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Dog park to open at Three Creeks Metro Park
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - May 06, 2009)
A new dog park will open soon in Three Creeks Metro Park.
The approximately four acre dog park is located in the Sycamore Fields area of the park near Watkins and Spangler roads. A dedication for the dog park is set for May 16 at 10 a.m. The dog park will be open the same hours as Three Creeks Park/Sycamore Fields area, which is 8 a.m. until dusk. There is no admission fee to use the dog park.
A dog park is a fenced area set aside for dogs to run free and play with other dogs while under the watchful eyes and control of their owners.
"Dog parks are very much like playgrounds for children. The 'parents' help police the kids' activities to make sure everyone has a good time," said Terri Montigny, a dog park user and a member of the Gahanna and Columbus Dog Park Advisory committees.
The new dog park is enclosed with a four rail wood farm fence with a metal fencing inside up to the height of the second rail.
"The enclosed area allows dogs to play off leash and interact with other dogs. The dog park is also a location for social interaction between dog owners," said Kathy Spatz of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Spatz said all dogs and owners are asked to behave responsibly. Dog park users are expected to keep a close eye on their dogs, pick up their dog waste, and help ensure their dog is playing nicely with other dogs. Before using the dog park, pet owners should read about dog park rules and etiquette at www.poochplayground.com.
The dog park is also developing a "Friends of" group to assist as advocates for dogs and partners with Recreation and Parks.
The park's capacity is 25 dogs per acre and features separate large and small dog areas.
"Small dogs are typically referred to as 30 pounds and under," said Spatz. "Occasionally you will see puppies being trained in these areas as well when not busy."
The $175,000 park was funded from the city of Columbus' capital improvement budget, not the city's operating budget.
"There is a clear distinction between the two types of budgets," said Spatz. "Capital funding comes from bond sales relative to the bond packages passed by Columbus voters, such as the one passed this past November, and is primarily used for construction projects. The operating budget is based on the collection of income taxes and pays for city services."
City of Columbus dog park rules
•You are responsible for any injuries caused by any dog you bring to the park. Users of this park do so at their own risk. Neither the city of Columbus nor the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department shall be liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog in the dog park.
•Handlers must immediately pick up and properly dispose of dog waste and must fill in any holes dug by your dog(s).
•No pets other than dogs are permitted in the dog park.
•Handlers must have proper license and vaccination tags while in the park.
•Do not bring aggressive dogs or dogs in heat. Dogs should be at least four months old.
•Handlers must leash and remove your dog(s) at the first sign of aggressive behavior. Handlers must be in park with leash at all times.
•Handlers may not bring more than two dogs at a time and never be left unattended.
•Handlers must have their dogs under direct control at all times.
•You may use only bite-sized treats in the dog park.
•Handlers must be 18 years old. Children under 13 are not permitted unless accompanied by an adult.
•All Columbus Recreation and Parks rules and Columbus City Codes are enforced.
•Call 311 with any concerns about the dog park.
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