Dog owners press case for pooch park
By Prentiss Findlay
Video
Dog park protest
A small group of dog owners and their pets tried to attend Tuesday's Mount Pleasant Town Council Meeting but were turned away at the door.
The Post and Courier
Mount Pleasant Police Cpl. R.C. Driggers III (left) stops Elaine Rawls' dogs, Reeses (brown) and Ms. Maddie, at the Town Hall door on Tuesday. Rawls and other dog owners showed up at the Town Council meeting to show their support for a dog park at Memorial Waterfront Park.
MOUNT PLEASANT — It felt and looked like the dog days outside of Town Hall on Tuesday, where dog park supporters gathered after being barred by police from entering council chambers to express support for a canine play area at Memorial Waterfront Park.
Undeterred, the demonstrators took their pooches to a window and held them up for Town Council members to see. Police weren't amused and told them so.
But the crowd of about a dozen people who showed up with their canines weren't disappointed that they didn't get an audience with council.
"I was just hoping that we would get media coverage," Elaine Rawls said.
"I wasn't expecting to be able to get in," Dennis Blyth said.
What they expected was council's attention to a matter that they said is near and dear to their hearts. They want 4.5 acres at the rear of Memorial Waterfront Park to include a dog park.
"Just being out here is important. It shows that you care," Councilman Gary Santos said.
Several of the dog park supporters said they signed up to address the council later during a public comment period while a friend tended to their dogs outside.
The proponents of a dog park fear that the council will develop 4.5 acres at the rear of the park instead of using it for green space, including a 1-acre dog park.
The state Department of Transportation offered the town 22 acres for free but required that the land be used for the park. The council voted last month to explore purchasing the 4.5 acres, which would open the land to other uses. Ideas such as a corporate meeting center or a performance venue have been floated.
Memorial Waterfront Park, including a 1,200-foot pier, a visitor's center, a war memorial and sweetgrass center, is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend 2009.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or pfindlay@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
What, specifically, is a "dog park"?
Can the dogs be off their leashes? If so, aren't there lots of dog fights?
Is it fenced in from the rest of the park?
Are dogs prohibited in the rest of the park (even when on leashes)?
June 11, 2008 at 3:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinapanther (anonymous) says...
A dog park is a fenced in area where dogs can run off their leash and play with other dogs. If the dog does not get along with other dogs and start a fight, then the owner should be close by and not allow the dog back. The dog park is for dogs that are not violent and gets along well with other dogs.
June 11, 2008 at 3:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paulie (anonymous) says...
The original purpose presented to the public for approval was and is a "doggie" park. Don't let political greed and commercialism renig on a much needed green space/park. We need a much needed balance of building/developement and park areas.
June 11, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greengirl (anonymous) says...
I do not think that any of you understand that with a dog park, the "outside fence" time would be very limited. And believe me, peer pressure to clean up after the dogs is high in a community dog park. But if you really feel that 90% will walk outside, and that is a concern for you, I would think that you would be a champion of the park idea. Without the park, it will be 100%
June 11, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Keep your dogs pooping in your own yard!
Cat park--now that is funny. I am sure IOP town council will designate a part of the beach as the cat park after this.
June 11, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyRenegade (anonymous) says...
Dog are 'profiled' because of their breeds which is ridiculous. The dog most likely to bite is one who has had no socialization, it has nothing to do with the breed. Well socialized dogs of all breeds, starting at a young age, improve the odds of the animal being a respected part of society and not a nuisance. Having a dog park, where *responsible* owners can allow their dogs to be around other dogs in a *supervised* social manner is the best thing not only for the dog, but for the owner, (and their neighbors who whine and b***h about that d**ned dog next door.) I personally have 6 dogs, I can walk all of them on lead and they are social because they started socialization at 7 wks. When you take away the opportunity for a dog to socialize that energy has to go somewhere. Unsocialized dogs become frustrated, aggressive, and destructive. Any idea how many Fido's are killed because they tore up the couch? They become afraid of other dogs and people and especially kids whose loud screams and running away trigger their prey drive. This is what causes bites, but of course it's all the dog's fault, it has nothing to do with an owner who is irresponsible by not socializing their dog. Finally here are some people who want their animals to be more socialized, giving them the ability to run off the excess pent up energy, and they're being declined the opportunity to be heard? These are the responsible people who are trying to do the right thing! I'm fairly certain that if any of their dogs were to bite a child it would be well publicized, and then that breed would be dismissed as a horrible animal and all of them would be disallowed, because you never know what will set them off. How easily we could prevent so many tragedies if people just educated themselves. It's not the breed, it's not the dog, it's the owner who is making mistakes. The owners here are trying to improve the lives of their dogs, they are taking steps in the right direction, let them! I only wish the Moncks Corner/Pinopolis area had the same forethought to see fit to allow a dog park as well.
June 11, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
I want a park for older people. You know, one with swings with safety straps, padded sliding boards with a man lift to carry you to the top, and jello shooter boxes instead of sandboxes. All that nice soft stuff so no one would break their bones. No merry go rounds, as they will make you puke after you get out of the jello shooter box.
You would have to be over 45 to be allowed to use the facility.
BTW- Palmetto Islands has a nice dog park. Plenty of open space under the high voltage wires. I used to take my dogs there all the time. Never had any real problems except for a few snotty people that were scared their dogs would get hurt. It can be a very sociable time for the dogs as well as the people. No need to use large acreage for these parks.
June 11, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative68 (anonymous) says...
A dog park does not have to be "fenced in", the James Island dog park is surrounded by shrubs and water.
June 11, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gingerisler (anonymous) says...
I think that this behavior last night was inappropiate given what the Mayor had just announced. Last night was NOT the time for combative behavior. These circus like antics are dispicable. There is a time and a place for everything and a proper way to share your opinon. One man had to be escorted out by police because of his behavior. They should be ashamed of themselves.
June 11, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
SO....what was the outcome of the meeting that they weren't allowed to get in too??...Where is the NAADO? (National Ass. for the Advancement of Dog Owners??) What did Council decide ...or talk about? Did any member come outside to talk to any dog owner?? Talk about great REPORTING???...
Come ON PRENTISS!!! Hey ..Police OFFICERS...Yes YOU!! Do you realize that these voters help PAY your salary?? They didn't have guns did they?? Did they threaten any member with bodily harm?? No matter which side of this issue you support ...the voter has every right to let there view be heard and Breath...SMELLED!! Once people get elected they feel as if they don't need to listen to voters...especially in front of cameras....what IDIOTS!! What a total lack of GUTS. Vote all these SAPS ..OUT!! Are they scared of a little camera? Voter Comments and Input? Oh ...that's right ...no one was outside from the developers to give equal time to the ISSUE?? I guess DOG owners are the ONLY one's with GUTS!!!!
June 11, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hwebster (anonymous) says...
I'll come but the swings will have to be padded.
June 11, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Gee thanks CB, I've lived in Mt. P since I was born, and no one has ever told me I was special because of that fact. :)
BTW- the only people that live over here and think their doo doo doesn't stink, are either transplants or yuppies. Most of us old natives just consider ourselves well, people, just like anybody else. In case they don't know it, the snobs bleed red just like the rest of the population.
I have never had a baby jogger or a golf cart either, so I guess I must be one of the po folk, you reckon?
June 11, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
CB, come on over and let's break in the old people's park. Can you think of something better than jello shooters for the box? I don't really like those things. Can you gel beer?
June 11, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
A dog park would be too close to the water. You don't want dog "waste" getting into the water.
June 11, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hwebster (anonymous) says...
Somehow, I'm reminded of Bill Murray finding a Baby Ruth bar in the deep end of the pool. Think "Caddy Shack".
June 11, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
It was pointed out on Monday evening that the dog park allows owners to socialize as well. It takes people and activity at a park to help create and bind community. The fairly small, fenced area at the park can be cleaned up at the end of the day. Older people, who have hard time walkign as fast or as far as their pets need to can let their dogs off leash.
The area in question is over 1000 feet from open water.
The dog park is a very inexpensive option that will create interest and activity at the park. Pleanty of land remains in private ownership near the park for commercial development. It's clear a convention center will lose money competing with the 3 to 4 other local convention facilities already operating.
Taxpayers supported this park based on planning which included a small dog park and several other features which have been eleminated. What we're getting has been described by local politicians as a "tourist" attraction. Every element eleminated was something which would have been useful and of interest to citizens.
June 11, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
commonsence (anonymous) says...
Interesting that dogs weren't allowed in the school for the meeting. School employees bring their dogs to roam in the building regularly on teacher work days...
June 11, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Charles_Town (anonymous) says...
Keep your pet on a leash or in your own yard.
June 11, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Charles_Town (anonymous) says...
I have always wondered why a lot cat owners do not make their pet(s) stay on their own property, when I had a dog I was expected to keep him on a leash or on my property.
June 11, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
retirednavy (anonymous) says...
Ladyrenegade..
I've never heard a news story of a poodle, beagle, lab....etc attacking someone and killing them. I will not let my kids hang out with anyone that has a rotweiller, pit bull, or other so called "profiled dogs". I do agree that it has a lot do with the owner, and it seems like some people use dogs as a status symbol. The bigger the dog the tougher the owner is. IMO I think they are trying to compensate for something.
June 11, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greengirl (anonymous) says...
I'd like for all the "dog park opponents" to understand, that it was explained on Monday night, not only has town officials removed the dog park but also the picnic area. And many officials were not even told--it just dropped off the map. It could just as easily be the fishing dock next, or the War Memorial. Unless we pay close attention now, this could end up being just another commercial/tourist venture.
We are talking about a very small portion of this land for green space for all the old people/dogs/cats/charity cases. I'll bet that 95% of the people who oppose the green space have NEVER attended a town council meeting.
June 11, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CaptKick (anonymous) says...
Give me a break - A Doggie Park on 4.5 acres of waterfront property! If they do this it will be the most ridiculous thing Mt. P Town Council has done yet and that is saying something. Did I understand correctly and is it true - 12 people showed up in support of the Doggie Park? Did they bring their little baggies with them to the meeting or were they provided Free of Charge by the Town. How much more ridiculous can they get? They should be spending some time fixing the huge traffic jam at the foot of the new bridge. They only had about ten years to plan that mess! Yeah this is me Gary.
June 11, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
This isn't waterfront property. It's several hundred feet from the water, uphill between the bridge ramps.
The dog park and picnic area are at least the third and forth elements eleminated from the plan supported by the public. The boat dock was eleminated, removing public water access. The fountain near the playground for the children was cut. There was not public hearing. The rec department wasn't even informed. They Mayor just made the decision with his friends on council with nearly not public notice.
Hundreds of people attended the planning meetings for this park. It's clear Town Government doesn't listen.
I really believe they overestimate the amount of tourism activity a park like this will draw.
Unless there is activity for residents, the park will be empty most of the time. People really to to parks to get exercise and watch other people. It's a social space. If you want a lot of trees all to yourself, that's what you drive out to the Francis Marion for.
I don't own a dog, but as family side shrinks in Mt. Pleasant, many people will want dogs for companionship and personal security. These small families and single people aren't going to need or be able to afford a large yard and we need better options. If we don't have them, other places will recruit that talent.
A huge amount of real estate in the older parts of Mt. Pleasant is about to turn over as people downsize their homes after they have finished raising their families. If the area isn't competitive, values and tax base will fall.
Huge lots, lots of driving and little social contact may be the antisocial American lifestyle of cheap gas, but that's over. Mt. Pleasant needs to use the opportunities it has left to adapt so it can compete.
June 11, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
TP, one of my dogs needs a very big bag, so I always carry my own grocery bag. It takes two hands to handle a whopper, remember? It's another good way to reuse your grocery bags, so I guess you could call it recycling.
June 11, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Seriously though, those bags usually come in one size, so you try picking up a mountain of poo with one of those tiny bags. The IOP dog park has those fancy bags that you are supposed to scoop it up, and then flip the thing to seal it. First time I tried, I got dooky hands....gross.
June 11, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasgirl (anonymous) says...
We use grocery bags and the bags that the newspaper comes in. I always laugh when my husband uses a bag with a hole in it, and he gets poo on his hand, or the poo falls out!
June 11, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
RTC has just reminded me why I don't have a dog. I can barely clean baby poop so I know I aint scooping anything. What breed do you have since you need a big hefty lawn trash bag to clean up after your animal... Cougar... :>)
Maybe you need to train that dog to use the toilet...Dump and Flush!!!
Just kidding with you!
On a serious note, it sounds like the city council is just getting started. Resident of Mount Pleasant be aware....
June 11, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Girley, I have a 90 lb. Golden retriever. Good thing they didn't have dog parks when I used to have a St. Bernard.
Yes, we do have to be aware, because it doesn't matter if they ask for public input, because they always do what they want and not what the citizens want.
History has proven that it is waste of time to go to these meetings, as they might listen but they don't hear.
Next election....vote them all out!
June 11, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
2cents (anonymous) says...
There's a nice dog park at Palmetto Islands County Park.
June 11, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Time4action (anonymous) says...
Good Lord RTC! How old are you? A park for "older people" over 45!?! I want a park I can play in without being trambled on by the 40's and 50's youngsters.
June 11, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
CB, ya gotta love the P&C's catchy headlines. I thought the same thing. Getting on hard times when people resort to robbing kangaroos, considering I've never seen any in the states except in a zoo.
What's in your wallet, um, I mean pouch?
June 11, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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