On April 21st Miami Township will be celebrating the opening of their Bark Park in Miami Meadows Park. Does Miami Township really need a "park" for dogs? Don't people have yards in which to let Rover roam? More importantly what was the justification for this expenditure of public funds?
Dave Duckworth, Township Administrator, is quoted as saying "Over the past five to seven years, we've had numerous people call,” said township administrator David Duckworth. “I've probably fielded over 100 calls wanting to know if we were going to do something for dogs, specifically a dog park.” Ok, then let's break that down:
100 calls over five years = less than two per month (1.67)
100 calls over seven years = just over one per month (1.19)
The justification for spending over $65K* for the bark park centers on receiving less than two calls per month? How does he know it wasn't the same person calling each and every month? Were these calls even documented? Sure doesn't sound like a reliable way to justify spending public dollars. Now that the park is built, how much will the Township pay workers for pooper scooper duty?
I distinctly remember being induced to vote for the Park Levy (which is funding this facility) based on the dangling of "spray parks" for children. What happened to that priority?? Furthermore, there is a private entity (off of the Bypass) which provides a dog park. Why is the Township duplicating services that are offered in the private sector?
*2005 Park Levy Fund $35,000 allocated to Dog Park
2006 Park Levy Fund $30,000 allocated to Dog Park
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I have been reading your blog with great interest and for the most part agree with your comments. Thank you for the courage to provide a forum where Clermont County citizens can not only voice their views but actually get them published. It is difficult to find a medium that is willing to go against the current power structure in Clermont County and actually publish the other side of the story or issue.
I am afraid you may be "barking up the wrong tree" regarding this issue. Although I agree that $65 thousand seems a bit costly, this park can prove valuable to the community.
I think the tree the vermin is in would be regarding the $65 K. I would be interested to find out who the township contracted with, if the township reviewed multiple bids for the project, is or was the firm a union contractor, and were the materials used made in the USA? If our government does not support American workers and American made products, well then, “supporting our troops” becomes a meaningless line used just for campaigns & to get elected. I guess that is a completely different issue, or is it?
If the money were WISELY spent, this bark park would be an asset to the community. Those who live in apartment complexes and have dogs would greatly enjoy this park. Even those of us who have yards can guarantee you we do not have 3 acres of fenced yard where the dog can run free; learn to socialize with other dogs, which is a necessity in our urban environment; and actually learn to socialize with humans other than their owner(s). Speaking of socializing, it would bring the people of the community together as well. One thing that opens up a great conversation among dog owners is their fondness for their pets. This usually spreads to discussion of other social issues and develops friendships. I can even see those not so fortunate to own a puppy, would enjoy going to the bark park to watch the dogs interact and play. It can become a fun gathering place for the whole community. I think you will agree that community interaction builds a stronger community and a dog park may just be the “link” to do this.
Along with the township requesting the dogs be up-to-date on their shots and license, they should also demand that the owners scoop their own dog’s poop. I can see the other dog owners exerting peer pressure if there were a sign posted with this rule.
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