The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

Tulsa is the only city of any size that I know of that doesn't have a dog park.  In spite of having a high number of dogs (couldn't find the dang article).  In Oklahoma the cities that have dog parks include:

Oklahoma City
Norman
Del City
Edmond
and Enid.  

My college town of 35,000 and home town of 70,000 had dog parks.  Nearly every city in Kansas has a dog park.  14 Cities in Missouri.  Dozens in Texas.  

Much compared cities of Albuquerque (3 just in the city proper), Omaha (2 in city proper),  and Portland (7 in city proper) all have dog parks. Even Little Rock has a couple. A listing of dark parks can be found here:
http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/

The Mohawk plan released over a year ago had mentioned a dog park, but I've heard nothing since.
http://www.cityoftulsa.org/Recreation/Parks/MohawkParkStrategicPlanUpdate.asp

Why can't we attract young families to live in an urban environment?  Well, here is one small example.  We lack the basic amenities of a city our size (aside from drivable streets and other concerns of course) and cities much smaller than us.  Such a simple thing with such a minimal investment, I don't get it.

Is the city moving on this at all or what?  It's something that I would enjoy for sure and if done somewhere more "urban" would be a neighborhood selling point (so long as it's not in the middle of a neighborhood of course).  Putting it out at Mohawk will be helpful, but won't do anything for people living in new apartment buildings going in downtown, Brookside or other dense areas of town.

Thoughts?

+1, I miss having a dog park, there were five in the Indianapolis area.  Manion Park, since it's no longer a rec center or swim center, could also foot the bill.

Canon,
I think I could turn this around and look at it the other way.  

. . . We have a lack of "NO DOG" parks!  

I have a vizsla and we take her to Hunter park about 4 times a week to run free and play with all of the kids at the park.  

She meets the other dogs there and runs around at just under 100 mph.

I have lived in cities like St. Louis where leash laws are so strict that you can get fined or arrested on the spot and have your dog taken to the pound.  

(http://www.maplesprings.com/harry1.jpg)

You can go to almost any park in Tulsa and see friendly dogs running around playing, I don't think there is a need for a fenced in dog park.  I find these places depressing.

I thought there was a dog park by Woodward. I was at the rose garden one day and a lady with a dog came over to me and asked where the dog park was. I said I didnt know. Another lady overheard and pointed off in a direction and said it was over there.

Got to the Arboretum next to Woodward Park and you will be pleasantly surprised to find a secret dog park.

I wonder if anyone knows the location of Tulsa's other secret dog parks?


(http://www.manitoupix.com/images/Top_Secret_50.jpg)

1. Gaspar, in Tulsa it is illegal to have your dog off of a leash and you can get ticketed, fined, the dog impounded AND the person arrested.  I am able to let me dog run at a nearby park (after checking to make sure no one cares/is there) but technically this is not allowed.  Certainly it is a different atmosphere than an actual dog park.

For the following the law specifies "at large" means "off the leash or not at heal" in prelude to the title.  There is some wiggle room in the definition, but basically at large = off leash.

quote:

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Title 2, Section 101 of the Tulsa Municipal Code:
A. It shall be an offense under the terms of this chapter for any owner within
the corporate limits of the City of Tulsa to... 2. Fail to prevent any dog or cat owned, possessed, kept or harbored by him
from running or being at large

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The penalty is a fine up to $750 and up to 90 days in prison (section 118).

Section 116 of the same title:

quote:

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The Chief of Police may impound animals which are deemed to be at large within
the meaning of this chapter and which are found off the immediate premises of their
owners.

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And to head off the "dogs crap everywhere anyway" argument, that is illegal and fined at $200 a pop per section 101.12.  

All city animal laws:
http://www.cityoftulsa.org/OurCity/Ordinances/title2.asp#Chapter3

So, while it is commonly done and it is something I do when possible.  It is against the law and can suffer stiff fines.  It is also uncontrolled and may deter people from using the park.  While I would approach someone and ask them to leash their if it bothered me, someone who is afraid of dogs or more timid would simply have to NOT go into that park.

2. The "dog park" at Woodward park is actually an arbor walk.  It is a walk to showcase the trees and various landscaping items as the sign age indicate.  It is not a dog park and the last time I was there the sign specifically said you must have your dog on a leash.

Though that law is usually ignored and even encouraged to be ignored (lady told me to let my dogs run if I wanted to).

It is not supposed to be used as a dog park.

http://www.tulsaaudubon.org/guides/woodward-park.htm
http://www.tulsagardencenter.com/htdocs/wwpark/wwphist.htm
(http://www.tulsaaudubon.org/guides/woodward-park-map.jpg)

3. I have been to fenced dog parks in KC, San Francisco and Chicago and found them far from depressing.  Most often I keep my dogs leashed because other people don't want them running around and it is their right to be unmolested by my dogs.  Not to accuse you, but I am not comfortable nor do i assume that other people or dogs want to interact with mine so I err on the side of leashed.

[edit] Does the dog park in OKC look depressing to you?
http://www.pawok.com/ [/edit]

(http://www.pawok.com/people-dogs-front.jpg)
(http://www.pawok.com/park-opening-water.jpg)

im not necessarily a fan of an unleashed dog im not familiar with running up to me.

I have a friend hiking on a trail and he had a Pit Bull.  He was allowing this dog to run unleashed and met another hiker.  This guy freaked out (of course) when a pit bull comes running up.
My friend couldn't believe the guy freaked out.  
Me: 'dude you're an idiot'

yes, the dog was sweet, but if i see a pit running towards me, im pretty sure my bowels would empty right there and I would not be a happy hiker.

im not necessarily a fan of an unleashed dog im not familiar with running up to me.

I have a friend hiking on a trail and he had a Pit Bull.  He was allowing this dog to run unleashed and met another hiker.  This guy freaked out (of course) when a pit bull comes running up.
My friend couldn't believe the guy freaked out.  
Me: 'dude you're an idiot'

yes, the dog was sweet, but if i see a pit running towards me, im pretty sure my bowels would empty right there and I would not be a happy hiker.

I guess I haven't been attacked by a dog so I don't know, but people being so deathly afraid of pit bulls cracks me up. They are only mean when bred to be that way. If one were coming after me and decided it were going to attack me I think it would simply get a nice boot to the head...

I've wished we had a dog park we could let Evey run around off her leash at before as well, maybe we can help make it happen.

I figured she would say hi since we are on the topic :P

Then...
(http://junk.zenblue.net/evey/previewcache/evey_puppy_tongue.jpg.resized.jpg)

And err.. 6 months ago.
(http://junk.zenblue.net/evey/previewcache/IMG_0871_sm.jpg.resized.jpg)

Tulsa DEFINITELY needs a dog park.  Or six.  

CF, it looks like you found a pic of Doggie Beach in Chicago.  Perhaps the most excellent resource ever for apartment-bound dergs, though the sand will scratch up your hardwood floors something terrible.

I know logically that pit bulls are excellent and mostly harmless beasts, but I've seen too many sweet-as-pie PBs turn into Doggie Terminators when another male comes walking by their enclosures.  Like when I take my fella for his daily constitutional and happen to meander past the fenceline.  They are usually unsnipped and full of testosterone.

More Doggie Beach:

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/4/4377317_22fcc932bc.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/4/5335324_645d04a5af.jpg?v=0)
Carter:

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/56/121523559_082bebb396.jpg?v=0)

Wevus:

quote:

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CF, it looks like you found a pic of Doggie Beach in Chicago. Perhaps the most excellent resource ever for apartment-bound dergs, though the sand will scratch up your hardwood floors something terrible.

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Nope, that is Paw Park in Oklahoma City.
http://www.pawok.com/
- - -

and per Pit Bulls, I don't have an inherent fear of them but I certainly use more caution.  I know plenty of well behaved pit bulls, but bad dog owners or those who want 'tough dogs' seem to migrate towards the breed and thus a pit bull seems more likely to be poorly trained or socialized.   I've never had a problem with any dog attacking me (partly because I know to back away from aggression) more more often than not people who shouldn't own dogs seem to choose pit bulls (note: that does not mean pit bulls are bad, but that they seem to attract bad owners).

In that regard, all regular laws apply.  If your dog causes damages you are liable for them in the dog park like anywhere else.  If your pit bull or your chihuahua injures another dog you will have a hefty vet bill to foot and (obviously) are not invited back.   If your dog becomes overly aggressive you have to leave.  If you know your dog doesn't play well with others, don't take him off the leash until you have trained him otherwise (part of the reason dog parks are helpful).

In many dog parks there is a small area set aside for small or aged animals that don't want to run with the big dogs to help mitigate potential problems. Sparky might think he's tough, but it's up to you to make sure he doesn't try to prove that to the bull mastiff (assuming a play bite from the mastiff could injure a small dog).

bah, you get what I'm saying.

Mayfest has never been the same since they banned dogs.

dont tell anybody but there is a secret dog park at 5pm at Zink; but you must have a cocktail or glass of wine in hand for the handler.

quote:

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Originally posted by ARGUS

dont tell anybody but there is a secret dog park at 5pm at Zink; but you must have a cocktail or glass of wine in hand for the handler.

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That sounds like my kind of dog park.[;)]

I am moving to Tulsa in April from a town of 26,000 in northern Illinois.  We have a 10 acre dog park on the property of our local humane society.  It includes a small dog park with a gazebo, an nationally award winning agility course, a large dog park (small dogs are welcome there too) with a winter shelter, a watering and washing station, and a landscaped swimming pond with that's fully lined and filtered.  The membership cost is $25/year for the first dog and $20 for each additional or $2/day. It's awesome, and it's the one thing I will really miss when I leave here.

 It affords dogs an opportunity to run long distances off leash, to swim in water that's not dangerous or too stinky, and to become socialized with other dogs.  The socialization between the people is good too.  

My four year old corgi has been going to the park almost every day of his life since he turned 4 months old. In fact, I have to use pig latin, because now he knows when I'm spelling "park!"

If there were a movement to get a dog park off the ground in Tulsa, I would be willing to help.
Other than missing the dog park, I'm very excited about moving to Tulsa!

while were on the topic of dogs...I heard that the Tulsa dog pound shelter does not scan for micro-chiped dogs. Anyone know if this is true?
I had asked if a friends very cool young Visla had been chipped yet and his wife said "why? Tulsa does not scan even though they have the equipment to do so!" I was shocked! My roomie (dog) has been chipped since he was 6 months old. (Home Again Companion Relocation Service - a rice grain size device implanted just under the skin w/ a specific I.D. # that allows a person who scans the animal to call a 800 number and make the connection to re-unite the ownwer with the lost/stolen animal)

I'm afraid I don't know, but call them and ask if they scan, simple solution.  I find it hard to believe that they have the device and don't use it.  Nearly criminal (disposing of "property" because they are too lazy... just hard to believe).

In other news, the Brookside Neighborhood Association reads my mind:

quote:

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Monthly Brookside Neighborhood Association Board Meeting

Monday, March 3, 2008, 5:30 to 7:00 pm.
Trinity Methodist Church, 37th and Peoria.
(Enter at east entrance.)

Agenda items: Newsletter, Zoning issues, new development, new dog park, Good Neighbor Award, Brookside Lean & Green, Bylaws

All Brookside neighbors are welcomed to join us to see what is happening in your area!

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I will call and let us know.

I'd favor Tulsa to build a dog park and in return ban dogs from the Tulsa Jogging trails, even more so with all the careless dog owners who walk dogs on the jogging trails[xx(]

quote:

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Originally posted by sauerkraut

I'd favor Tulsa to build a dog park and in return ban dogs from the Tulsa Jogging trails, even more so with all the careless dog owners who walk dogs on the jogging trails[xx(]

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I'd like to ban joggers from my dog walking trails - they keep annoying my animals.(Not really)

The trails around town are for general use.  Walkers, Runners, Bikers, and even those damn kids on skateboards.  And yes, it includes people who want to walk their dogs.

Is your problem with dogs in general or people who don't realize that not everyone things it's cute when a 70lb lab jumps up on them and/or don't keep their dog's out of your way?

If it is dogs in general, too bad.  I rarely use the jogging trails, so I think we should build jogging trails if we ban joggers from public roads. (again, not really)

If it is the latter then I share your annoyance.  But it extends to bikers who fail to say "on your left" or similar courtesies.   Skate boarders who fail to watch out for people or put graphite all over the place.  And a litany of other people who are rude or otherwise fault or realize the parks and trails are for everyone's enjoyment.

Don't hate dogs or dog owners because some people do not take the responsibility seriously or care if they bother other people.  There are plenty of GOOD dog owners who take care to ensure our animals are controlled, that other people approach our dogs (not the other way around).  And a dog park is a minuscule investment of usually undesirably land (say cornered by freeways).

quote:

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Originally posted by sauerkraut

I'd favor Tulsa to build a dog park and in return ban dogs from the Tulsa Jogging trails, even more so with all the careless dog owners who walk dogs on the jogging trails[xx(]

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I'd like to ban careless owners who walk their dog directly in front of a moving bicyclist. I avoided the dog but faceplanting on asphalt is never pleasant.

The shelter(bad name just like airport "terminal" ) is closed on Mondays.
The SPCA said they scanned (meaning the shelter) but who knows. They keep the animal for 3 whole days (scary short); there is no mention of scanning for a chip on the shelters website; however they do mention i.d. tags help (duh). While on the phone w/ SPCA I asked if they do a body search on the animal for tattoos...she didnt know but like all of us hoped so.
Further investigation to follow.

Okay; just phoned the Dog Pound and spoke w/ a person who said "YES" we scan for micro-chip I.D.s in an animal. The person went on to say that their scanner device should pick up all manufacturers micro-chips.
SO; I take this as good news.

Thanks for checking.  I blame the short stays on poor owners more so than the shelters, they have to deal the hand they are dealt.  Asshats dumping animals, letting them run lose, and neglecting tags altogether overwhelm the system so the rare instance in which a responsible owner loses a pet... they get screwed.

Dog park dog park dog park!

Anyone privy to the the information on the Brookside Neighborhood's plans?

If Tulsa builds and dog park, I'll have to insist on equal time and demand a cat park.

Ok, my mom is a cat person.  Serious crazy cat lady has an entire room to foster cats and 3 more roaming her house cat person.  She walks them, well... she has a rolling cage thing and pushes them around.

If you were to take a cat to a park and plop it down in a fenced in area it would sniff some weeds, eat some grass, clean itself and lay down.  Most cats do not do well with other's and would need their own space, or stalls if you will (not pack animals, they can be trained to live in "family" units but they do not easily accept new members on a social basis).

There's a reason people don't take their cats to the park, or take the jogging, or camping.  Damn anti social "I'm in charge" suckers.

I was a cat person, but then I evolved. While it would be highly amusing, I will not be helping with your effort.  Well, I might help.. just not if it gets in the way of my dog park [:P]

quote:

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Originally posted by Wilbur

I Tulsa builds and dog park, I'll have to insist on equal time and demand a cat park.

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What if I want to walk my fish?


(http://www.geekologie.com/2007/09/25/porta-fish-3.jpg)

(http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/a/a4/180px-Tulsa_River_Skyline.jpg)

The Tulsa fish park open some time ago.  Make sure you call him when it is time to leave otherwise he might be considered a stray and subject to being put down (stream).

"Why can't we attract young families to live in an urban environment?"

Very good question! My husband and I are lucky enough to choose between 4 cities for our next move.  We fit into your "young family" category.  Tulsa has been scratched off our list because there are no leash free dog areas.  We are from Austin Texas and there 12 off leash areas in the city's parks. On their website they have maps of each city park, showing exactly which areas are leash free. The Tulsa parks department needs to take a look around the country and realize they are falling behind on this issue.

Well don't let that deter you!  Move here and help me get at least one built! And the Brookside Neighborhood looks like they are moving with a plan to do it themselves.  

What other cities are on your list?

and welcome to Tulsa Now.

Awesome.  

I was going to move to your town but instead we picked another city because they have dog parks...  But instead of just doing it, I registered for a Tulsa forum and gloated about it instead.

I love teh interwebz.

quote:

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Originally posted by TeeDub


Awesome.  

I was going to move to your town but instead we picked another city because they have dog parks...  But instead of just doing it, I registered for a Tulsa forum and gloated about it instead.

I love teh interwebz.

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not only that, but if you are picking cities based on what is good for your dog and not you, your priorities are SERIOUSLY ****ed up.

Tulsa has thousands of acres of leashfree areas. It's called a yard. Tulsa hasn't needed "a place to go walk your dog" because the vast majority of dog owners live on a nice suburban spread with plenty of room for the dog. If we had 12 dog parks, there would be 2-3 dogs in each one.

Also worth noting that they have designated "off leash areas" and not really dog parks.  
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/dogparks.htm

If that is your criteria, take heart in the fact that with courtesy most people have many parks to let their dogs off leash.

By City ordinance, every park is a dog park assuming you can maintain control over your unleashed dog:

quote:

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Title 2, Animals
Chapter 1
Section 100, Definitions:
At Heel shall mean when a dog is obedient to and under the immediate control and
supervision of its owner or its owner's agent.
At Large shall mean when:
A. An animal is not confined on the premises of its owner; or
B. A dog is not under leash, at heel, or under the control of the person having
possession of the dog;

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quote:

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Title 2, Animals
Chapter 1
Section 100, Offenses
A. It shall be an offense under the terms of this chapter for any owner within
the corporate limits of the City of Tulsa to:
* * *
2. Fail to prevent any dog or cat owned, possessed, kept or harbored by him
from running or being at large, whether such dog or cat is licensed or unlicensed;
provided, however, that it shall be permissible for a dog to be led off the premises of its
owner when under leash or obediently at heel . . .

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quote:

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Title 26, Parks, Mall and Plaza
Section 105, Animals
It shall be unlawful for anyone to possess, allow or permit any animal of whatever
nature into any park area or facility unless the animal shall be on a leash not exceeding six
(6) feet in length or under the immediate control of its handler.

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Here's your dog park.....sorta?

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=11&articleID=20080402_238_A11_hTrav34878

Coffee:  

I understand that, but realistically that is not an expectation.  Very few dogs are well behaved enough IMHO to qualify as under immediate control.  My dogs will come when called, but I can not guarantee they will not chase a rabbit or get in in their dumb heads to run over and say hi to someone who doesn't like dogs.  (this is especially true in an environment where other people have dogs off leash, I have well trained and generally well behaved dogs, but harbor no delusions of perfection)

I utilize this law to let me dogs swim in the river, or at the "dog park" near the rose garden, and when I am alone at the park near Eisenhower.  However, I assume the non-dog lovers on here agree that they would be more comfortable with dogs on-leash in parks they share.  I hate for my animals to diminish the value of the parks to other people and would feel more comfortable with an open venue.
- - -

I saw that article in the paper today.  For me it says the State DOT sees the value of dog parks while the city of Tulsa does not.  I could not utilize them as my big dogs head weighs more than some small dogs (my dogs head > Conan's entire dog).  But I'm glad the DOT realizes the need is there... I just wish our city would.

Tulsa needs a dog park.  A real one.  End of story.  Not for the dogs, but for the dog owners.  They're a stress-free way to run your dog, and great places to socialize with other owners.

I think the most expedient way to get one would be for a dog owners club to push the city on a designation and raise money on their own for the fencing.  My experience is that concerned groups of citizens can get this sort of thing done in a hurry if they are motivated.

I think dog owners should pony up for a dog park.

I also think it could be a revenue producer when you ticket the dog owners for not cleaning up after Fido.

quote:

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Originally posted by TeeDub


I think dog owners should pony up for a dog park.

I also think it could be a revenue producer when you ticket the dog owners for not cleaning up after Fido.

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Agreed on the poo cleanup.

And I will pony up for a dog park, but if that is the paradigm we want I demand joggers and bikers build their own trails.  Hikers pay for Oxley and Turkey Mountain.  And tennis players pay for the public courts at parks.

I'm sure there are more dog owners that tennis players in Tulsa.

Note: In case someone missed it, I'm not really complaining about providing those other park services, and I am not opposed to a hybrid dog park with the city kicking in some land usage and an organization finding a way to pay for the rest.

quote:

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Originally posted by cannon_fodder


Note: In case someone missed it, I'm not really complaining about providing those other park services, and I am not opposed to a hybrid dog park with the city kicking in some land usage and an organization finding a way to pay for the rest.

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Exactly what I was thinking.  (Sorry to not be clear.)

Just like the disc golfers funding some of their own items.

The city should provide some space, and maybe water and trash service.   I am sure they can find donations for some fencing and whatever else they need.

I'll chair the commitee to do this.  Who else would like to step up and help push the city to get us a dog park (though my pup will miss the all the kids at the other parks)?

I would like to add a bunch of fake fire hydrants to the dog park as an art project.

On second thought...  Maybe this is a bad idea...

Who is going to pay for insurance and for the city attorney's time when someone gets bitten and sees all the dollar signs?

I can't say that people are above suing not only the dog owner, but also the city for allowing an exception to the leash law.

quote:

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Originally posted by TeeDub


On second thought...  Maybe this is a bad idea...

Who is going to pay for insurance and for the city attorney's time when someone gets bitten and sees all the dollar signs?

I can't say that people are above suing not only the dog owner, but also the city for allowing an exception to the leash law.

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What does Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Del City, Enid, Wichita, Austin, Dallas, Des Moines, Little Rock, Albuquerque, Portland et al do?  I'm sure we could contact OKC and find out in short order.  

I assume there is standard language on a waiver sign (like "swim at your own risk" or at City own golf courses).  Plus, the city is generally not responsible for the negligence of others (if said dog attacked you in a given park now would it not be argued that but for not having a dog park this would not have happened?) and there would be some assumption of the risk.  The merits of any such a case are really week and after the first on is tossed the issue would be dead (in my unprofessional legal opinion).  

OKC Posted Rules:

quote:

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Paw Park Regulations

For you and your dog's safety and pleasure:

    * Aggressive or unruly dogs must be removed from PAW Park immediately
    * Handlers and their dogs enter the Park at their own risk
    * Dogs must be attended at all times.
    * Handlers must quickly clean up after their dogs (plastic bags and containers are provided)
    * Handlers must be at least 18 years or older (unless accompanied by an adult)
    * For their own safety, No children under 10 years old are allowed in the park.
    * Dogs in heat are prohibited
    * Puppies must be at least four months old

Please pick up the poop!

    * No food, rawhides, tobacco, alcohol or glass containers please (training ‘treats’ are permitted)
    * Limit of two dogs per handler
    * Handlers are responsible for damage caused by their dogs
    * Shoes must be worn in the Park (dogs excluded)
    * Small dog area is limited to dogs of thirty pounds or less. Handicapped or elderly, larger dogs are also allowed in this area.
    * Dogs must be in general good health
    * Dogs must be wearing a current Rabies tag
    * Contact PAW OK at: www.PAWOK.COM  or 405-782-431

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http://www.pawok.com/regulations.htm
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Custosnox:

I would be very happy to help with this effort.    Please PM me and I will respond with contact information.  Step 1 will be to contact the OKC group and get a course of action from them (no need to re-write the script).

quote:

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Originally posted by TeeDub


On second thought...  Maybe this is a bad idea...

Who is going to pay for insurance and for the city attorney's time when someone gets bitten and sees all the dollar signs?

I can't say that people are above suing not only the dog owner, but also the city for allowing an exception to the leash law.

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Prominently posted signs do the trick in the other cities:

"By entering this dog park, the park user agrees to hold the City of Tulsa Parks and Recreation Department harmless and free from liability from any action of any park users or their dogs. Park users agree to fully comply with posted rules and take full legal liability from any action of their own or their dogs."

CF -

I wasn't poo-pooing the idea of a dog park, but at the same time, I don't want people to be discouraged from enjoying the parks with their dogs.  

People with well-behaved dogs should know that, under certain circumstances, their dogs can run off leash w/o fear of running afoul of the law.

I understand the reality of keeping a dog "under immediate control" which is why I premised the post with ". . . assuming you can maintain control over your unleashed dog . . ."

Perhaps Kaiser can set aside some acreage on Riverside for a dog park.

If any of you are serius about forming a group to help hopefully get Tulsa a long over due dog part please email me or PM me, would be more then willing to help in any way I can.

Okay folks, just an update on this.  There are some pretty big plans on the horizon on this.  Right now it is still on the planning and pushing part, but it's a start.  For the time being, I'm not going to throw out names or locations until something more formal is in place, but at least two dog parks may be in our cities future.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Michael Vick and his ilk would love to use this as their sparring gym.

quote:

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Originally posted by custosnox

Okay folks, just an update on this.  There are some pretty big plans on the horizon on this.  Right now it is still on the planning and pushing part, but it's a start.  For the time being, I'm not going to throw out names or locations until something more formal is in place, but at least two dog parks may be in our cities future.  Keep your fingers crossed.

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Any updates on this as yet? Several visitors to the Woodward area park were ticketed last week for off leash dogs.

I'd be pissed if I got a ticket there.  I understand it is within the law, but on any given night you can find a dozen dog owners with animals off the leash.  It has become the defacto dog park, since we don't have a real one.

My favorite part though, is that people who argue Tulsa needs to be an urban and progressive city don't see how things like dog parks fit into the picture...

Nothing as of yet on updates, and I am overdue for one.  I think I'll fire off an email to see if anything has changed to bring it closer to fruitation.

So what are the rules? I was warned before I got to Woodward park on the day they were ticketing (thankfully) about no leash. From the laws it looks like "under control" or "at heal" which neither specify a leash so how can it be possible to get fined for not having one? BTW I am all for un-mannered dogs to be on leashes.... however my dog behaves better than my own nieces and nephews (sad right?) and the parks are perfect for letting her run.

I've lived with her in other cities with great dog parks. I would be all for helping to support one here. The first we were exposed to had a park employee on duty during park hours and he could ask people with aggressive dogs to leave.... we also had to sign in (a waiver) each time we arrived, and it was $2 per person (dogs were free, limit 2 per person). The second was a volunteer-based park with no hours, and worked with donations only. Both were successful although it was nice having a park employee on-hand for the very busy times.

I'm not sure how to go about having the city approve anything like this, but if anyone else knows how to initiate it, I would be more than willing to help in any way.

quote:

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Originally posted by bobbie

So what are the rules? I was warned before I got to Woodward park on the day they were ticketing (thankfully) about no leash. From the laws it looks like "under control" or "at heal" which neither specify a leash so how can it be possible to get fined for not having one? BTW I am all for un-mannered dogs to be on leashes.... however my dog behaves better than my own nieces and nephews (sad right?) and the parks are perfect for letting her run.

I've lived with her in other cities with great dog parks. I would be all for helping to support one here. The first we were exposed to had a park employee on duty during park hours and he could ask people with aggressive dogs to leave.... we also had to sign in (a waiver) each time we arrived, and it was $2 per person (dogs were free, limit 2 per person). The second was a volunteer-based park with no hours, and worked with donations only. Both were successful although it was nice having a park employee on-hand for the very busy times.

I'm not sure how to go about having the city approve anything like this, but if anyone else knows how to initiate it, I would be more than willing to help in any way.

---

I would consider volunteering to lifeguard a dog park and I know my fiance would be glad to serve some time in the summers when she isn't teaching.

I am patiently waiting for word on the progress of our own dog parks.  I am supposed to be recieving an email today on if it is to go forward or not.  Once I get this, I will let everyone know what is going on.  For those who have volunteered, I just may be in contact with you in the future.  

As far as the "at control" leash law, as far as I know, noone has faught a ticket on the grounds that they had their dog "at control".  Until someone does, The law will be left open to interpretation, which pretty much will mean when you don't have a leash on your animal.

Thanks to the channel 2 broadcast, there has been a lot of recent talk about a dog park. I know there is a parks meeting June 3 that supposedly will bring the issue up. There is a yahoo groups set forth for getting a dog park in tulsa, and we're having our first meeting next week to become organized before the parks meeting.  If anyone is interested in going, check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tulsabarkpark/  or you can email me for info.  bobbie1@gmail.com

Here are a couple of links to a dog park in Gilbert, AZ. The first is a review of the park and the second is from the towns website.

http://www.neighborhoodvet.com/site/content/cosmo-dog-park-page1.html (http://"http://")

http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/parks/popups/cosmo-park.cfm (http://"http://")

I think last year it was rated number one in the US.

quote:

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Originally posted by bobbie

Thanks to the channel 2 broadcast, there has been a lot of recent talk about a dog park. I know there is a parks meeting June 3 that supposedly will bring the issue up. There is a yahoo groups set forth for getting a dog park in tulsa, and we're having our first meeting next week to become organized before the parks meeting.  If anyone is interested in going, check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tulsabarkpark/  or you can email me for info.  bobbie1@gmail.com

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Thanks for mentioning this, and thanks to Moderator for linking to this thread.  I joined the yahoo group.

Go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tulsabarkpark/

to find out about the dog parks opening in tulsa

Well I have to say that I cant WAIT until we get a dog park. I have been debating going to the City of Tulsa and seeing what I can do to get things on a roll. I watched a special on News on 6 this morning that there is someone that is trying to get one going here in Tulsa.

My brother in law lives in Austin, TX and I love the atmosphere there. Young couples, losts of outdoor activities and not to mention like 13 dog parks. I was there a couple weeks ago and Austin had their Annual Dog Walk. The city actually closed down most of the downtown area so the residents could get out and walk their dogs.(They also had multiple dog activities, races, games, etc) Some of them were on leashes and some where not. There thousands of people out, and not to mention thousands of dogs.

Why cant Tulsa be like this? We have a great city, we just need the right people in office first, and then some motivated people to get the word out, petitions or something. Come on people lets get out there do something, it will never happen if all we do is get online and complain about it!

I am going to look more into this and research who is trying to push this issue and get something done.

I kinda like the name "Dog Task Force".
It sounds like some short-lived federal grant that runs out leaving everyone in a bogus panic. [:o)]

quote:

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Originally posted by patric

I kinda like the name "Dog Task Force".
It sounds like some short-lived federal grant that runs out leaving everyone in a bogus panic. [:o)]

---

That's exactly what it is supposed to be, all sizzle, no steak. It's just like the Tree Advisory Committee, the Working In Neighborhoods Department, Neighborfests, etc. Keep 'em weak with the Delphi technique.

I have a great idea for a location of a dog park in Tulsa!  It is on the corner of 145th E. Ave. and 11th Street.  The northeast corner.  There is a huge area of land there and it would be perfect for a dog park.  What do we have to do get together and get someone to buy it and donate it?  That's asking alot I know, but I would be glad to donate!
Debbi

Anyone that lives in Tulsa knows that Oklahoma is not a pet friendly state.  I have never so many stray animals in my life!  I have been to both coasts and as far north as Michigan and Wisconsin and as far south as Houston, and NEVER have I seen such a lack of resources and total disregard by local law makers as Oklahoma for our four legged friends.  There is but a small group of people that really care about this heartbreaking problem that we have on our hands here.  The puppy mill thing is out of control, we try to get a law to ban them, but our redneck government is too influenced by puppymill lobby apparently.  It is so sad and makes me feel so helpless!  It seems that we take one step forward and 3 steps back.  Our mayor  is trying to put on a front that she cares by hiring a new city vet, but uncover the truth and find out all the perks that came with that job and the mayor's relationship to this new vet.  It is astounding the nepotism.  I hate to be Debbi Downer, but the news is all bad in Oklahoma!

This Mayor is trying to fix the shelter. She made the most major changes in the last twenty years. She took it out from under the police department and changed the top leaders.

She is quite the dog person. I believe she really cares about this and is working to make a dog park happen.

You sound like a disgruntled citizen who wouldn't be satisfied no matter what changes are made.

quote:

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Originally posted by RecycleMichael

This Mayor is trying to fix the shelter. She made the most major changes in the last twenty years. She took it out from under the police department and changed the top leaders.

She is quite the dog person. I believe she really cares about this and is working to make a dog park happen.

You sound like a disgruntled citizen who wouldn't be satisfied no matter what changes are made.

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Really? Then why not just make the Arboretum an official dog park? It is a common sense, simple solution to a stupid situation. Like her majesty would keep it simple when she could assemble yet another do nothing, go nowhere task force full of loyal sycophantic servants to the Krystal Kastle Kourt of Queen Kathy to study the issue to death? The C.E.O is M.I.A. I'll judge for myself whether Da Mare is dog friendly or not. The last thing I would do is take the bloated, bloviating, bureaucratic, spittle-soaked, spin of the Politburocrat who banned dogs from Mayfest as gospel.

City OK's Off-Leash Dogpark (http://"http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080701_11_Tulsa88311")

quote:

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"Tulsa is getting its first off-leash dog park and may end up with a total of three such parks throughout the city.  

The Park and Recreation Board on Tuesday approved converting a city-owned, unused, fenced baseball field located just west of Newblock Park on the north side of Charles Page Boulevard into a dog park.  

“The creation of off-leash dog parks is almost certainly the most significant change which has occurred in public parks in North America during the past decade,” Herb Beattie, chairman of a city dog-park task force, told the board.

Beattie said that he hopes to have the park in operation by the end of next week, with two areas to segregate large and small dogs and with access to water.  

If that doesn’t happen, he said, the park will be open by the end of the month.  

Oklahoma City has had an off-leash dog park for a little more than a year on the southeast side of Lake Hefner and “it is very successful and very busy,” said Scott Copelin, Oklahoma City park planner.  

Susan Neal, who sits on the park board for Mayor Kathy Taylor, said the recommendation from the task force is reasonable and will “meet the growing interest in the community.”  

“Sometimes when you’re the last one on your block to do something that lots of other cities have done, you have the benefit of all the practices where things went wrong and where things went right,” she said.  

Beattie said the unused ballfield can be quickly converted at a minimum expense. Beattie said the task force, made up of citizens, city, county and Humane Society officials, and a veterinarian has concluded that the existing demand for off-leash dog parks requires that at least one or two additional parks be created.

On Tuesday, the board also approved moving forward on two other potential dog park sites — one in Hicks Park, 3443 S. Mingo Road, and the other somewhere on the state right of way between the Broken Arrow Expressway and 13th Street and Cincinnati and Peoria avenues.  

Public hearings to receive input will occur prior to any decisions on the other sites, Beattie said.  

Park Board member Dale McNamara said the effort is “just a win-win situation for everyone.”

Beattie acknowledged that there is no city money available to create the dog parks. “This means we have to assemble a very committed group of volunteers to not only raise funds, but help manage and operate the dog parks,” Beattie said.  

The board said that opening any of the sites is contingent on raising the funds needed for the conversion. The entire area must be fenced with areas segregating large and small dogs. There also must be satisfactory parking.  

To provide additional fencing at the ball field site and a gate for mowing access is estimated to cost $6,800.  

The ultimate goal is to have “three areas” with the third one used to rotate the usage so that the grass can re-establish itself in areas worn down by the larger dogs, the board was told.  

Max Wiens, interim park director, said once fencing is erected to created two areas, the Newblock site can open while the city waits for fundraising to pay for other needs there, which are estimated to cost $19,985.  

An array of future improvements at the site — ranging from reconfiguring rest rooms to 4-foot-wide concrete walks meandering throughout the off-leash areas — is estimated to cost $72,260.  

Assistant City Attorney Kurt Ackermann said the city’s animal ordinance will need a minor adjustment that recognizes the off-leash park. Currently, animals must be leashed or under immediate control of their owners.  

Beattie said donations can be made to Tulsa Community Foundation, c/o Bark Park Foundation, 7030 S. Yale Ave., Suite 600, Tulsa, 74136.  

---

(article quoted in its entirety)

Well I'm happy that the city is moving forward with dog parks, I am disappointed that the proposed location are well outside of walking distance from midtown or other areas where the city is encouraging density.  Hopefully the mystery dog park #3 hit in an area where we are encouraging density (downtown even?).

BUT, glad to see something done.  Not complaining, just always wanting more (stupid public never satisfied).

Maple Park would be a good location, walking distance from most of midtown and downtown and near River Parks (on the trail that connects to the pedestrian bridge).  Plus great skyline views.

They could fence in an area at the south end of the park where there are currently just trees and open space.  There is plenty of space for fenced areas for both large and small dogs.

This is definitely a good start. Hopefully, people will come out and use it and show the city how popular these are to encourage the development of more parks.

Since there is no money to create a dog park, I think the team mostly did a good job finding locations that can be converted easily and cheaply.

Newblock park is not that far from downtown, its just over the railroad bridge on 3rd. You can also get there from the River Parks trails.

The 3rd proposed area seems strange to me, it would be just south of Tracy park in the H51 right of way.

Drive down 13th between Detroit and Peoria.

It is a great park like area that would be perfect with the right fence.

Here you go - Tulsa Bark Park (http://"http://tulsabarkpark.com") opens August 9th, 2008.

I stand corrected, a committee that actually gets-r-done. Kudos to the leadership of Herb Beattie on this issue.

I met with Herb and the nearby neighborhood association today. They are very excited about the dog park. He said although the official opening of that dog park location isn't for three more weeks, they had over a hundred dogs there last night.

Over here Dog owners, take your dog to these parks. The dog parks are great! Woof, Woof, a dogs best friend. [:o)]

quote:

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Originally posted by Wilbur

If Tulsa builds and dog park, I'll have to insist on equal time and demand a cat park.

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lol, most of tulsa IS a cat park.[^]

quote:

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Originally posted by Benzpyrene

quote:

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Originally posted by Wilbur

If Tulsa builds and dog park, I'll have to insist on equal time and demand a cat park.

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lol, most of tulsa IS a cat park.[^]

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Word.

I took my dogs to the park Friday around 8:30 or 9:00 PM. At my count there were 25 people and 32 pooches there.

Seems like a nice turn out for a very hot Friday night and the park isn't officialy opened yet. My guess is that more parks would have equal interest.

http://www.dogparkusa.com/oklahoma/joe-station-bark-park-tulsa

When are the specified breed days , ya know it's coming[;)]

I really want to take my dog their but he's never been around that many dogs off-leash before. He's done a little bit of basic dog training. But, when he's distracted, he does not come on command. I'm sure the first few times we take him, I'll have to hover within 10 feet of him. The times he has been around other dogs, he's done real well. He's always curious about other dogs but has a tendency to be scared of other people.

quote:

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Originally posted by Nik

I really want to take my dog their but he's never been around that many dogs off-leash before. He's done a little bit of basic dog training. But, when he's distracted, he does not come on command. I'm sure the first few times we take him, I'll have to hover within 10 feet of him. The times he has been around other dogs, he's done real well. He's always curious about other dogs but has a tendency to be scared of other people.

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Our first visit to Tulsa's First Bark Park was great. As a matter-of-fact, this was our dog's first visit ever to a bark park. She acted exactly like the article below said.

If only I would have found this article first, my anxieties would have been put to rest. We also would have known how to use the double entry gates the correct way. Read the article below.

quote:

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Your First Visit
My dog has never been in a dog park before. How can I expect it to react?

Follow this link, http://www.boonecountyky.org/dogpark/Visit.aspx, for a great description of your first visit to a bark park.

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Tulsa's first dog park is now open. Joe Station Bark Park is located at 2279 Charles Page Blvd. The park is a converted softball field just west of Newblock Park. Go to www.tulsabarkpark.com for more information.

I created a group in Flickr for people to upload their pictures of Tulsa's Bark Park. Check it out at http://www.flickr.com/groups/tulsadogparks/. I've just uploaded a few of mine but will add more as I take them.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2751711938_048c617c88.jpg)

Public Meeting - All Souls Unitarian Church
Tour: Tulsa Bark Park Task Force Public Meeting
Time: 7:00pm.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 12
Address: 2952 S. Peoria.

The Tulsa Dog Park Task Force in cooperation with the City of Tulsa has scheduled a meeting to provide the public with opportunities to give their thoughts about a possible new off-leash dog park facility at 13th & Cincinnati.
The meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, will be held at 7 p.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria, for the purpose of allowing public discussion of the proposed development of a dog park site in the downtown area – specifically, in the Inner Dispersal Loop just east of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

Public Meeting - Hicks Community Center
Tour: Tulsa Bark Park Task Force Public Meeting.
Date: 08/14/08 Thursday
Time: 7:00pm.
Address: 3443 S. Mingo Rd. [Hicks Park]

The Tulsa Dog Park Task Force in cooperation with the City of Tulsa has scheduled a meeting to provide the public with opportunities to give their thoughts about a possible new off-leash dog park facility at Hicks Park.

The meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. at Hicks Community Center, 3443 S. Mingo Rd., for the purpose of allowing public discussion of the proposed development of a dog park site at Hicks Park.

I thought some of you may have a similar opinion on the potential naming of Tulsa's next BarkPark!

What say ye, carltonplace, michaelbates, hometown, hoss?

quote:

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Re: Locust Grove Bark Park?

I sure hope it's doesn't become Route 66 Bark Park! Yes, Tulsa is proud of the fact that the Mother Road travels through Tulsa, but the name/theme is so over used. The park is three [3] blocks away from Rt.66. And it's on the very location of the original Locust Grove Park! Tulsa just opened Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza at 13th & Riverside!

I would think that Tracy Park, Riverview, and maybe Maple Ridge should get a voice in the name and that they would want to honor the history of the park! The area is already like a park setting with groves of trees. Benches and meandering walkways with open spaces and shade trees should carry the theme of Locust Grove Bark Park! Not Rt.66 that conjures up drive-ins and old cars cruising the road!

Just one man's opinion!

Thanks - mrB


--- In tulsabarkpark@yahoogroups.com, "Vinnie" wrote:
>
> Hi mrB,
>
> I will be sure to pass this on to the TF for you.
>
> I do know that a another suggestion was to call it Route 66 Bark Park
> based on community response in the area of 13th and Cincy... and
> that's how we've been referring to that park for now but all is not
> set in stone as yet.
>
> Thanks for the great suggestion and the info - I shall pass it along!
>
> Vinnie and Emma
>
> --- In tulsabarkpark@yahoogroups.com, "mrb_tulsa" wrote:
> >
> >
> > Herb mentioned at the 13th Street public meeting that the Task Force was
> > looking for Names & Themes for the proposed Bark Park on 13th. I
> > posted/buried the comment below in an earlier post, but some of you may
> > have not seen it. I'm sure some pass over my posts thinking all I do is
> > rant about the Kid Rule.
> >
> > Anyway, I was wondering what everbody thinks about naming it after the
> > original park in that spot.
> >
> > I had heard there once was a park in the 13th Street area before the IDL
> > was built. I posted a question about the history of the 13th street
> > location to TulsaNow forum. Members of TulsaNow have said the park's
> > name was Locust Grove. I think Locust Grove Bark Park would be an
> > excellent way to honor the history of the neighborhood that is long
> > gone,
> > due to the highway!
> >
> > Here's the link to Old Tulsa Park Name?
> > http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10991
> >
> > And here's a link to a thread about the park, with a great story/history
> > and old pictures, Tulsa's Old Locust Grove Park
> > http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5820
> >
> > I know the Riverview HOA and Tracy Park HOA were at the Tues meeting. I
> > spoke to the Tracy Park HOA rep. and he said he was going to research
> > the park name also! Some of you may already follow TulsaNow forum
> > discussions and know of this thread already.
> >
> > Want to pass this along to the Task Force?
> >
> > Thanks - mrB
> >
>

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Mrb, I'm all for Locust Grove Bark Park. I just need consensus from the Riverview peeps.