ARMBRUSTER: Sunset Park Pool Vs. Dog Park??

By Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writer, Middletown Journal, 10:40 PM Monday, February 8, 2010

 

Jim Armbruster, 1st Ward councilman, said the idea of a dog park has been barking around the city for close to 15 years. While absolutely nothing has been set in stone, Armbruster said he would like to see the pool at Sunset Park filled with dirt to provide a set space for dogs and their owners to socialize.

“This is something we have been talking about since I first got on the park board,” Armbruster said. “Any way you look at it, this community needs some sort of dog park.”

The idea resurfaced during City Council’s annual retreat late last month, when members asked City Manager Judy Gilleland to work on a feasibility study and report staff findings back to them.

Because the area surrounding Sunset Pool is already fenced in and well lit, Armbruster said it would reduce the work necessary to convert it to a dog-friendly zone. Throw in the existing bathroom and concession facilities and Armbruster said suddenly Middletown is host to a top-notch attraction for area dog owners.

The baby pool at the park could be retained to provide a place for dogs to cool off in the summertime as well, he said.

And while the natural question then becomes what Middletown will do about a pool, he said the city should consider going with a more centrally-located spot than Sunset Park for a new aquatic facility.

“We need to bring it out into a better location for our residents,” Armbruster said. “Or we could consider possibly doing a regional pool to share in Butler County with neighboring cities. There are a lot of possibilities.”

But according to Armbruster, the best effect of creating a dedicated place for dogs to play is a lot more subtle.

“People are always complaining about dog poop in Sunset and Smith parks,” he said. “This would hopefully solve that as well.”

Second Ward Councilman A.J. Smith said he thinks a dog park would be a “tremendous asset and amenity for the community.”

“People love their pets,” Smith said. “If they can bring their pets to a park, sit down and congregate on a nice spring day — it just doesn’t get much better than that.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or at rgauthier@coxohio.com.

1.Now this doggy park being used for socializing, will people without dogs be allowed to socialize with those that have dogs while at the park ?

 

2. Will the park be free or will there be a service fee to cover clean up of excrement & the doggy pool ?

 

3.And how often if at all will the city police be checking ID tags & dog license at the park ?

 

4.And if a dog refuses to show ID or a license will he/she be tazed ?

 

5.Can the city get any HUD funds or other federal government money to help build this park ?

 

6.And how many jobs will be created and what will the duration of these jobs be while under construction ? 

 

7. Since this will be a dog park will a new commission or board be created to oversee this park ?

 

8.What will be the annual projected expense of upkeep ?

 

9.Will city council create a barking ordinance for this park ?

 

Lots of questions here people,lots and lots of questions.

that house on the hill above the pool just dropped in value from $10k to about 32 cents.

I forgot to add......As Bill said, I can just see our property values skyrocketing with this wonderful new amenity!

I thought this was a joke when I first read it but sadly they are serious,sounds like they were passing around the "kool-aid" that night.

   

Mr. Kidd:

Miss Vivian -

I'm curious Murdock. Ever hear of freedom of speech? Ever hear the phrase about the people elected working for and doing what the people who elected them want them to do, indicating that the people are the boss because they can decide whether that person stays in office or not? Last time I looked, the boss can do darn near anything they want to people who report to them. Been on the receiving end of that several times. I said Jimmy Armbruster out of disrespect. I never have respected him. Good Lord, look at his performance and contributions to the city since being in that council seat. My perogative on the opinion about him, just as it's yours concerning my behavior. Everyone's entitled to their opinion.

As to calling the President of the United States Barry- haven't done that but could at any time. My perogative as a citizen with free speech, as a voter who can help remove him from or keep him in office. I've said a he-- of alot worse about the Bushes, the Boehners, the Pelosi's and the Reid's of the political world than to call them by their first names. My perogative- free speech just as you have.

No, hardly friends with Armbruster nor do I know him from childhood. Simply no respect for him.

You wrote "It's one thing to disagree with an elected official, but it's a completely different thing to be disrespectful and condescending when talking to or about that elected official......"- Are you kidding me? I'm a product of the baby boomer generation- you know, the people who love to raise he-- and protest, and lived through the social unrest and the demonstrated unpopularity with government. Kent State comes to mind. Protests against the Vietnam War come to mind. Draft card burning comes to mind. My generation defined disrespect and condescending attitudes toward phony government officials, policies and authority. Thank God, the "Leave It To Beaver"/ believe everything the government tells you days died with the advent of my generation. Gotta earn respect to get it. It's not just given because you occupy a seat behind some government desk, bud.

Why does such an insignificant thing as a name reference bother you? Does it really matter? Just looking for an argument? If so, you've approached the right person. I love to argue!

Oh.... thank you for encouraging me to be more respectful of those that were elected....... When they do something as an elected official to earn my respect, I will acknowledge them. So far, they have failed.

Murdock.... you have a nice day!

So....evidently acclaro & Murdock are the same lady? 

Alright kids everyone pickup their toys & go home if you can't play any better than this.

 

A spanking could be in order but I'm afraid one or more of you might enjoy it a little to much.