Pet lovers are slamming Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser with e-mails protesting yesterday’s decision by the parks board that puts a stop to the well-organized movement to build a dog park inside Sunnyside Park in Waldo.
The parks board put the resolution – which states that dog parks should avoid residential areas such as the one surrounding Sunnyside Park -- on the agenda with minimal notice and did not allow public comment on the item. “Makes me want to just throw in the towel and move to Johnson County, Kansas,” disappointed constituent Allyson Berberich wrote to Funkhouser in an e-mail shared with the media.
Funkhouser is out of town. A spokesman, Kendrick Blackwood, says this morning that the mayor supports the construction of more dog parks and would applaud the Waldo group's efforts. But he indicates that Funkhouser will not move to overrule the parks board’s decision. “He appointed them, and he empowered them as well,” Blackwood says.
Asked about the way yesterday's meeting was conducted, Blackwood says he expects that Funkhouser will be briefed on how the decision was made. – David Martin
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This is a little late to even post a comment, but I've lived a block away from Sunnyside for nearly 30 years. It used to be a nice place. I love my dogs so much, even if it was a fenced area, I wouldn't want my dogs off-leash there because it's changed so much. There are too many strange characters, and even I don't feel safe there, let alone trying to keep ahold of my pets, the same as we would little children. I used to take them to Shawnee Mission Park to run, but that's out now, it's even less safe there than Sunnyside. So, what's left?
Move to LA, we love dogs here! There are dog parks everywhere, the beach cities, hollywood, orange county..no matter where you live there is a dog park to enjoy!
Considering we get sidewalks for yards, the parks are a perfect alternative.
How hard is it to find space for a dog park in the midwest?? I am from KC and I know there is plenty of open space for a dog park, make it work! Good luck to you guys!
Move to LA, we love dogs here! There are dog parks everywhere, the beach cities, hollywood, orange county..no matter where you live there is a dog park to enjoy!
Considering we get sidewalks for yards, the parks are a perfect alternative.
How hard is it to find space for a dog park in the midwest?? I am from KC and I know there is plenty of open space for a dog park, make it work! Good luck to you guys!
Well, I know everyone is upset because a popular idea was dismissed by an appointed Board of Commissioners who heard not only from opponents to the plan, but proponents as well.
I hear proponents kicking and screaming mostly about the popularity of the plan. The fact of the matter is, that good community planning is not done by shear numbers, some may think it prudent and popular to jump off a high bridge into a cool lake in the heat of the summer, when in fact it may be dangerous.
Proper city/community planning has been studied for centuries and as a result, many popular ideas just do not make sense when various factors are considered such as the health and welfare of the community as a whole. There are others that have been using the park for years and may want to continue (i.e., not offleash dog users), such as joggers, walkers and bicyclists. Their concerns are equally important.
Numerous concerns must be considered when making a decision of this nature and that was done by way of testimony from both sides over the last few months, by way of seasoned opinions from professional staff members and by way of general input from the public.
The City by making the decision it did, probably saved taxpayers much in the way of a future lawsuit from the increased possibility of dogbites that the dog park plan at Sunnyside posed or perhaps it may have saved someones dog from being run over from the increased traffic that would have resulted at the already vehicle congested park (during peak hours, parking is extremely limited already), or perhaps it just increased the possibility that the park will be available for Missouri residents instead of a stream of Kansas residents that would have surely flowed into the park as a result of approving such a plan.
We will not mention the fact that children have a spraypark and playground near to the proposed area which in of itself should have prohibited such a plan from even having been considered.
Nobody talks about those things until something happens, then the finger pointing begins. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.
Better to err on the side of caution when people's health and welfare are at stake, read the history books, they will tell you. A month will go a by and another dog park somewhere else will become a reality and this lunacy will be forgotten, mark my words!
"But Jeffrey Hammond, spokesman for the state health department, says officials concluded that infection likely came from human feces -- perhaps in the form of children with dirty diapers. Revelers got sick by accidentally swallowing the water coming out of the sprayers."
(Re: Sprayground E.Coli outbreak - one of many in the country.)
http://www.stargazette.com/app...
Susan,
I'm glad you think you an your family deserve to enjoy amenities at the park while dog owners don't. And I'm glad that you think your volunteer work is so much better than everyone else's volunteer work.
As for YOUR snide comments about "rear sniffing" and dog poo, see above. I've never heard about an e.coli outbreak at a dog park. Have you?
BG
I have steadily and honestly volunteered many, many years to our neighborhoods and schools. The tide against us has remained strong, those of us who are out in all of the communities have sometimes been swept off our feet. We chose to get up, dust off and persevere. Many times I have had tire juice steaming across my feet as I helped with area clean ups. I have started tutoring in public schools and have helped everyday people learn to access our various governments. We do not cede certain areas for "dumping bodies" or allow to go unquestioned pedophiles. All neighborhoods are home to our neighbors. We acknowledge the need for safety and peace for everyone. And we put our muscle and free hours into community governance and neighborhood improvement.
On the snide comment, please note My Dearest BG, my granddaughter is 3. Way past the need for diapers.
I'm a big girl and can handle losing a fair fight. When documented and researched facts along with petition signatures that out number opposition 4:1 are simply dismissed, and when slander goes unquestioned and unchallenged by a board that is supposed to represent the interests of park users this constitutes an UNfair fight. When a cowardly board allows one comissioner's personal biased views to overrule obvious facts through secret meetings and back room deals rather than make a reasoned thoughtful decision based on facts, that constitutes an UNfair fight.
The Parks Board is supposed to be making it's decisions in the BEST interests of the PARKS, not isolated individuals who represent the past. It's not 1962 when kids actually lived and played in this neighborhood. OH- oh yeah, we have another KC board to thank for that- the KCMO school board....
It's the UNfair fights that make me come back with a vengence.
Laurie Hines
Waldo Advocate At Large
Getting into online arguments with the dopes
making ridiculous comments, is a waste of time
in my opinion.
I like to respond to these stories with one compelling
online comment and then leave a calling card for our
group as part of that message.
There is a very logical reason why most of these
dopes do not identify themselves in any sort
of meaningful
way.
Contact your public officials with your complaints,
NOT the dopes making stupid comments.
Bill Z
ccdogpark@yahoo.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/...
...
http://www.pitch.com/2004-12-2...
Loose and Fast
Redevelopment can be a great thing, unless the city?s deck is Stackhaused against you.
By Allie Johnson
Published: December 23, 2004
(snip)
I was just reading this old story and it
seems like Aggie Stackhaus is STILL using
her influence very selfishly to pursue her
own interests instead of doing what is best
for the people of Kansas City.
Allowing mean spirited, vindictive, people
like Aggie Stackhaus to move from city council
to the parks board and continue to be a
blight on the city, seems like a very bad
idea to me, especially when they have no
expertise or genuine interest in city parks .
They should probably consider an amendment
to the city charter preventing this from
happening again.
People who are run out of office, are usuallly done so for a good reason.
......
Bill Z ........
ccdogpark@yahoo.com .........
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/...
....
"While your critters are nosing each other's rears please use the time to discuss and solve issues such as the KCMO school district, drive by shootings, what to do about our combined sewer system before the Feds decide for us. And maybe you could take a look at mass transit, infrastructure and do we really need to keep 1% for art?"
We would, but I'm sure you will already have solved the world's problems while your grandaughter is running through the diaper-dripping spray in the sprayground.
"Yes, I know I am ignorant of the facts..."
Then why not bother to check WOOF's website and do a Google search before you spout off?
Then you might learn about the green design created by a professional architect who volunteered his time ... the barbecue held for neighbors by Deb Hipp so she could answer all of their questions ... the numerous public meetings WOOF was not required to have but had anyway that were attended by 100-plus each time ... and the way WOOF was blindsided after working side-by-side witht he parks department for nearly a year, because one bullying and corrupt parks board member had a friend who was one of a small handful of opponents.
For those of you who complain that WOOF looks "bad," I hope that you are never denied your right to free speech in a public forum. You might look "bad" then too. Let's all be polite and Midwestern and not stand up for out rights so no one will think we're not "nice."
Carmen Root, your "grandfathered in" comment is the smartest thing I have heard. Since this proposal was submitted and ACCEPTED and we were PROMISED the public hearing before they decided to "make a change" because a "friend" of one of the Commisioners called in a favor and now is out smearing it in everyones faces. It is only right that the public hearing still happen.
NEWS JUST IN: YIPPEE to City Counilwoman Jan Marcason for calling on the city to go forth with the Public Hearing.
I hope at least her voice will be heard since no one from the board nor the mayor wants to listen to any of the people.
Upset and way over emotional supporters of this doggie plan, get a grip! Kansas City is not dead merely because you lost. Kansas City is not dying because your "creative" idea did not pan out! doggie parks do not make or break a city. Use this ill funneled energy to find an appropriate spot to take your dogs. While your critters are nosing each other's rears please use the time to discuss and solve issues such as the KCMO school district, drive by shootings, what to do about our combined sewer system before the Feds decide for us. And maybe you could take a look at mass transit, infrastructure and do we really need to keep 1% for art? Can we let it rest 10 years and do 1% for sidewalks and curbs? I know when I walk my terrier in my Waldo neighborhood the side walks are non existent or crumbled. Actually at this time I prefer no sidewalks to the numerous ones that tree roots have heaved up. I have enjoyed Sunnyside Park for nearly 30 years. My kids all played T Ball, soccer, tennis and splashed in the now gone fill and drain pool. My 3 year old granddaughter likes to walk to the spray park. Too bad we have on occasion found doggie doo in and nearby the water.
This very small area is used, a lot, and appreciated.
The Sunnyside plan is not dead yet. The plan was submitted and approved for a public hearing long before they made the new policy. At the very least the plan should be considered "grandfathered" and allowed to run it's full course. If they want to make policy for the next dog park, start it then. Not with a plan already in place and endorsed by 676 people(so far).
Oh yes, and more than a 24 hour notice (posted on their own personal bulletin board where nobody can see it) would be appreciated.
I think the commissioners should all be forced to resign. I don't know how they can sleep at night. Maybe they are all robots with no feelings! Certainly they are puppets... caving in to pressure by someone!
I've rolled a few stems in my day, Ragnar, but I don't think that was the problem with WOOF.
St Louis probably had a group of dog owners who worked with the parks board instead of insulting them.
Yes, I know I am ignorant of the facts. Someone will correct me and tell me everything WOOF did to try to work within the system.
Perhaps that is the case, but that isn't the perception anyone not connected to WOOF has after seeing or reading about the meeting.
WOOF lost some credibility recently. It will take some time to regain that credibility.
Kristin,
No, there are no dog parks closer to Waldo than the Penn Valley park. That's why there's such a great need for one in the Waldo/Brookside area. Please contact the park board and let them know you'd like a neighborhood dog park in Waldo
All sniping aside, are there any dog parks closer to Waldo? I love taking my golden retriever to Penn Valley, but it's a long drive and she gets carsick. As much as I love cleaning up dog vomit...
I just want a place for her to play with other dogs without having to worry about her running into the street or bothering non-dog people. That's what dog parks are for.
Ragnar,
You are ignorant of the facts. If you had ever attended a WOOF meeting, you could see that the vast majority of WOOF members - and certainly almost all the leaders - live in Waldo, some right near the proposed park. The leader of WOOF had almost 700 signatures from people in the immediate vicinity of the park, supporting the dog park project.
These hundreds of Waldo residents' wishes were squashed by a park board whose members think they are above listening to what the CITIZENS actually want and were willing to silence Waldo residents who wanted to speak and use dirty, Draconian tactics to achieve the goals of their friends - not the public. Last I checked, this is not what the mayor promised - he promised us more citizen involvement.
WOOFie
The effete snobs of Brookside thought they could stemroll the good people of Waldo. HA.
hey ah, when is the last time you checked? Royals 1985, or Chiefs, 1970's?
Also, you don't need to use vulgarity, unless you don't have any other words in your vocabulary. Are you stupid woman that used the F word at Jake's and when talking about how much you cared about children? Stay away from mine, thank you very much!
self-dep�re�cat�ing (slfdpr-ktng)
adj.
Tending to undervalue oneself and one's abilities.
Thanks Ah, you are right on one thing at least!
Ah, you are missing the point entirely. I'm glad you want a machine making quick and far reaching changes to be your governing force in a city full of changes right now. If you are a Kansas City home owner, you are a dumb one.
Self deprecating whiners I might add. A dog park in Waldo is not going to make or break our city. "St. Louis has major sports teams" Last time I checked we had a few. If its so much better. Why the hell don't you move there.
"Makes me want to move to Johnson County" Good. Please do. Their are dog parks all over the place in the middle of established neighborhoods in JOCO.
This is exactly the kind of government we need. A freaking machine made up of people with the balls to make quick decisions without pandering to a bunch of freaking toy dog owning whiners.
Keeping dog parks away from residential areas? Then what is the point? How does the Parks board of KC think that REAL cities like Chicago and NYC have so many dog parks? They are certainly not away from neighborhoods and residential areas! Are the condos going up around Penn Valley's dog park going to close that one down as well?
�He appointed them, and he empowered them as well,� Blackwood says.
Shame on you, Mayor Funkhouser. Shame on you.
You appointed them, then they should get a phone call from you when they make an absolute fool of you - and your so-called principles of "open government." And if they don't shape up, then they ought to be pulled from the board. Not letting citizens SPEAK? Could we get any more Draconian than that?
Where are your principles?! This is not about dog parks, this is about fairness, openness and respecting the process.
what a sad day in KCMO. Someone once said we could never be a 1st class city in this 2nd class state, but St. Louis is everything we are not-great sports teams, downtown is thriving, neighborhoods are being revitatized, large employers are staying. Oh, and they have 7 dog parks. Guess they work in 1st class cities, not 2nd class ones. Nice job park board, this is your legacy, enjoy the 11 folks who supported you. The rest of us think you are lost in space.
Visit any major city (i.e. St. Louis, San Francisco, Washington,) and you will find these types of parks are increasingly popular. They are more likely to be in the city than at some far-reach outpost only accessible by driving/busing. Under the current amendment, Penn Valley would not have meet the new guidelines. You can certainly rule out any new dog park areas to help with what appears to be overdeveloping condominium neighborhoods in the downtown area. This is a valuable amenity that a LOT of people would see as value added when choosing Kansas City downtown living. This amenity is very accessible in almost every large city in our nation right now. Example in point:
http://www.stldogparks.org/
St. Louis now has 7 operating dog parks with more planned. 5 require permits and 2 do not. This is a balanced approach to what is surely a popular topic with many residents of this and other cities. WOOF (Well Organized Off-Leash Friends) has discussed using a permit approach as well with the parks and recs board and opponents along the way. It is sad that Kansas City has chosen to hide from a real city issue than to deal with it. It is a growth issue that will not just go away.
Wow! Not getting everything you want when you want it is now synonymous with living in a gulag? SOMEONE NEEDS TO STOP DRINKING SO MUCH COFFEE!!! Perhaps laying off the caps lock key is warranted as well.
The new Park Board amendment basically states that off-leash areas are only allowed in the remote parks WHERE THE
DEAD BODIES ARE DUMPED and that DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS ARE TO BE TREATED AS SEX OFFENDERS and kept as far away from the public as possible! In what gulag am I
now living and how has this been allowed to happen?
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