pet's as much as I do. I think it would be ridiculas to make a "LITTLE" dog park, what a joke. "

JAN wrote on Nov 17, 2008 5:42 PM:

" The dog park is a wonderful place to go. I have met the nicest people and dogs there. A couple of the dogs were pit bulls, and their owners were very nice, not scum bags at all! It would be great if they put a dog part West of Longview. I'm sure it would get a lot of use. "

ccd wrote on Nov 17, 2008 7:19 PM:

" R U KIDDING ME?? Why wouldn't you advertise this place?? There SHOULD be signs on the freeway! And while you're at it - put in concessions there, with reasonable fees paid to the city so the costs of the park are covered. People would buy coffees, pastries, big soft pretzels and a polish sausage - and on warmer days they'd love a cool soda, flavored water, Italian soda, fruit smoothie, an ice cream cone. Have some picnic tables and a few benches for them to enjoy their treats while their dog has a blast! Provide an outhouse/handwashing station. Have a donation jar for the Cowlitz Co. Humane Society at the concessions. HECK YES get people off the freeway and to the dogpark - let them spend some $$ there while they're at it, and the park won't cost a darned thing! And maybe they'll spend more $$ in town while they're at it. Are ya NUTS? C'mon, think BIGGER - where's your brains on this!? "

Hershey's Squirt wrote on Nov 17, 2008 7:41 PM:

" Dog parks are a bogus waste of tax dollars. You dog owners need to get off your lazy bumms and run with your dogs on leashes. Both of you will get some excercise - it will do you good. And OMG, how petty is it to expect the City to provide doggy doo bags and to patrol the park constantly to ensure there are doggy doo bags available? Bring your own darn doggy doo bags. When do we get a cat park? Cats pay just as many taxes as doggies do (doo). "

PrideOfTheTideFlats wrote on Nov 17, 2008 9:44 PM:

" First, the 501c3 paperwork is not that hard. My mentally ill (collects SSI) mother-in-law was capable of filling out these papers all by herself. I don't think Mr Moul will have a problem. He seems like a fairly bright kind of guy. Second, encore ccd... let's get some revenue generated by the crowds (yes, folks we have crowds of people there). Third, what the *bleep* is the story with removing the garbage cans? Does anyone think that is a wise idea? How long until the city does have a poop war on their hands? "

Longview 88 wrote on Nov 17, 2008 9:50 PM:

" This park needed something like this. It was for the most part a place people wanted to avoid, unless you use the boat launch. With more people using the park now, perhaps we can finally get some upkeep on the plants and reinstall lighting in the parking area, as well as the restrooms. That park has a lot of potential. "

greyhorse wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:26 PM:

" I am one of the few that was against the dog park and still am. And yes I am a dog owner, however it would have made more sense to me if we had built a new Senior Citizens Center first. We cannot seem to find the funds to help a bigger and better Senior Center but we have funds for the Dog Park. What is with our elected officials have some decency and help our Seniors who helped build this community years ago. I guess they can always go out to the dog park or better yet Lake Sacajawea, and pick up the dog poop left behind by some of the dog owners.Seems to me that is about how much helping them with their needs and wants that our elected officials have for our seniors.
And also you people that take your dogs out to Willow Grove Park to run and poop out there. You must not know how to read the sign going into the park, you know the one with all the rules? One rule that is on it says, All dogs to be on leash at all times. But since you do not care or better yet do not know how to read then continue to do as you please because the rules do not apply to you. Oh and the sign has been there for years it is nothing new. "

JR Moul wrote on Nov 18, 2008 4:41 PM:

" To All,
Thank you so much for all your comments, suggestions, and support for the new dog park! And for those who are not in favor of it, you too have been heard. Your comments are just as important, as it helps us look for ways to make the dog park something that the area can be proud of rather than a negative issue.

As one person commented, this has been a park that has been unused for quite some time, and is now seeing many. It truly can be an attraction to draw people into the Longview/Kelso area, who would otherwise just drive past and not see what all we have to offer, and would not be spending any money here. With the right marketing, a little work, and the support we have going and growing, this dog park should soon be not only self supported, but be a huge asset to the cities of Longview and Kelso. It’s even possible that it may be able to be a helping hand to the Cowlitz Humane Society.

Many of the people who enjoy the park are more than willing to help with its upkeep and financial obligations. And unlike many parks, where people have no reason to visit with anyone else or only say hello in passing, the dogs have created a common thread between the visitors and many reasons to start up conversations and enjoy each others company. It’s also given many people a chance to exercise by walking within the park, having their best friend by their side, and not having to worry about a leash tying them together.

I, for one, am willing to give it my best, which is why I am working to form the Cowlitz Pet Lovers, a hopefully-soon-to-be nonprofit organization working aggressively to raise funds to not only support this dog park and others like it, but also to work towards bringing people into Longview, Kelso, and Cowlitz County. I encourage others to join in by contacting us, the Cowlitz Pet Lovers, and/or FOLA, and be a part of something great. To contact me with any comments or questions, please phone (360) 501-6048 or e-mail us at JoinUs@CowlitzPetLovers.org. Thanks again! "

ccd wrote on Nov 18, 2008 5:39 PM:

" JR MOUL - *thank you* for providing contact info. I'll do just that, and would happily join in to volunteer at the park or help with improvements. I think we need to get the word out about the dog park - maybe some local pet stores/Vet offices would be willing to put up a flyer about it? Just look at all of the pet owners there at the park, and think about some ways you can solicit donations or do some concessions/vending so that the park might even be profitable for the city. I just moved here from Portland, and the dog parks are always in full swing. I think this one will be too, as soon as word gets out about it. There are always some negative, selfish people who are discouraging and resentful - but the dog owners here are very appreciative of the opportunity to connect and socialize, as well as provide their dog with chances to play with other dogs. Dogs are social, pack creatures and most are very happy to interact with other dogs (it's the unneutered males that seem to provoke problems). THANKS for all of your efforts! "

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