GTWPDogPark.org

Welcome to Georgetown Off Leash Dog, (GOLD) Park.
We are a group of dog lovers organizing together, to show support for a safe, fenced in natural outdoor area, where our dog can run free off leash, play, run an agility course, interact with other dogs.
It should be a double gated entry, completely fenced in protecting them from hazards, and safely confining the dogs from the general public.
By adding a O.L.D. park the township would be add to the growing list of communities that recognize the value of having such parks. The parks are a great place for both the owner and dog to get quality exercise, while walking and running in a fenced in area. It is also a good environment for our pets to socialize with each other, without bothering non pet owners, property or wildlife. A beautiful and well maintained area, would be a benefit to the community, dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold all park rules and regulations.
There will be Rules governing the use of the park. Rules and Regulations haven't been finalized yet. Here are some areas that will be covered, Vaccinations/Shots, Behavior of Dogs and Owners, Number of Dogs a person can bring at one time. Limiting Small Children. It is a public park.

January 2008

Georgetown Off Leash Dog Park Supporters, this is an E-mail I received from the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Director.
Any questions comments or concerns please contact jeff@gtwpdogpark.org

Dear Jeff:

The Parks Commission's Planning Committee spent time at its November 29,. 2007 meeting discussing dog parks and took its recommendation to the Parks Commission at its December 5 meeting. The Parks Commission approved the following motion:

To respond to the request by the Georgetown Off-Leash Dog Park Supporters to develop a dog park at Fillmore at the Bend Open Space by indicating the Parks Commission will continue to assess the need and potential to provide a dog park in the county park system but a dog park will not be a priority for development in 2008 or 2009.

A key factor in the decision was the backlog of high priority projects that require immediate attention. Also, the Parks Commission feels it needs to better assess the demand for a dog park facility among county residents. We also feel we need to continue to evaluate what level of government is best suited to provide off-leash dog parks in Ottawa County. There was agreement to continue analyze the issue and to discuss it on an annual basis.

Meanwhile, as you know, the Parks Commission has many Open Space Lands available to dogs off-leash and numerous opportunities to walk dogs while on a leash in the county park system. Thank you for your efforts to educate us on this issue and please feel free to send along relevant information that will help us in our continued analysis.

Sincerely,

John Scholtz, Director
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 738-4808
jscholt@co.ottawa.mi.us

November – December, 2007

Bow hunting at Fillmore at the Bend until January 1st. Walking and playing at other dog parks and county parks till the end of bow hunting season. Any questions, comments, or concerns e-mail jeff@gtwpdogpark.org

See you after the first of the year 2008

October 7, 2007
Proposal to Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission

I Jeff Larabel representing the Georgetown Off Leash Dog Park Supporters, we would like to re-request that approximately 22 acre's, of the 68 acre off leash area, known as Fillmore at the Bend be considered for a fenced in dog facility.

There is an area approximately 22 acres we feel is acceptable to be fenced in and divided into three areas. A large area for big dogs, a small area for small dogs and a smaller auxiliary area for training, classes, demonstrations or rotation area. There is no master plan for this property. Trails have been mowed on some of the existing two tracks. The trails can also be extended around the proposed fenced in area. The proposed 22 acres is surrounded by a ravine, trees and an open field to act as a sound barrier for local residents. This land is level but ruts remain from past tractor farming, we would ask that the ground be smoothed, mowed, and trees be planted for shade.

Fencing, water & lights will be the greatest expense. Fund-raising and grants can help absorb some of the cost that the county would have to pay. Waste stations can be provided by a donor. Hedges and tall grass can be used along the 4' foot tall fence so a 6' foot fence wouldn't be needed.

In conjunction with the Friends of Ottawa County Parks, we would be willing to help with fund-raising to help off set the cost of the fencing, water, and lights.

The property to the West and North of the ravine that goes through the middle of the property can still be used for any future plans.

We would hope with the fenced in area that the remaining property will still be used as an off leash area. This piece of property we are asking to be fenced in should not interfere with adjacent property owners so they may enjoy the woods and nature that is behind their property.

We feel this can be a win win situation for all parties concerned.

Unfortunately, with communities growing around this area we think hunting will no longer be allowed.

October. 2007

October 1st is the start of Bow Hunting season at Fillmore at the Bend, it ends January 1st.
Be aware if you take your pet on the trails, it could be dangerous. An orange field vest would be advisable for security precautions. With the building of communities growing around Fillmore, I would think hunting will not be allowed in the future.

Everyone is asked to attend at least one of the meetings held by the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission and voice your concern about a dog park during the public hearing, held once at the beginning and once at the end of the meeting. Comment cards are filled out before the meeting starts so you will have a chance to participate. Please voice your opinion, concerns, or suggestions. Even if it is to say thank you for what has been done. E-mails are also read at the meetings. parks&rec@co.ottawa.mi.us

January's meeting the OCP&RC will decide if they want to get into the dog park business or not. Please make your voice heard.

On all my walks on that property whether it's was during the morning or evening I have only seen one small deer and one woodchuck. I'm surprised by the lack of wildlife on that property. Although I have seen deer runs.

Since we made a proposal for a dog park on that 68 acer property, at our request Ottawa County Parks & Recreation dept. have removed hundreds of feet of barbed wire, mowed 2 paths, filled some uneven spots with dirt, put up a bulletin board with map and rules, and installed a paved parking area. We should be thankful to the OCP&RC dept. for improving the property and making it safer to walk on and run our dogs off leash. There are horse hoof prints in some areas be careful you don't twist your ankle.

We feel there is still an area that can be fenced in and still maintain the rest of the property as an off leash area. The portion of the property we would like to see fenced in is surrounded by wooded ravines or open space, that would act as a sound buffer for the property owners to the East and West. And the property owners would still have access to the natural habitat behind them.

We would ask that trees that are natural to the environment would be planted for shade, a field mowed for playing frisbee, ball, and an agility course. Eventually we would like to see water installed. A four foot tall fence can be used on three sides in case there is a stray deer that jumps the fence and it will also help to cut cost. A six foot tall fence would be installed to the South along Fillmore street to better protect the dogs from jumping it and getting into traffic. A six foot tall fence installed at the South/West corner of the fenced in area by the barn. This can be done in phases. Georgetown Off Lease Dog Park Supporters are willing to work with, the Friends of Ottawa County Parks, and the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department to help design and develope an award winning dog park.

April, 2007

Hello GOLD park Supporters,
Hopefully everyone has been able to walk the property and let the dogs run off leash. The walks have been wet and muddy but the dogs don't seem to mind, it gives them a chance to run and use the different senses God has given them. There are 68 acres there, two tracks follow the perimeter of the property and the ravines. It can take about an hour to walk the whole property at a normal pace. I still have some maps available if you would like one.
There have been issues about the property, 1) barbed wire, we've asked that it be removed, 2) two tracks, during the summer and fall months the grass being to tall and pricker bushes growing on the tracks. 3) There is also some trash that is an eyesore to the land. We will make a proposal to the county to mow the two track trail put down some gravel/wood chips, to make it easier to walk on and clean up the trash in the ravines.
If anyone would like to organize a big or small dog walk please let me know the time and date, and I will get the information out to the other GOLD park supporters.

Thanks,
Jeff Larabel

March 2007

Hello Gold park supporters,

I hope everyone has been enjoying the local dog parks, (Park Township's at the Ottawa County Fair Grounds, Saugatuck's Tails and Trails, Grand Rapids HillCrest Park at Michigan & Fuller). If you have knowledge of other dog parks around the west Michigan area please let us know. We have been attending the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission meetings and sharing information on web sites and other parks. It is good to have a representative of GOLD park supporters there to hear first hand any developments that may come up. The OCP&RC seem to be far from discussing this so it is good for us to be at these meetings to let them know we are still hear.
I will try to get maps of Fillmore at the Bend so you can have a map to take with you when you take your walks on that property. The more we walk it the better paths we can create. There is a lot of mud and tall grass.
For those who would like to walk Fillmore at the Bend as a group and let the dogs run with each other I will be at that site, Saturday, April 14th @ 10:00 o-clock am. Wear boots and pants, that can get dirty. I will also have a large map with a diagram, an idea for fenced in areas, 30 total acres.

I hope to see everyone there.
Thanks, Jeff Larabel

February 2007
Hello GOLD Park Supporters,
As you well know, we made a proposal to the Ottawa County Park & Recreation Commission for a dog park at Fillmore and Fortieth Ave. I also attended a meeting for The Friends of Ottawa County Parks to find out a little more about there mission and membership. And once again there was an article in the Grand Valley Advance Newspaper (Feb. 13), about our quest for a dog park.

The Proposal went well, with a long discussion and overwhelming support for the park. The county has been looking into other parks and asking questions. One main question they are trying to determine is, if it is there purpose to develop a park or the cities and townships. They feel as though if they build one in one part of the county, someone else is going to want one in a different part of the county, so how many do they build. What matters is we have them talking and discussing the dog park issue. They know there is support for it. It's on there agenda and in there bowl.

The Friends of Ottawa County Parks is a 501-C-3 non profitable organization that helps the parks department with fund raising, and promoting of the parks, as a volunteer group. They also host educational and membership activities to raise funds. They have several opportunities as a volunteer to enjoy what Ottawa County Parks has to offer. The friends of Ottawa County Parks will only involve themselves with projects which further the mission of the Parks Commission. In other words there mission and there signed relationship agreement with the Parks Commission makes it clear that they participate only in Commission sanctioned projects. If the parks commission sanctions this project, and a dog park is in our future, we may want to become a members of the (F of OCP), to help with fund raising and the development of the park. It may be in our best interest to work with them, if that is how we will have to raise funds.

Any questions or comments please e-mail jeff@gtwpdogpark.org
Thanks,
Jeff Larabel

January 2007

Hello GOLD Park Supporters!!!
As you know February 7th at 4:00pm is the meeting with Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission to present our proposal. The meeting is at the Fillmore Complex located at 12220 Fillmore St. West Olive, MI.
A dog park in this area will fit nicely into the county's master plan for parks, green space, pathway's, and community needs. A lot of work will have to go into making this a Dog Lovers Park.
A BIG TAIL WAG of THANKS ! ! !
I would like to thank all those supporters who have helped out so far, with mass mailings, research & reviews, meetings at TSC, parade walkers, and overall support.
A special thanks to Scotts Signs (banner), Phil Lowe (GOLD Park logo), Dave Thomas, Paul Bradshaw, Tabu's Pet Grooming for (flyer's), And CAMP BOW WOW of Hudsonville for there support & commitment of Poop Stations for the dog park.

December 2006

Hello GOLD Park Supporters,
Happy New Year!!! Well the lack of snow this month has been helpful in the back yard, if you know what I'm talking about. "Poopsicles" We are moving right along with gaining supporters. Over 70 letters were sent out to businesses and residents of surrounding areas this month. We are asking for support for our efforts of establishing an Off Leash Dog Park. We have already received a few very nice letters. One from Camp Bow Wow of Hudsonville, showing their support and an offer to supply the park with (sanitary stations and bags). That is a great offer and deserves a "Big Tail Wag of Thanks". We would like all of you to show your support, by sending me a letter jeff@gtwpdogpark.org saying why you would be in favor of having a park for our beloved pets. I will bring those letters to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting February 7th 2007, to show that there is support for a park.

I hope this new year brings you all good tidings and a new GOLD park.

Thanks,
Jeff Larabel

November 2006

I hope everyone had a safe Thanksgiving.
A lot of letter writing and rewriting went on this month. Letters of support, letters to businesses, proposals. I know this is a busy time of the year for most, I want to thank those who have help with the letters, talking about the dog park, and showing there support.
We will be giving our proposal to Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Wednesday February 7th, 2007. For those who want to attend or have any questions contact, 616-738-4810 for the location. It will most likely be at the complex located at 1220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. If you would like to voice your support please come and do so during Public Comment. Hope to see many supporters there! If you would like to send a letter in support please do that the week of January 26th, 2007. One week before the meeting. Or e-mail it to me and I will present it with the proposal.
I will need support with addressing, stamps & envelopes for more than 50 letters.

Thanks
Jeff Larabel

A BIG TALE WAG OF THANKS TO THOSE SHOWING SUPPORT FOR THE (GOLD) PARK

October 2006,
Hello G.O.L.D. park supporters,
I am waiting on getting a proposal to the Ottawa county Parks and Recreation Commission until we can get predominate supporters on board especially businesses. I am hoping a good proposal and a good plan will win over the (P R C), on getting some of this land fenced in and maintained. If there are any businesses or person out there that would like to get on board with us, an our idea please contact me Jeff Larabel. jeff@gtwpdogpark.org We need the support and financial backing.

We have a member (Denise Dahl), who will help us get organized as a 501-C-3 non profit organization, but $750.00 is needed to pay the state for there fees to file the forms. If there is a business, or person's that would like to sponsor that fee please contact me, at my e-mail address. A project this size I'm sure will cost way over one hundred thousand dollars. We are an all volunteer organization. Any money raised will go towards the operations and building of this dog park. We need to know, how much are you willing to work at making this dog park happen? If the county is willing to work with us.

I encourage all, to look over the Internet and visit websites about dog park's around the country, detroitdogparks.com, lansingdogparks.com and visit the dog park in Holland at the fair grounds, the dog park in Grand Rapids, Hillcrest dog park. Pay the ten dollars on Sunday's and visit Shaggy Pines dog park in Cascade. A lot of cities and counties have organization's that work with them to make the dog parks happen. We need to work with them to get the kind of park, we dog owners want.

September, 2006
Hi GOLD park supporters,
I would like to thank, Denise Dahl, (Director of Distribution Finance at Herman Miller). She really believes in making this dog park happen and is willing to be the Treasurer, and help us get registered as a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization. Well as you know the township has found us some land within the Georgetown Township area. It belongs to Ottawa county, it's not fenced in and there is bow hunting on it during the hunting season. Now, I haven't given-up on getting a portion of this land fenced in. I would like to see waist high weeds mowed down, trees/shrubs planted and at least 4 foot high fence put up. There is 68 acres. Hunters can still hunt on it, but I would like to see at least 15 acres fenced in, on the South side of this property, along Fillmore. So we have to approach Ottawa County Parks & Commission with a plan. As you know it is a slow process. This is just a start, with room to grow. Please show your interest by giving some feedback and or requesting a position on the membership board.
Thanks, Jeff Larabel

August 2006
Hello GOLD park supporters & dog lovers.
Well we have got to thank the Georgetown Township for fining us some property! Our dogs are able to run off leash without getting fined on 68 acres that Ottawa county has available. And it didn't cost the township anything. The property is located the North side of Filmore, between 40th Ave & Bend Rd. Parking is available near the barn.
Now if you wish to run your dog there, there a few things you need to know. It is not fenced in. So watch your dog so it doesn't run into traffic on busy Fillmore street. The field is not maintained, the weeds are knee high. You might not want to run a small dog. Bow Hunting is allowed on this land. You might not want to bring your dog there during hunting season. (Unless it's a hunting dog.) Bring water and PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET.
Our goal was to establish a (Off Leash Dog PARK), in the Georgetown area, hence G.O.L.D. Park Supporters. Now if you are interested in helping to make this a Park, please contact me at, jeff@gtwpdogpark.org We don't need the whole 68 acres.
Thanks.
Jeff Larabel

July 2006
Hello G.O.L.D. Park supporters,
July brought us a couple more supporters, and a little closer to our goal. The July 24 Township Board meeting didn't give us as much information as I had thought. We know the township service committee has looked at 3 different dog parks. (Park Township, Grand Rapids, and Shaggy Pines dog park). Now they say, they need to look for land, figure how much fencing, water hook-up, and lighting will cost. They are on the trail but don't have a scent.
The kind of help we need right now is verbal support. We need to talk amongst friends and neighbors, to generate more supporters. We also need to talk to businesses. Let them know we may be sending out invitations for sponsorship. Sponsorship may include, there name on a plaque at the park and a tax deductible donation.
Sponsorship is an issue we have to discuss as an organization. It was also mentioned at the service committee meeting as a means of offsetting the cost with the township.
What can we do, as an organization / supporters to raise funds, or help to offset the cost of the park? These are issues we need to talk about as a group without distractions, sorry no pets. Is there a good day of the week we can get the most people to attend? Please let me know your day. I will try to get a date this month at Rush Creek Park. It is located near 48th and Port Sheldon, in the Georgetown Forest development.
Thanks,
Jeff Larabel

As of July 10, 2006 We are patiently waiting for the Georgetown Township Board, to review other dog parks from around the area, compiling information to see if it is feasible for the township to establish a dog park. What a great compliment that would be to our community.
We are hoping for some information at the July 24th, 7:30pm meeting, at the township offices.

G.O.L.D. Park Supporters,
I am very excited about this month. We should know something from the township about the park at the July 24th meeting. I would encourage all supporters and friends, to attended this meeting to show support and voice an opinion or idea, about the park or other dog issues. It is important that the township hears and sees that it's more than me, that wants a G.O.L.D. Park. Mark your calender, July 24th 7:30 @ the township offices.
April 24th, the proposal was made for the dog park,
May 29th, Memorial Day we marched in Georgetown parade, and came up with a logo G.O.L.D. Park, and caricature.
By the end of June, we are up to 24 supporters who have asked to help in any way and be informed about the park.
I am thinking about walking in the Hudsonville Christmas Parade. How many of you might be interested? Any ideas?
How about a dog swim and get together at a township park before the season is over?
Please let me know about any of these ideas or ones you might have.
Thanks!!!
Jeff Larabel

June 2006
Thanks to all who participated in the Jenison Memorial Day Parade. It went very well, with a good turn out, getting the support from parade watchers and show of support. Although it was a very hot morning.

Small dog update,
The Township committee had little information on the dog park.
The minutes from June 19th. read,
#6. Update by three committee members on information for the Off Leash Dog
Run.

#7. Del South, took photos of the park at 1415 Lyons NE, made several
observations took notes and will call City Managers office for more
details. (Hillcrest Park in Grand Rapids)

#8. R.J. Poel, reported that he spoke with the Supervisor of Park
Township, received information on 13 of the 17 questions. (Park Township
/ Holland)

#9. Rich VanderKlok, will have more information about the Park in Cascade
Twp. (Privately run, members pay yearly dues.)

#10. Committee members to report at next meeting with balance of
information requested.

Next meeting Monday, July 17, 2006 at 7:30am.
It's a public meeting.
Everyone is encouraged to make it, if you can. They don't last long, maybe
15-30 minutes.
If you are getting this message in bulk-mail, Please add me to your
address list.
Thanks,
Jeff Larabel

May
Our first gathering will be Wednesday May 17th at 8th Ave. Park just South of Chicago Dr. at 7:00
I will have information on the Memorial Day Parade. Have a meet and greet, try to answer any questions, talk about site's, membership, board members, activities, 501-c-3...

Our first activity will be the Memorial Day Parade. Line up 8:00am parade starts at 9:00am. Bring water, poop bags, someone to help clean up, carry a poster (Honoring K-9 service ...) You might want to get dropped off at line up and park at Meijers' parking lot. We are know as Georgetown Off leash Dog Park Supporters, Walking in Honor of Past and Present K-9's who help Us locally and Country.
Please e-mail me for more information.
Thanks Jeff

Well here is where we stand, sit, stay, as of Tuesday may 9,
*April 24th 2006, a proposal was made to the Township, it was forwarded to a service committee to see if it is feasible for the township.
*An article was printed in the, Grand Valley Advance April 25th 2006.
*A radio announcement was made Wednesday the 26th & Thursday 27th of April.
*Georgetown Township Dog Park web site was created.
*Business card size flyer's, were made up, with a plea for help to organize, web site and e-mail address on it. And distributed to any business, pet related or sold pet goods, where people congregate, and cash register where people may see it and take one.
*We have 7 interested dog owners who have e-mailed, wanting to help make this park happen.
*51 Township owned parcels were checked out on line. A few looked worthy of looking into.
***We are talking about, walking in the "Memorial Day Parade," Monday May 29th,2006. Anyone interested E-mail me for more info.***
*I'm going out tonight to look at 2 parcels on 4551 & 4421 Port Sheldon st. (Rush Creek Park).
40 Acres, is it possible we could get 10? (nice).
*Still looking for more dog owners to get involved, in making this a beautiful park for both, the township and dog lovers alike. Please E-Mail Jeff, and become part of this organization.

On April 24, 2006, Jeff Larabel proposed that the Georgetown township, consider establishing an (OFF LEASH DOG PARK) around the Georgetown township area.

By adding a O.L.D. park the township would be add to the growing list of communities that recognize the value of having such parks. The parks are a great place for both the owner and dog to get quality exercise, while walking and running in a fenced in area. It is also a good environment for our pets to socialize with each other, without bothering non pet owners, property or wildlife. A beautiful and well maintained area, would be a benefit to the community, dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold all park rules and regulations.

To see a dog jump and catch a Frisbee, run an agility course, swim to retrieve a ball, or just to run free can bring a smile, and warm almost anyone's heart.

Now, Mr. Larabel is looking for dog lovers and volunteer's in the Georgetown area to become a member of a not-for-profit organization, to share idea's, thought's and vision's to make this Off Leash Dog park happen. If you have any of these qualities, need community service, want to be part of a group, an organization that would like to help out, donate or just volunteer.
Contact Jeff Larabel, at jeff [at] gtwpdogpark [dot] org
Once organized we will be submitting for a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, able to accept charitable donations for tax purposes. All funds donated are tax deductible.
Just like our pets our Organization needs a Name and License.

Potential Site Plan
Georgetown is bigger than just the Jenison area.
Any ideas in the georgetown area? Let us know.
Your input is very important to us, it's your community.