CRPR "Aqua-Dog Day" event to fund tree plantings

For local dogs who love swimming pools and trees, an event early this fall is sure to please.  Centre Region Parks and Recreation plans to hold an “Aqua-Dog Day” event from 1-4 PM on Sunday, 8 Sep 2013, after the pools have closed for the season.  For $5 per dog, humans of all ages can bring their dogs for a swim at the Park Forest Community Swimming Pool, 2100 School Drive in Patton Township. Only dogs will be allowed in the pools, and human admission is free. Proceeds from the event will fund tree plantings at the future Oak Hall Regional Park in College and Harris Townships.   Development contracts recently were approved for the park, and a groundbreaking ceremony there will be planned for April or May. The park is expected to open in the spring of 2015.  Event Rules:

• Prior to admission, all human entrants must sign a Release Waiver and show proof of rabies vaccination and proof of a current dog license for their pet.
• One dog per owner; owners must be age 18+ and are responsible for their dog’s behavior. All minors (age 17 and under) must be accompanied by an adult.
• Dogs must remain on-leash when not using the pools. Only dogs are permitted in the pool (no humans). Lifeguards will be on duty to provide any necessary assistance.  
• Pet waste bags be distributed; it is required that pet owners immediately clean up after their dogs.

RENOVATIONS AT TOM TUDEK DOG PARK

The Off-Leash Zones were changed in late-Aug 2012 in order to permit landscape renovations to the "Upper Off-Leash Area" (currently the Large Dog Area).  Improvements were completed at the "Upper Off-Leash Zone" include hardscape and landscape renovations to improve drainage and restore the turf.  This zone is expected to be closed through May 2013 in order to provide for proper turfgrass growth.  The information kiosk was re-installed at the Dog Park. 

In the interim, the "Large Dog" and "Small Dog" Zones will be rotated to the other 2 fenced areas.  Once all 3 fenced areas are re-opened, the 2 zones will be rotated periodically in order to maintain the turfgrass.  Please observe the signs for placing the appropriately-sized dog in each area.  View the Master Site Plan for Tudek Dog Park (PDF, 0.3 MB; in Adobe Reader it is necessary to "Rotate" the view of the plan for easier viewing).

Two separate fenced areas are provided at the dog park, one area for each size dog (by weight) per the dog park signs shown above.

For the safety of people and pets, ALL dog park rules, including the size requirements, must be followed at all times.

No attendant is on duty.  Users of this facility do so entirely at their own risk.

DOG PARK RULES

• The dog park is open dawn-to-dusk only.
• Two areas are provided at the park: “Dogs 30 lbs. & Under” and “Dogs Over 30 lbs.”
• All dogs must be over 4 months old.   No animals other than dogs are permitted in the dog park. 
• Children under 12 must be closely supervised at all times by an adult.  Young children should not be brought into the dog park.
• No food or treats (human or dog), alcoholic beverages, strollers, bicycles or children’s toys allowed in the dog park.
• No more than three beings (dogs and children) per handler are permitted.
• Dog waste must be promptly cleaned up by dog owners / handlers and placed in proper receptacles.
• All dogs must be legally licensed and vaccinated, and display current dog license and rabies tags.
• Dog owners / handlers must be inside the park and within view and voice control of their dogs at all times.
• Aggressive dogs are prohibited from the park, and dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior must be removed immediately.
• Outside of the fenced dog park, dogs must be on leash and under control by their owners / handlers at all times.
• Owners / handlers must stop their dogs from digging and immediately fill any holes dug.
• Excessive barking is prohibited.  Dogs barking excessively must be removed.
• No attendant is on duty.   Users of this facility do so entirely at their own risk.

Is Your Dog a "Dog Park Bully?"

If your dog does any of the following, you and your pet should leave the dog park…perhaps permanently:
• Snapping at or biting other dogs or humans,
• “Humping” other dogs,
• Growling aggressively,
• Cornering or chasing other dogs that show signs of fear,
• Body-slamming other dogs or humans.

If another dog doesn’t want to play with your dog, you must be able to call your dog away. If your dog injures another dog or human, you are responsible for those injuries.   If someone complains about your dog’s behavior, be prepared to consider that perspective before defending your dog or ignoring the complaint.  Apologize if your dog has been inappropriate, and leave the park if your dog is being too rough.  For everyone's safety, absolutely NO DOGS UNDER 30 POUNDS are permitted in the "Large Dog" area.

Aggressive dogs must be removed IMMEDIATELY from the park.

If You See a Bully Dog:

• First, make sure your own dog is safe. That might mean leashing your dog and exiting the enclosure with your pet.
• Politely point out to the owner of the offending dog that there is a problem, and ask that they gain control of the dog or that they leave the park. Ask others to join in your request, if needed.
• If the owner / handler will not cooperate, contact authorities (see below).

Tips for Everyone:

• Read the rules posted at the dog-park entrances. Follow ALL rules, including cleaning up after your dog and not bringing more than 3 beings (dogs and/or children) at a time.
• Keep your leash with you so you can exit any potentially bad situations.
• Do not bring treats or human food into the dog park.
• Periodically call your dog to you, give a hug or pat, and then send your dog back to play. This reinforces the idea that YOU are in charge, and is good practice for calling your dog out of danger.

Report Unsafe Behavior!

To report immediate danger, call 911.  To report other unsafe behavior, call the Ferguson Township Ordinance Enforcement Office at (814) 237-1172. 
Any of the following information is helpful:
1. Name / description of offending dog & owner / handler,
2. Vehicle license number,
3. Photo of offending dog and/or owner / handler. Use your cell phone to take the photo.

July 2008:

CRPR completed the installation of a special "Pets'n People Drinking Fountain" beside the Tudek Dog Park. The water provided is from the public water system; the fountain will be shut off and drained each winter to prevent freeze damage. The project was the result of the following cooperative efforts:

• The funds for the water service, waterline installation and the underground meter pit were raised by the Tudek Dog Park Committee in cooperation with the Tom Tudek Memorial Park Trust.

• The fountain was purchased by the Township of Ferguson.   Labor and installation was provided by the staff of Centre Region Parks & Recreation.

March 2009:

The Tom Tudek Memorial Park Trust has graciously provided a sign (per the image above) to recognize the many donors to the Dog Park. The sign was mounted in the Dog Park Kiosk in March 2009.  Recognition of future donors will be added to the sign (and the list below) semi-annually. The custom sign was created by the WSOS Quilter Sign Shop , a non-profit organization in Green Springs, OH.