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Article in The Ithaca Journal, November 21, 2008.
Dog park poised to become permanent
One year ago, meetings at City Hall were filled with upward of 50 people at a time, lobbying for and against a once-controversial off-leash dog park.
Now, with a final agreement between the city and State Parks on management of the Festival Lands only one vote away, all is quiet at City Hall and at the fenced-in dog park.
Dog park poised to become permanent.
Article in The Ithaca Journal, August 9, 2007.
City to add composting at dog park
Ithaca's Board of Public Works moved forward with composting in the city's temporary off-leash dog park and delayed a decision on Cornell's Milstein Hall at its meeting Wednesday night.
The board authorized a resolution 5-2 that requires the city to hire a contractor to set up a composting program at the city's off-leash dog area in the north end of Cass Park, also known as the “Festival Lands.” But the resolution also requires that the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group, or TCDOG, pay for the contracting services, estimated at about $3,000.
City to add composting at dog park.
Article in The Ithaca Journal, July 26, 2007.
ITHACA — The City of Ithaca has been spending a lot of time lately talking about poop.
Dog poop, that is.The Board of Public Works indicated more willingness to help with cleanup of dog waste at Ithaca's off-leash dog park at its Wednesday night meeting. Board members who had previously told the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group to deal with waste removal or composting themselves, pulled back from that strict line.
City might break out scoops, help with ‘Festival' dog waste.
Member Newsletter The TCDOG Listserve, January 29, 2007.
The Year of the Dog: Your Dog
It was just a year ago that TCDOG hosted an afternoon presentation at Juna’s, and unveiled our campaign for “2006: The Year of the DogPARK!” It seemed like an impossible dream but we all worked together and we made it a reality.
The year in review.
Article in The Ithaca Journal, January 25, 2007.
Group sues city over dog park
ITHACA — A group of people announced Wednesday they are suing the City of Ithaca for the process it followed to establish the off-leash dog area at Allan H. Treman State Marine Park.
Group sues city over dog park .
By Jennie Daley.
Article in The Ithaca Times, January 10, 2007.
Dog Walk
At last week's Common Council meeting for the City of Ithaca, the public comment period stretched past two hours. During this time, 31 different people spoke, and with rare exception, each gladly used every second of the three minute maximum allotted by the city.
Dog Walk .
By Jake Bakkila.
Article in The Ithaca Journal, January 5, 2007.
Dog park debate continues: City won't conduct review of Festival Lands
Permanent site options due by end of JulyITHACA — No environmental review will be performed for the temporary off-leash dog area at Allan H. Treman Marine Park even though Common Council committed, at its Wednesday meeting, to reviewing possible permanent dog park sites by July of this year.
Dog park debate continues.
By Jennie Daley.
Article in The Ithaca Journal, January 4, 2007.
City to explore permanent dog-park options
Common Council voted not to perform an environmental review of the temporary off-leash dog area at its Wednesday night meeting but did commit to investigating more permanent solutions for a dog park in the first half of 2007.
City to explore permanent dog-park options.
Letter to the Editor in The Ithaca Times, January 10, 2007.
Council acted hastily on Treman unleashing
In this century when Mother Nature is clearly on the run, it is important that government follow and apply the environmental laws we have, weak as they often are.
Council acted hastily on Treman unleashing.
By Tony Ingraham.
Article in The Ithaca Journal, November 16, 2006.
Public works board approves rules for temporary dog park
ITHACA — By Dec. 1 signs will be up at the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park explaining the rules for the temporary off-leash dog area.
The Board of Public Works approved the rules and regulations at its meeting Wednesday night. Included in the rules are stipulations for how to deal with aggressive dogs, requirements for registering and vaccinating dogs and an explanation of liabilities.
Public works board approves rules for temporary dog park .
By Jennie Daley.
Article in The Ithaca Times, October 11, 2006.
The Ithaca Times coming around?
Although it may further complicate relations between off-leash dog walkers and park police, last week's decision by Common Council to allow for the unleashing of dogs at the city's Festival Lands beginning Dec. 1 is being met mostly with optimism.
Ken Zeserson, a member of the executive board of the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group (commonly known as TCDog) holds a pragmatic, yet positive view of the outcome.
Border Patrol .
By Bryan Chambala.
Article in The Ithaca Journal, October 6, 2006.
Council drops leash law at marina.ITHACA — Enforcement issues are the obvious question raised by Common Council's decision Wednesday to rescind the City of Ithaca's leash law in a portion of the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park.
In a unanimous vote, the council decided that as of Dec. 1 the city's leash law ordinance will not apply on a 15-acre parcel in the marina commonly referred to as the festival lands.
Council drops leash law at marina .
By Jennie Daley, Journal Staff.
Story in The Ithaca Journal, September 7, 2006.
Council doesn't move forward on dog park
ITHACA — After much discussion, the City of Ithaca's Common Council decided against taking action toward the next step needed to create a city-sanctioned dog park on its “Festival Lands.”
Council doesn't move forward on dog park. By Jennie Daley, Journal Staff.
Editorial in The Ithaca Journal, August 23, 2006.
Dog park: Time to get it done right
Once again, some of Ithaca's most persevering promoters find their longtime cause — for better and for worse — thrust into the spotlight.
Dog park: Time to get it done right. Ithaca Journal Editor.
Front Page Story in The Ithaca Journal, August 18, 2006.
Land swap could curb ‘dog park'
State parks offers trade of Inlet to city for possible development
ITHACA — A land swap deal that could aid the City of Ithaca with long-awaited development on Inlet Island could also mean the end — at least for now — of plans for an off-leash dog park on city land.
Land swap could curb ‘dog park'. By Anne Ju Journal Staff.
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, July 21, 2006.
I am writing in response to a letter about liability issues for an unleashed dog park.
Having worked in municipality reinsurance for Lloyds of London for over a decade and also being a dedicated attendee of Treman Park, I would like to dispel any falsities concerning increased liability costs because of an unleashed dog park.
Dog park no liability issue . By Stefan Prescott.
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, July 14, 2006.
I'm puzzled by portions of a pair of letters in The Journal recently concerning a possible off-leash dog park near the marina.
Dog park: Too much to ask? . By Robb Johnsrud.
Interview with Incoming CU President David Skorton The Cornell Chronicle, April 12, 2006.
Having said this, his cell phone buzzed. It was his wife, Robin Davisson ... He was happy to tell her there was a dog park in Ithaca where they can take their two Newfies for a stroll. "Just today we were talking about finding some help with dog care," he said. "We haven't figured that out quite yet, but they are a major part of our lives as we prepare to move."
'I'm a huge believer in the consultative style': Incoming President David Skorton surveys his new arena of ideas and issues . By Franklin Crawford.
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, April 21, 2006.
According to the latest national survey, dog ownership in American is at its highest level: 73 million dogs. Three-quarters of dog owners consider their dogs part of the family. Thirty-six percent of dogs sleep in their owners' beds. Eight out of 10 dog owners buy dog gifts...
Let's make Ithaca a dog-friendly community . by Seth Sicroff.
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, April 21, 2006.
As a caring community, we understand that it is important for people to recreate in healthy ways. That's why we support parks with tables for family picnics; trails for runners, hikers and bicyclists; an ice rink for skaters; playgrounds for children; and, yes, even a marina for wealthy Binghamton boaters.
Ithaca needs dog place . by Patricia Forton.
Article on Planning Conference and Toughpups in The Ithaca Times, April 19, 2006.
Ithaca isn't going to the dogs - not yet. In fact, a group of canine advocates are hoping this will change.
For the Dogs .
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, March 27, 2006.
Thank you for a balanced editorial regarding an off-leash dog park. I am the owner of two large dogs. I often feel more and more boxed in by the fear of dogs and a city's refusal to recognize the need for a designated place for off leash dogs.
Dog owners deserve place by Linda Blossom.
Letter to the editor to The Ithaca Journal, March 22, 2006
The TCDOG Executive Council believes your March 9th editorial entitled "Local Dog Park" offers an accurate and balanced assessment of the progress to date towards rescinding the leash law on the Festival Lands within the Treman State Marine Park. However, we would add some perspectives to your ringing conclusion, namely that HUMANS must be taken into account when a solution is finally worked out. (We would also like to point out one inaccuracy in the editorial namely that there are roughly 2500 legally recognized off-leash dog parks nationwide, not 700!)
Time to add dog park to local portfolio by TCDOG Executive Council.
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, March 15, 2006.
I am a companion of two well-behaved canine friends who enjoy socializing with other dogs almost as much as I enjoy watching them frolic. I live about 30 miles south of Ithaca, and stores on The Commons and places like GreenStar offer products not available where I live.
Make dog park official by Jay Schissell, Zoe and Luna.
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, March 14, 2006.
So the Dog Park is still on the table. We — my husband, I and our big, black, male dog Miko — went to San Diego, land of the dog park, this summer, so I thought I would share our experiences with the Ithaca community.
San Diego dog parks offer view of future by Karen Scott.
Opinion Piece in The Ithaca Journal, March 9, 2006.
Ithaca is not a place where people are inclined to let sleeping dogs lie.
So it should come as a surprise to no one that members of the area canine-advocacy entity known as the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group - a clever TCDOG for short - launched an effort last month to revive plans for a local dog park.
Local dog park: Good fences make better neighbors
Article in The Ithaca Journal, February 25, 2006.
ITHACA -- Despite some past roadblocks, dog owners in the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County aren't giving up on efforts to create a recreational space for free-roaming dogs.
The Tompkins County Dog Owners Group, which organizer Ken Zeserson said has about 200 members, approached the Community and Neighborhood Services Committee of Common Council earlier this month, reviving their quest for an off-leash dog area after a brief hiatus
Dog park issue unleashed again.
Poll Results in The Ithaca Times, February 22, 2006.
Of the 165 respondants to the Ithaca Times dog park online survey, nearly 90 percent said "yes" to an off-leash dog park somewhere within the city limits.
Dog Park Results
Opinion piece in The Ithaca Times, February 22, 2006.
A recent Ithaca Times editorial misrepresented a proposal to the city by the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group (TCDOG) requesting relaxation of the leash ordinance in two city-owned parks: Baker Park off Old Elmira Road and the Festival Lands, part of Treman Marine State Park.
Response from TCDog
Article in The Ithaca Times, February 15, 2006.
Several years ago the City of Ithaca Common Council adopted a pilot program involving off-leash dogs in Treman State Park on the basis that the state also approved the idea. The state did not approve it, but ticketing officials were lax with those who chose to run their dogs off-leash in the park.
Off-leash dog program
Editorial in The Ithaca Times, February 15, 2006.
Attention, dog owners: before you begin reading this, take a deep breath, control your eyeball rolling and put yourself on the other side of the fence for a moment.
Dog Park Needs More Guarantees
January 2006 Letter to members.
The new year is always a good time to review, and we thought
you might want a summary of TCDOG's work in 2005 and what you can look forward
to in 2006.
TCDOG got up & running!
It's been a busy year! TCDOG now has a list serve for all members
who wish to participate, and also a public web site to provide information on
its work. In March 2005, TCDOG held its first members meeting in several
years, and elected a slate of seven people to serve as an Executive
Council. The group continued tabling at various sites and events,
gathering signatures for our petitions to create a legal dog park, and
enrolling new members in TCDOG. We also finished up the process of
creating a not-for-profit corporation, including tedious stuff like writing
bylaws that ensure members can participate in policy-making and
decisions. The bylaws were enacted and approved by the membership in
June, and continue to be refined. In September, members met again and
elected 3 new EC members, setting up staggered terms so there will be
continuity on the Council after every future election.
Dog Park Progress
TCDOG succeeded in having representatives placed on the Mayor's Task Force on
Dog Parks, which is discussing the place of dog parks in the City of Ithaca and
Tompkins County. After a series of meetings, the Mayor's Task Force
agreed to endorse the plan by TCDOG reps to repeal the city leash law at the
Marina. TCDOG now is going forward through the legislative process and
asking for an amendment to the city ordinance that will allow dogs off leash
there. TCDOG also is in contact with the new State Park Regional
Supervisor, and is about to begin discussions with him on the dog park
situation.
TCDOG also has investigated other sites for possible satellite dog parks.
In addition to the primary dog park at Treman Marina, TCDOG hopes to establish
several parks in and around Ithaca, including at least one park that is
fenced. TCDOG members approached the Jacksonville Community Association
in June and got permission for off leash dog use at the 60 acre Jacksonville
Community Park. The Mayor's Task Force is working with TCDOG to identify
city-owned outside the Marina area that could be used for other dog parks.
Member Events
TCDOG hosted two special member meetings in additional to the two semi-annual
meetings. One of the special meetings was an informational forum at GIAC,
and the other was held at Jacksonville Community Park and included a vote on
the bylaws. In June we held an educational event on understanding dog
interaction, and particularly on understanding when aggression might
imminent. This event was open to the public and attended by over 60
people. Our last event of 2005 was the second annual Halloween Party at
the Marina, where dozens of dogs and dog owners enjoyed the costumes and the
pot luck food.
What's Next?
In early 2006, we will be asking the Ithaca City government to adopt an
amendment to the leash law, so that city law will no longer require that dogs
be leashed at the Marina. This is the first step in getting a legal dog
park. The next step will be getting State Park regulations amended to say
the same thing. We are meeting with the new Regional Superintendent of
State Parks to discuss this. We also will be setting up meetings with State
Legislators and asking for their support in encouraging the State Parks to make
this change.
Our first member event for 2006 will be a Chinese New Years Celebration on
Sunday, June 29th, to welcome in the Year of the Dog! We will have a
social hour, and then Sharon Garland will give a talk on the work she has been
doing rescuing pets with her Katrina Karavan, all at Juna's on the
Commons. Come join us as we socialize over coffee & dessert and hear
about the wonderful efforts being made locally on behalf of orphaned pets in
Louisiana and Mississippi.
What can you do?
Our most important asset is our membership. We need to show state and
local government that we have the support of many people when we ask for leash
laws to be changed. Please remember to renew your membership right
away! The membership calendar year runs from January through December,
and member dues are payable in January, so they are due at this time.
To remain a member of TCDOG, you need to send in your $5 annual dues along with
the following information:
Name: __________________________________
Address: __________________________________
__________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Name[s] of dog[s]: ________________________________________________
I prefer to be receive important notices _____ by email _____
by US Mail (check one)
Please mail this information and your $5 dues to:
Brian Zapf
TCDOG Treasurer
PO Box 448
Ovid, NY 14521
On behalf of the TCDOG board of directors, thank you all for your support and
participation in 2005. We look forward to another year of progress toward
building a dog friendly community!
Article in The Ithaca Journal, March 16, 2005.
ITHACA -- A local group dedicated to promoting a legal dog park in Tompkins County will hold a key organizational meeting tonight.
The Tompkins County Dog Owners Group -- TCDOG -- will gather for its first general membership meeting from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center gymnasium, 318 N. Albany St. The purpose of tonight's meeting is not to hash out plans for a dog park, but to tackle basic organizational tasks necessary before the big issues can be dealt with. [ archived article]
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, March 9, 2005.
...Complaints made in the past few months are outrageous. We, as dog owners and taxpayers, deserve to have an official dog park! We should have a place to take our companions to run free under our close supervision.We have an obligation to speak up and support an official dog park at the north end of Allen H. Treman Park, a place where we have gone to exercise our dog's off-leash in the past and should be able to continue in the future.[ archived article]
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, March 5, 2005.
...I hope Ithaca's dialogue about a dog park -- a dialogue that should be focused on meeting the needs of the whole community -- will not deteriorate into people battering others with stories of gruesome dog attacks.I believe that, whenever possible, most of us want to defer to those who have been traumatized. I also believe that such deference isn't always appropriate or fair in community life.
Advocates of an off-leash dog park are not proposing that dogs run at will in the city. We aren't insisting that leashed dogs, their owners or people anxious around unleashed dogs be forced into contact with those of us prefer off-leash activity for our dogs. In fact, we are proposing the opposite. [ archived article]
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, Feb. 23, 2005.
I am not a dog owner. Years ago, when owners kept their pets at home, I used to walk in the fields behind the Hanger Theatre.However, the strip of land near the water was frequently populated by unsavory folk who appeared to be trading, selling or using various illegal substances. Our little group of walkers never got close enough to see exactly what these other people were doing, but for me, the peaceful atmosphere became tainted and it was no longer pleasant to go there. Now that this same parcel of land is so well used by dogs and their owners, it is again one of our favorite places to be. [archived article]
Cap'n Ken's Table Squad Hits the Chili Fest
After an auspicious debut at GreenStar on Feb. 12, Ken Zeserson's table commandos took up position outside P.A.W.S. for the Feb. 19 Chili Fest. Scores of concerned citizens signed petitions urging the establishment of an off-leash dog park at Treman Marina.
Thanks to Patrice (GreenStar) and Jay (P.A.W.S.) for hosting Ken's Tablers!
Letter to the Editor from Bill Hansen
We need a safe place to exercise our dogs
...I see unleashed dogs, with and without their owners, on city streets regularly. I'd love to see some consistency in enforcement -- or better yet, a return to tolerance of off-leash dog walking in the marina area... archived article]Fill out the Recreation Survey
An Ithaca Journal article by Roger Dupuis II on Feb. 10 calls attention to a Town of Ithaca Recreation Survey. The specified deadline is November 15, 2004, but according to the article,
"Officials still want to hear from town residents about their views on community recreation resources."
Since they had only gotten about 180 responses, our views can make a difference. You can download the survey at http://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/Rec%20Survey.pdf
Also Susanne Morgan suggests that
"if someone knows or uses one of [the other park] areas, that person could be part of a TCDOG presence in the planning for it. Tutelo Park is an area the earlier TCDOG group explored briefly but then planning for its use was delayed by the town."
Dog Park on Cable News (Feb. 11, 2005)
Channel 10 reporter Megan Driscoll was shooting a story at the Ithaca Dog Park today around noon. Unfortunately, there was not much of a crowd at the time. Proton posed patiently while her owner explained the importance of this facility. Text and video
Ithaca Journal editorial delivers! (Feb. 10, 2005)
Unheeded constituency
Let's build a dog park!...In September, 2004 a Binghamton lawyer who rented a boat slip at the marina wrote the city claiming that the dogs caused him such emotional distress that he was deprived of his rights to use public park land, Ithaca City Attorney Martin Luster told The Journal. He threatened to sue unless the city aggressively enforced its leash laws.
Park police officers suddenly began issuing tickets to patrons who walked their dogs off-leash. This past weekend, they went on a ticket blitz, sealing off the parking lot with squad cars as if they had Osama bin Laden penned in by the picnic tables, instead of a bunch of dogwalkers celebrating the thaw.
Before this silliness goes any further, city and state officials should move to establish an official, fully-legal area for dogs in Cass/Treman Park.archived article]
Monday in the Journal (Feb. 7, 2005)
State park police dishing out tickets to Treman dog walkers by ROGER DUPUIS II, Journal StaffITHACA -- Dog walkers weren't the only people to converge on Allen H. Treman State Marine Park Saturday. archived article]
Dog Parks in the News: On Friday, Feb. 4, the Ithaca Journal published an article on dog park issues.
SPCA Meeting to Discuss Dog Park Organization
Message from Kerry Barnes:February 1 in the JournalThanks to all who made the meeting Wednesday night at the Adoption Center. It was great to see such a large turnout!
To recap briefly for those who weren't able to be there:
We discussed the history of the dog park in Treman Marina and the current situation as it stands now. Genevieve Kocienda from the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group (TCDOG) handed out surveys for interested indivduals to fill out about what's wanted in a dog park. She's going to compile the results and share the info with the SPCA so we can get a better idea of what it is we're going to be working toward. Genevieve also handed out TCDOG membership forms and announced their next meeting is March 16th.
Kerry Barnes and Jim Tantillo from the SPCA announced to the group that the SPCA has a parcel of land it is interested in using as a secure off-leash dog park. The land does have some drawbacks, however; the greatest one being the marshy, swampiness of the area. The project will require a commitment to fundraising in order to provide the fencing, water supply and other amenities needed to make the park a success. It was discussed that a successful dog park at the SPCA could be used as a model and motivation for the community and a means of gathering support for other dog parks in Tompkins County.
The next steps are research and unity. The SPCA and TCDOG will continue to share information and support as we move forward toward realizing our goal. Meeting attendees were encouraged to research other successful dog parks and speak with the people who made them happen for advice, suggestions and direction. Researching/brainstorming creative fundraising ideas was also suggested.
The SPCA is planning on holding another dog park meeting in mid-to-late March when Dog Care Coordinator Donna Davie returns from her training in California. The public is encouraged to attend TCDOG's meeting on March 16 and joining the TCDOG listserv to stay informed.
Thank you again for your support and commitment to establishing a place our dogs can play and socialize free of restraint!
Kerry A. Barnes
Development Coordinator
Tompkins County SPCA
1640 Hanshaw Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-1822 ext. 232
Dog park meeting set for WednesdayITHACA -- The Tompkins County SPCA will host a brief information meeting Wednesday for those who are interested in creating an off-leash dog park in the county. The gathering will be held at 6 p.m. at the Dorothy and Roy Park Pet Adoption Center, 1640 Hanshaw Road.
According to organizers, an off-leash dog park is not only a secure place for dogs to engage in vigorous exercise, but a place where they can interact with other dogs and people. A well-socialized dog is less likely to develop behavior problems such as aggression and excessive barking.
For more information, contact kerry@spca.online.com or call 257-1822.
Lynn Metrulis' opinion in Ithaca Journal, January 5, 2005:
It's time for the City of Ithaca to catch up with the rest of the planet and designate a dog park for our families to enjoy. Doggie guardians who have had it with their marginalization in Ithaca formed a group a few years ago to rectify the situation.Ithaca Town Board Goals "Town boss lays out '05 goals," by Roger Dupuis II; Ithaca Journal, Saturday, January 1, 2005.
Councilman Will Burbank said the board seemed largely appreciative of Valentino's suggestions, and said he might offer a few priorities of his own. Among them are what he sees as the need for a dedicated dog park, improved trails for the area and a thoughtful evaluation of town government processes.Nov. 23, 2005 in the Journal "We need off-leash dog walking areas," by Pat Prior, guest columnist.
Recent reports of ticketing for off-leash dogs at Treman Marina and negative comments about dogs in local papers are very dismaying, especially the suggestion that off-leash dog walking is not a recreational activity which should receive government support.In a community that prides itself, I think, on the breadth and variety of recreational options available for its residents, the idea that off-leash dog walking is not a worthy activity is astounding! [ archived article]
Letter to the editor in The Ithaca Journal, June 25, 2003
Park dogsIn response to a recent letter writer who was troubled by dogs in a city park: Try another park. Ithaca has so many parks and so much public land where there are no dogs at all.
If you were picnicking next to the ball fields and got hit with a ball you might get up and move someplace safer. You wouldn't ask the ballplayers to stop the game so you could have lunch. Same for dogs. Dog owners have one place to go -- the city dog park. Strollers and picnickers have hundreds. Try Stewart Park (no dogs allowed), Buttermilk, Taughannock, Treman, Mulholland Preserve, Lick Brook, the rest of Cass Park, Washington Park, or any of the many beautiful, accessible, open spaces in our area. Just as you wouldn't picnic in the middle of a ball field, you can't expect your food to be safe in the middle of a bunch of happy dogs.
Let the dogs have their park and enjoy one of the dozens of others.
Diana Drucker
Town of Lansing