Rocky River Bites Backs Again - Lakewood Back In Courts Over Dog Park
This week the Lakewood Dog Park is once again under attack by a very small group of Rocky Riverites that have for years claimed that the dog park used by so many Rocky Riverites, but on Lakewood property, is ruining their lifestyle.
This claim might have some traction for a variety of reasons. However, the courts have already found it to be not true. In addition a sound surveying company has now found it not true. Most recently I myself, after having a small meeting with one of the loudest proponents for moving the dog park now realize that there may be issues here, but the fault is not with one of Lakewood's finest assets- the dog park. In fact, I found quite the opposite. The dog park patrons are one of the best groups of citizens in this city, a city that has much better and more important things on which to spend their time and money.
Last month, as a resident of the area I saw a sound crew doing something so I stopped to talk. A Rocky River resident involved in the court case rudely told me they were doing a sound survey and pointed out possible alternatives for the dog park. I told him the indicated area floods many times a year without warning, but he became agitated and walked away before I could continue. So I took a couple photos and quietly went back to my house.
All of the sound readings made during this survey were well within decibel limits in both Rocky River and Lakewood. In fact the dog barking was quieter than birds, planes, cars, coughing, radios, and almost even the wind!
With this new evidence at hand, why would one or a small handful of people be allowed to bring a case to court again and again forcing both cities that generally get along fight with each other, spend nearly $100,000 in legal fees and studies, and generally make everyone around the area miserable? In a combined population of nearly 85,000 people, 22 get to throw money away? For what? Well for one, a dog park that list 20% of its members from Rocky River.
A postcard will soon be sent to all registered dog owners of Rocky River and to all residents in the sub-development that includes High Parkway- the street where the four residents and co-plaintiffs (plus the City of Rocky River) live in the lawsuit threatening to close Lakewood Dog Park. Artist Marilyn Mulligan, a frequent dog park visitor and owner of Puppins, a Puggle, who would be very disappointed if the park closed, provided the postcard’s original artwork. As a resident of Rocky River, Marilyn, outraged by the lawsuit, also provided suggested language for the postcard's message. “Please consider this unique opportunity that you-as a Rocky River resident-have to support your Lakewood Dog Park.”
Meanwhile here in Lakewood residents are not so cool. They see this as yet another attack, another dogfight that simply does not have to be the black hole for funds that it has become.
Last week I stopped by the mayor's office where we discussed the matter at hand. He told me that the City has no intention of walking away from this dog fight. That he realizes more and more everyday what pets and dogs mean to the residents of Lakewood. This city loves animals.
During our meeting Mayor Edward FitzGerald mentioned that the city of Rocky River had offered to help move the park to a flood plain. I told him I have hundreds of photos of that area flooded, and that when it does it often does so without warning.
These areas are also home to delicate wildlife. For example, In the spring I have seen nests for Egrets that come north to bread before heading back down south. It is also the exact area where the Bald Eagle, first shown here in the LO, comes and fishes for salmon in the early spring.
I understand that hard feelings run deep here, but it is time for Rocky River and Lakewood to move on and work together to build up the park benefiting both cities. In so doing, they will be able to leave natural habitat alone, to keep residents safe, and our wildlife safer. To allow both cities to get on with their lives, and their use of all of this money for better things.
"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons."
-- James Thurber
