Self Sustaining Dog Park Headed To Riverside
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-7600-p1160890.JPG)
Through an in-kind donation from the Haskell Company and Riverside Avondale Preservation's support, a two-acre dog park could replace a forgotten piece of property under I-95 near the Annie Lytle School.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-sep-self-sustaining-dog-park-headed-to-riverside
I'm so glad you posted this, I'll be keeping my eye on this, and will even save some dough to donate, thanks!
The plans for this sound great.
Will people pay to use a dog park under a highway when there is a free dog park in springfield downtown without exhaust just 3 miles away? it does not make sense to me. the brooklyn park space on riverside ave would be better for a dog park
Quote from: John P on September 05, 2011, 01:27:33 PM
Will people pay to use a dog park under a highway when there is a free dog park in springfield downtown without exhaust just 3 miles away? it does not make sense to me. the brooklyn park space on riverside ave would be better for a dog park
Yes. People will pay. And the Brooklyn Park space you refer to is private. Riverside Park is already city-owned and with a lease agreement with FDOT, no additional land will need to be acquired.
It's great that something useful will finally be done with that corner of the park! And hopefully reconnecting the old school house to the rest of Riverside Park will help with the efforts to save and re-purpose it.
Great idea!
QuoteYes. People will pay.
Damn straight they will pay. $25/year is nothing to be able to walk your dog to the park as opposed to driving to Springfield. Although, I do wish it was free.
I'm thrilled to hear the scum pond under I-95 will be no more. It won't be, right? The standing water encased in lovely chain link would be gone? That would really help the vibe of "under the bridge." I drive under that overpass all the time and think of how wasted that space is. How great that it can be devoted to public use.
Debbie, my understanding is that FDOT is willing to make its excess land available as long as they don't have to do anything with the scum pond. Maybe as the process evolves, they can be pressured to change their minds. Ideally, enough funds can be raised to improve at least the chain link fencing.
I'm on the board of a nonprofit that's headquartered just to the north of the scum pond. We call it "mosquito alley" or "malaria bay" during this time of the year. It's not very pleasant. I'm sad to hear that FDOT won't do something to ameliorate the negative impact of the scum pond.
I'm all in for the dog park, though. That's a great use for the space. I'd gladly pay $25/year for use and plan to buy a paver as well.
It seems like that a monthly spray treatment could kill off some of the algae/scum. I have a feeling FDOT does not do that now and just lets it sit. I know at the office I work at we have "Lake Doctors" come on a regular basis and spray to control weeds and algae. I have no idea how much this could cost though. Perhaps FDOT could be convinced to pay for some sort of service like this or maybe they could do it themselves. I'm sure they have the equipment.
This is where they were previously talking about setting up an "artists' walk", correct?
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-jul-artists-walk-at-northbank-riverfront-park
Actually I think the artist walk would extend from RAM, west to Park Street under the overpass. The dog park would be west of Park Street adjacent to College Street in the NW corner of Riverside Park. So while the artist walk would not techically extend into Riverside Park it would in effect create a connection from Riverside Park all the way to RAM.
^Okay, cool. Maybe they'll be able to make use of all that space one way or another some day.
maybe this would be a great time to invent mosquito net suits for dogs.
QuoteWill people pay to use a dog park under a highway when there is a free dog park in springfield downtown without exhaust just 3 miles away?
Like others have said, yes. I'd pay a whole two dollars a month (is that really the proposed membership fee?) to be able to walk to the park on a whim. Loading up a big dog and driving to Springfield turns it from a 45 minute door to door outing into a whole afternoon. And I'm pretty sure automotive exhaust is lighter than our atmosphere, so a highway 50 feet overhead isn't going to cause any problems.
Quote from: John P on September 05, 2011, 01:27:33 PM
Will people pay to use a dog park under a highway when there is a free dog park in springfield downtown without exhaust just 3 miles away? it does not make sense to me. the brooklyn park space on riverside ave would be better for a dog park
Lots of people come down to RAM on Saturdays and that's under a highway, I've not heard of anyone complaining of exhaust.
I actaully prefer a minimal fee and key fob entry to ensure that the park is maintained and only being used for it's intended purpose.
I think this is a great idea. RAM has proven that the highway overhead can act as a great structural backdrop, nobody will notice any exhaust fumes. Plus you'll have what we don't have in Confederate Park - shade! I like the keyfob idea too - and the annual fee is peanuts.
Also glad that Annie Lytle gets something in her front yard - all the more people to notice her.
Quote from: cline on September 06, 2011, 02:44:01 PM
It seems like that a monthly spray treatment could kill off some of the algae/scum. I have a feeling FDOT does not do that now and just lets it sit. I know at the office I work at we have "Lake Doctors" come on a regular basis and spray to control weeds and algae. I have no idea how much this could cost though. Perhaps FDOT could be convinced to pay for some sort of service like this or maybe they could do it themselves. I'm sure they have the equipment.
Just an aside about that pond--RAP is posting on its FB page news about West Nile Virus in the Avondale area. Duval County has the highest rate of WNV in Florida, and the Westside accounts for almost all the cases. We need to be proactive about the city treating the breeding sites for mosquitos, like the scum pond. The Dog Park is a great idea, but hate that chain link and trashy pond too!
Quote from: Brian Siebenschuh on September 06, 2011, 11:39:45 PM
QuoteWill people pay to use a dog park under a highway when there is a free dog park in springfield downtown without exhaust just 3 miles away?
Like others have said, yes. I'd pay a whole two dollars a month (is that really the proposed membership fee?) to be able to walk to the park on a whim. Loading up a big dog and driving to Springfield turns it from a 45 minute door to door outing into a whole afternoon. And I'm pretty sure automotive exhaust is lighter than our atmosphere, so a highway 50 feet overhead isn't going to cause any problems.
Most RAP dog owners dont live close enough to the proposed area to be a comfortable walk they will drive. I thought the highway was much lower in that section but i guess im wrong
John, There are a couple of hundred of us with dogs who are within comfortable walking distance of the proposed dog park. You don't have to be a member of RAP to use it.
What ever happened to this? Is this another project that is not going to happen?
The neighborhood is working with FDOT with regards to easements and environmental concerns before the park can move forward. Lots of great people are working hard on it.
Ok glad to hear that. Really looking forward to this.
That would be great. As a downtown resident, I would much rather drive to a Riverside dog park than bring Jackson to the one in Springfield. That park is run down and surrounded by homeless. It's pretty uncomfortable. I'm not asking for Dogwood Park on Salisbury in Springfield, but an improvement would be nice.
Quote from: downtownjag on January 18, 2012, 04:42:01 PM
That would be great. As a downtown resident, I would much rather drive to a Riverside dog park than bring Jackson to the one in Springfield. That park is run down and surrounded by homeless. It's pretty uncomfortable. I'm not asking for Dogwood Park on Salisbury in Springfield, but an improvement would be nice.
Are you kidding me?
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/DSCN0692.jpg)
Springfield's dog park is awesome, well-attended and appreciated. Everybody knows you and your dog, a real sense of community.
And I am happy for Riverside's dog park.
After all, the world can't have too many places for dogs to run free.
I living several blocks away would also like to see the "DOT Mosquito Breeding Project" go away.
There are ways to French Drain these scum ponds.
And I have to add...there are hundreds of dogs that live in the blocks around the park.
Many owners I know have several.
This park is all about having a central canine sniffing location that's away from home but still smells familiar every week.
+1
Ever dog should have an off-leash park within walking distance! There's nothing wrong with the Springfield Park except that it is too far away for us to walk to.
It's easy to control mosquitoes in places like the retention ponds under the bridge. Just spray BT every couple of months.
Plain and simple.."The Riverside Dog Park" should happen.
Somewhere in the county there must be enough dirt to fill up the mosquito hole.
As a frequent visitor of the Springfield dog park, I have to say that, as a park, it's nice. But, just as with every dog park, there's people who think they can just sit there and not tend their pets. The difference, I've found, is that at the SDP those pets are often un-spayed/neutered pit or pit mixes. I feel like I have to "profile" the park before I let my dog in sometimes.
There's a ton of parks in Rside that could be partitioned for a dog park. But it won't happen, because Riverside people don't like change. ;D
Quote from: downtownjag on January 18, 2012, 04:42:01 PM
That would be great. As a downtown resident, I would much rather drive to a Riverside dog park than bring Jackson to the one in Springfield. That park is run down and surrounded by homeless. It's pretty uncomfortable. I'm not asking for Dogwood Park on Salisbury in Springfield, but an improvement would be nice.
As a rental property owner all around jacksonville, this comment is stupid. Never had, heard of or seen any problem with any homeless person and the dog park. Plenty of homeless in riverside too. Opinions are like assholes everyone has one. I still think the highway so low maybe a problem for the riverside park. Mosquitos are easy to kill.
Quote from: RockStar on January 18, 2012, 08:24:28 PM
As a frequent visitor of the Springfield dog park, I have to say that, as a park, it's nice. But, just as with every dog park, there's people who think they can just sit there and not tend their pets. The difference, I've found, is that at the SDP those pets are often un-spayed/neutered pit or pit mixes. I feel like I have to "profile" the park before I let my dog in sometimes.
There's a ton of parks in Rside that could be partitioned for a dog park. But it won't happen, because Riverside people don't like change. ;D
Boone park would be the best park space. Its huge and not used enough.
Quote from: downtownjag on January 18, 2012, 04:42:01 PM
That would be great. As a downtown resident, I would much rather drive to a Riverside dog park than bring Jackson to the one in Springfield. That park is run down and surrounded by homeless. It's pretty uncomfortable. I'm not asking for Dogwood Park on Salisbury in Springfield, but an improvement would be nice.
I used to bring my dog to the park in Springfield (she's since passed on)....the park is less than 5 years old and a pretty far cry from being "run down"....as for the homeless, I have far more of them walking around on the streets around my downtown complex than I see in that park.
Quote from: John P on January 18, 2012, 08:57:55 PM
Quote from: RockStar on January 18, 2012, 08:24:28 PM
As a frequent visitor of the Springfield dog park, I have to say that, as a park, it's nice. But, just as with every dog park, there's people who think they can just sit there and not tend their pets. The difference, I've found, is that at the SDP those pets are often un-spayed/neutered pit or pit mixes. I feel like I have to "profile" the park before I let my dog in sometimes.
There's a ton of parks in Rside that could be partitioned for a dog park. But it won't happen, because Riverside people don't like change. ;D
Boone park would be the best park space. Its huge and not used enough.
+1. Everytime I walk by, I'm amazing at how big that place really is.
Quote from: sheclown on January 18, 2012, 06:10:05 PM
Quote from: downtownjag on January 18, 2012, 04:42:01 PM
That would be great. As a downtown resident, I would much rather drive to a Riverside dog park than bring Jackson to the one in Springfield. That park is run down and surrounded by homeless. It's pretty uncomfortable. I'm not asking for Dogwood Park on Salisbury in Springfield, but an improvement would be nice.
Are you kidding me?
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/DSCN0692.jpg)
Springfield's dog park is awesome, well-attended and appreciated. Everybody knows you and your dog, a real sense of community.
And I am happy for Riverside's dog park.
After all, the world can't have too many places for dogs to run free.
I, in fact, am not kidding you. Thank you for the photo of the kid running from the young wolf. I was approached by two different homeless people asking for drugs and or favors for cash, ON ONE occasion. There was also a bum outside the park yelling at all the dogs in the park. Ever been to an actual dogpark like Dogwood?
Quote from: John P on January 18, 2012, 08:54:34 PM
Quote from: downtownjag on January 18, 2012, 04:42:01 PM
That would be great. As a downtown resident, I would much rather drive to a Riverside dog park than bring Jackson to the one in Springfield. That park is run down and surrounded by homeless. It's pretty uncomfortable. I'm not asking for Dogwood Park on Salisbury in Springfield, but an improvement would be nice.
As a rental property owner all around jacksonville, this comment is stupid. Never had, heard of or seen any problem with any homeless person and the dog park. Plenty of homeless in riverside too. Opinions are like assholes everyone has one. I still think the highway so low maybe a problem for the riverside park. Mosquitos are easy to kill.
Great argument, because Landlords are notorious for their ability to see the problems with the rentals they own. Why don't you get your nose out of my opinion, if it is like an asshole.
OK, I'm cooled off now. I apologize if I've offended anyone about this park. I suppose we won't see eye to eye on everything.
Very pleased to hear there's forward momentum on this. I was in Riverside Park with my dog yesterday. He and I will appreciate once it's leash-free!
Quote from: downtownjag on January 19, 2012, 12:54:46 PM
OK, I'm cooled off now. I apologize if I've offended anyone about this park. I suppose we won't see eye to eye on everything.
The Springfield dog park is owned by the City and is free...Dogwood Park and the proposed Riverside park will be fee-based, correct? I think the more options the merrier, but when comparing them you have to take this into account. There are certainly more folks using the space in Confederate Park now that it's a dog park; it's a lot more vibrant than it used to be, but it still has its challenges.
But what do I know, I'm a cat person - we take them wherever they order us to.
Go Riverside! Woof!
Quote from: downtownjag on January 19, 2012, 12:45:12 PM
I was approached by two different homeless people asking for drugs and or favors for cash, ON ONE occasion.
That's pretty awesome. I hope you made a crack like "only if we do it doggystyle" or something similar. Would have been really funny considering the locale and all the barking dogs.
what is the status on this park? when will it open?! anxious to see this open up.
OK, a status update on the Riverside Dog Park, you can read all about it at this link, http://www.riversideavondale.org/index.php?id=236 (http://www.riversideavondale.org/index.php?id=236)
I attended an event last night at a Riverside house on Lancaster and we were informed by Carmen Godwin that the John Gorrie Foundation (Wayne and Delores Weaver) had graciously donated $50,000 for the park. We're getting close to the goal amount. Between Jim Love's City money and the Weavers and everyone else, we are getting super close, but we could always use more help. RAP can only do so much, it is up to us, the local residents and folks who support dogs and animals to facilitate the change.
If you are wondering why it takes so much money for.....a dog park. Well, FDOT did not leave Riverside better than how they found it and there is a lot of debris and "stuff" buried under the I-95 overpass and this "stuff" has to be removed. If anyone knows how to get FDOT to pay for cleaning up their mess, RAP would love to hear from you. Otherwise, this would have already been done and operational.
Per some of the hosts last night, the park will operate as any normal city park, from Dawn to Dusk. There will not be a charge to enter, as far as I could tell last night, it is a city park. If you can purchase a brick, that would be great, if you want your name on a bench, lamp post, or trash can, please help. There will be more events and we want to provide a place for Riverside Avondale to go with their dogs.
^ Good news! Final design drawings are on the Riverside Avondale web site too. Looks like it is going to really nice looking. Entrance will be from College Street and there is also a proposed plan for FDOT to redo that part of College St. with narrower lanes and angle parking.
Now that there is no longer an entrance to I-95 there the road is too big and will be put on a diet.
The landscape entrance will be paved with bricks that you can get for a donation and have your name on them.
BTW, I've walked along the sidewalk next to the retention ponds for several years and have never noticed any increase in the mosquito population. You would think that stagnant retention ponds in the shade would be breeding areas so FDOT must be doing something to control them.
In terms of making the DOT clean up their mess, the question is who actually owns the land?
Quote from: Dog Walker on December 07, 2013, 02:01:58 PM
^ Good news! Final design drawings are on the Riverside Avondale web site too. Looks like it is going to really nice looking. Entrance will be from College Street and there is also a proposed plan for FDOT to redo that part of College St. with narrower lanes and angle parking.
Now that there is no longer an entrance to I-95 there the road is too big and will be put on a diet.
Isn't College a city street? Why wouldn't the City being the ones putting it on a diet and adding parking?
I've been told that the part of College St. from Myra to Rosselle, the part the goes under I-95, is still FDOT roadway. It is probably because so much of that section is on FDOT right-of-way for the expressway. The person who told me that is pretty knowledgeable about these things.
Interesting. Guess its a hold-over from when there were ramps there.
I've just been given correct information.. I must have misunderstood what I was told. FDOT does not own that section of road, but is being approached to fix it since they made it so wide in the first place. My bad!
There are other streets and intersections that they have since turned over to the City that they should pay to fix as well since their designs have created problems now.
Is this still happening? Any recent updates?
The groundbreaking ceremony was last week.
http://jacksonville.com/current/town/2016-02-02/story/construction-begins-john-gorrie-dog-park-riverside-park
If I remember correctly, the initial idea for this park was to charge for key fobs to enter the gated dog park. Is that still the case? Love's comments lead me to believe that has changed? DogWalker, any insight?
^No fobs. The cost of maintaining the system was too expensive. The thought was to charge a nominal fee for fobs, but once the numbers were analyzed, the cost that would have to be charged to people was much more than nominal - kind of kills the spirit of a community park if it's exclusionary.
Thanks to Mrs. Weaver and Councilman Love and a lot of donors through RAP, it is a free to everybody city park. FDOT is also going to fill in those ugly mosquito ponds under the expressway, pave the space and let Riverside Arts Market expand into that space.
Leadership on the whole project came out of the RAP Board of Directors. Sometimes visions do become reality.
I live nearby and me and my dogs are going to be regulars! (If I can get my terrier to quit wanting to fight every other dog she sees!)
they are making progress, at annual rap meeting, said would probably be open in May/June timeframe.