Bark Bits - City Bark Police & Leaf Blower!

BARK BITS #22

November 10,2010

WHO LET THE DOGS IN?:

With this beautiful fall weather and so many NOLA City Bark permit holders eager to play at the park with their pets, the dog park is experiencing a large amount of activity, especially on week-ends. The greater density of dogs in the park makes it even more important for everyone to be a good citizen and follow the rules.

The dogs are more active, so please keep a close eye on your pet and be proactive in avoiding problems by walking your pet away from a crowded situation. In particular, do not allow dogs to crowd or rush the gate as others are entering. Move away from the gate area with your dog to visit with friends so that others may access the park easily.

Children 8 and over are allowed in the dog park with their parents. However, please remember that activities in the dog park are for the dogs. Parents, do not allow children to climb on equipment or trees, play in the water features, roll down the hills, or run in the dog park. Dogs might perceive your child to be "one of the pack" and respond by chasing, nipping or playing rough with your child.

And PLEASE remember to pick up after your pooch. We have had several complaints about the amount of dog waste in the park.

If your schedule is flexible, you might enjoy visiting the dog park on week-days before 3pm when it is much less crowded.

PERMIT RENEWALS: All permits will expire December 31,2010. Renewal permits can be downloaded online and mailed if you are paying by check or credit card. Please fill out entirely so that we can verify that we have your correct information. Your security card will stay the same so no need to come to the office unless you want to pay by cash. In order to allow everyone ample time to renew, we will not deactivate non-renewed cards until January 31, 2011. If you purchased your permit after August 1, you will receive a $10 discount if requested.

LIGHTING: Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended and the days are shorter, our 6pm closing time makes it very difficult for many people to use the dog park during the week. We will be meeting with Entergy to explore the possibility of the installation of security lights and to see if the cost is feasible and if the lights will provide enough illumination to allow us to use the park at night.

CITY PARK POLICE: City Park police officers, Billy Bayle & Billy Mimms, will begin to visit the dog park regularly. Rather than just driving by, they will park and walk into the park. Please feel free to introduce yourself. Since we have received numerous complaints about children under 8 in the dog park & non-permit holders using the park, they will help us with these issues. You may call City Park police, 421-9307 and give the officer your name and remain at the dog park to speak with him when he arrives. Police officers are on duty Monday-Saturday, 9 AM- 7PM and Sunday 9 AM-8 PM. During Celebration in the Oaks, (Thanksgiving-New Years) they will not be available during the day. There is only one officer on duty at a time to patrol 1300 acres.

Please call the police only for the above violations or for matters of extreme emergency. Most disputes should be handled between permit holders and other violations reported toinfo@nolacitybark.org.

LEAF BLOWER NEEDED: If you have a gently-used, gasoline powered leaf blower or a new one you would like to donate to the dog park, it would be most appreciated. Lt. Joe and his CSWs have been doing a great job of keeping our entry and sidewalks clean and this piece of equipment would be a big help. If you would like to donate, let us know at info@nolacitybark.org. Thanks.