(click to view)

Dogpaw would like to thank the following companies for their support. The event was a huge success and we are very grateful to all who participated.

Contributors: 3M Automotive A&P Beauty Salon All American Agility Autumn Arbor Care Best Buy Camas-Washougal Animal Hospital Castor and Pollux Pet Works Come & Get It Desert Sun Tanning Doggie Walk Bags Inc East Padden Animal Hospital English Estates Winery Espresso Villa Frito Lay Good Dog Photo Hollywood Video IQ Credit Union Joes Sports and Outdoors Store Key Bank Lacamas Valley Sheepdog Trial Linden Tree Photography Michelle Allen Studios Orchard Hills Animal Hospital

Orchards Auto License Paws Down PETCO Petsmart Premier Martial Arts Pyramid Homes Quality Pet Services Quiznos of Hazel Dell Regal Cinemas Solid Gold Tails R Waggin Doggy Day Care Tropical Smoothie Café U Clean Pet Wash UPrinting.com Whole Foods Woodin U

Vendors: A dogs life Castor and Pollux Pet Works Clark County Animal Control Costco East Padden Animal Hospital Everything in the Ark Face Painting Good Dog Photo Happy Tails Dog Wash Howl at the Moon I Love my Dog Joyce's Dog Obedience Service Linden Tree Photography M-T Pet Beds Must Love Dogs NW Paws Down Pawsitively Pitt Bull Second Chance Companions Spot Magazine SW Washington HS Tails R Waggin Doggy Day Care The Wellness Link Tuckers Bed Bath & Beyond U Clean Pet Wash

Special thanks to our volunteer team! We have 12 new memberships (8 single and 4 family). We also sold 1 hat, 7 DP shirts, and 12 Dakota shirts.

We took in $2650 at this event:

vendors fee $600 shirts/hat $369 photo booth $260 raffle tickets $553

prize wheel $369 donation $276 membership $220

We will be offering the Vancouver K9 Unit $1200, which they will share with our Clark Co and Battle Ground K9 units.

Ross Scout Project
Ross Off-Leash Dog Recreation Area
Saturday, July 26, 2008
9:00am (approx 24-hrs)

The local Eagle Scouts will be replacing the upper gate at Ross on Saturday, July 26th. They will be moving the gates and cleaning the bricks. They are also going to provide drainage for the new entrance area that will be much appreciated in the winter months.

The gate area will be under construction for an estimated 24 hours. If you would like to help out with a donation, or perhaps give them a hand on that day, please contact Steven Anderson at 360-253-7756.

A special thanks to Steven and his group for choosing this as their Eagle Scout Project.

Also, thank you Norm Neely for his hard work and dedication in helping these guys out...

Total out of pocket expenses for this project not including donations is approximately $250.00. Thank you to City Bark and Sunbelt Rentals for providing the gravel and equipment.

For info on this project contact jeanh at clarkdogpaw.org.

Construction will be substantially complete and the Pacific Community Park will be opened to the public on July 1, 2008. Temporary Vandervort Park will be closed July 7th. Pacific Park Grand opening is August 2nd -- look for details under events.

Vandervort Closed for mowing on Thursday, June 19th!

Vandervort will be closed this Thursday June 19th from about 8am
until they finish the mowing (which should take about 4-6 hours).
The contractor has tried to work with us to keep the park open
during the mowing, but during their last mow job, there were
problems with folks not keeping their dogs clear of the mower, so
they have insisted that the park must be closed for them to mow.

The good news is that once the park is mowed, it will be alot
easier to clean up after your dog!!

DOGPAW has been selected to receive a $4K grant from Purina Dog Chow
towards building materials for our "Next to Build" Off-Leash Area!

Grant recipients will be announced on the jumbotron in Times Square
between Thursday, June 19th, at 6:00am until 2:00am, Friday, June
20th (Eastern Standard Time (EST)). You can watch it live or by archived
video at www.longliveyourdog.com/dogpark/TimesSquare.aspx.

Special thanks to Melissa and Pete for locating the property,
Jay for discovering the grant, Kathleen for writing,
Kathy and Pam for input, and Purina for offering the grant
in the first place.

Please help us with any amount of time, funds, materials, tools,
brain power, or connections to develop our "Next to Build" OLA.
Contact construction@clarkdogpaw.org.

ROSS WATER SOURCE:

Unfortunately as of 5/31 we are loosing our water source at the
south end of the park. In the past water was provided through an
agreement with the adjoining Neighborhood Community Center who will
be vacating that property at the end of the month and the water
will be shut off.

We are looking for another source of water but until that happens,
and if it happens, those who depend on that water for your dogs
will need to bring your own.

Contact Ross Management Team, rossmgr@clarkdogpaw.org

Vandervort Parking Changes
Laurelwood Baptist Church, 17015 NE 6th St
Friday through Monday, May 16-19, 2008

There will be parking changes at Vandervort from May 16-19th due to a neighborhood cleanup event the church is having. With the exception of Sunday from 8a-2p, dog park users are allowed to park anywhere in the church lot, but the area next to the off leash entrance will be closed off due to the dumpsters that will placed in that area. On Sunday, park users will have to use street parking from 8am-2pm. The dumpsters will be moved out sometime Monday May 19th.

Laurelwood church has extended the invite to Dogpaw members to feel free to bring any items you may want to get rid of on Saturday May 17th from 9:30am to 3pm. The items accepted are:

Clothing Garbage Yard debris Cardboard Scrap wood Scrap metal

Old appliances Furniture CD, DVD, & tapes Cell phones Packing materials

Dogpaw really appreciates the kindness of the folks from Laurelwood Church and we would not be able to use the Vandervort off leash area without their support.


DOGPAW Board of Directors.

Ross Eagle Scout Project
Ross Park, NE Ross St and NE 18th Ave

In the coming months, the upper entry gate at Ross Park will be moved to the north, closer to the larger drive gate. This will be in thanks to local Eagle Scout, Steven Anderson. He has had his project approved through the channels, and would like to begin acquiring donated materials to get the job done. The purpose of the project is to level the entry way, and provide proper drainage through the winter months. He is looking for the following materials:

-40 ft of 4’ fencing
-Two gates, 4’ x 4’
-Eight 7’ metal posts
-12 cubic ft of sand
-24 cubic ft of gravel
-Concrete for posts
-Edging, 36’
-Misc. Hardware to attach gates and fencing to poles

If you know of local businesses or a private party that could donate the materials listed above, please contact him at 360-253-7756 or email mikeanderson3@comcast.net If you have any questions about this project, please contact jeanh@clarkdogpaw.org

Thank you for your support,

DOGPAW Board of Directors

Contact Steven and Jean

(click to read article)

The Parks Foundation has a great piece about DOGPAW in their Spring 2008 Newsletter on page 4.

The Humane Society raised more than $128,000 for the animals. It was a HUGE success!



Thanks to you for supporting the DOGPAW Pack, who raised over $205, to help the animals at http://www.firstgiving.com/dogpaw2008!

Please add your DOGPAW pics to http://photo.walgreens.com/groups/dogpaw to share and print.

Please Help Walt at the Oregon Humane Society

Find out how you can sponsor or adopt this shelter’s longest resident dog. Walt’s former owner was jailed and fined for the "horrific lack of care she provided Walt".

 
(click to enlarge)

[ craigslist | OHS ]

Thanks to our membership for voting on "First to Build"! The results for which park to build first are (drum roll please)...

Brush Prairie (40%) Vancouver Lk (39%) Fairgrounds (21%)

(click to enlarge "Show me the dog park!")

You can verify results by clicking "Members - Voting Info" under membership. Also, you can login and verify your own voting history in the voting booth.

Please help us with any amount of time, funds, materials, tools, brain power, or connections to get these parks up and running. Contact construction@clarkdogpaw.org.

[ membership and voting info ]

Calling all Grant Writers and Grant Suggestions!

Contact grants@clarkdogpaw.org

With all of the new off-leash areas to build, we can use all the help we can get. So, bring it on!

.:: DAKOTA MEMORIAL PARK ::.
We are also calling out to members who would like to assist with building structures for the new Dakota Park. Please contact Pam or Julie pacificmgr@clarkdogpaw.org, if you have materials, tools, or just would like to get involved.

---

.:: ROSS SMALL DOG AREA ::.

UPDATE: Thanks to Norm, who finished Phase 2 (final phase) all by himself! He set the fence at Ross for the small dog area. Please contact Norm and Jean to thank them.

(click to enlarge final phase)

Thanks to volunteers and Sunbelt Rental's hole digging machine - phase 1 was completed with 46 posts, approx 180', set within half a day!

(click to enlarge phase 1)

Some acreage will be left open for neighborhood children to play in. See our park page for more details and to print maps and directions.


MONDAY (3-3-08) VANDERVORT WILL OPEN AND THIS MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE 2-WK TEMPORARY TRANSITION FROM PACIFIC.


Please contact pacificmgr@clarkdogpaw.org with any questions.
[ CVTV - Short Piece on Vandervort Relocation ]

There is an article in the Columbian today about the new temporary off leash park and says it will open this week. It states that users should not visit the site before Monday, which is a bit confusing. The park is NOT OPEN, the fencing is not complete, no gates installed, etc. We are waiting to hear back from Vancouver Fire Department, who is having the fencing installed, as to when the contractor will be done. We were told it would be sometime this week. Additionally, a change in the fencing had to be made to accommodate the concerns of the neighborhood group who filed a petition to stop the dog park. Instead of 8 acres for the off leash park, it will be 7 acres, with 1 acre left open for neighborhood children to play in. This was a big concern of the neighbors that we were taking all of the space their kids use for recreation.

AS SOON AS WE GET THE WORD EXACTLY WHEN THE PARK WILL BE OPEN, WE WILL GET A MESSAGE OUT AND PLACE A SIGN AT PACIFIC.

Dogpaw was contacted by the Columbian about an article they are planning to run this coming Wednesday, on the front page of the Neighbor section, about the growing popularity of off leash parks. Check it out!

Pacific Community Park - NEWS RELEASE ::.

In February, the dog park will move to an eight-acre
undeveloped County park site on 172nd. It will stay there
until the Pacific Park development is complete. There will be
signage and a two week transition period where both parks will
be open before the Pacific Park site closes.

As always, thanks for supporting DOGPAW and be a good neighbor!


News Release w/Map: www.clarkdogpaw.org/pacificpark.shtml

Source: www.clarkparks.org/projects/pacific.htm


UPDATE: For the success of this transition...
Please respect park rules, respect parking requests, and wait for the temporary location to be prepared.

CHECK THIS OUT ( www.clarkdogpaw.org/dogpawstore/ )!!!!


CALENDAR UP FOR VIEWING:
DOGPAW 2008 Calendars are available for Christmas delivery.
This is an awesome calendar and great Christmas gift!
Several more pictures - Per month, it has 3-main pics and
daily pics too.


June is dedicated to the Vancouver Police Dept. To further
honor VPD, the new off-leash park at Pacific, opening summer
of 2008, will be named in honor of Dakota and contain a memorial.
You can read more about Dakota on our news page and view pictures
at our online store.


THANKS NATURAL PET NW (Beastie Boutique too!):
DOGPAW Hats and Calendars are available online and at
Natural Pet NW, 212 NE 162nd. Calendars should be available
at Natural Pet NW on Dec 15th. UPDATE: Now available at
Beastie Boutique too! They are currently available
to view and order online from DOGPAW.


GIFT CERTIFICATE:
We're now offering DOGPAW Gift Certificate online. A great gift for
that special someone, who loves the dog park!


Details: www.clarkdogpaw.org/dogpawstore/
(add "ship/track" to have orders shipped)

(click to enlarge)

(Dec) UPDATE... Bart still missing. Reward now up to $5,000 for his safe return, no questions asked. Collar found on ground, unhooked. K-9 search and rescue note a recent spike in stolen pet cases. See Beastieboutique.com or Bartthebeagle.com for updates and a current flyer.

$$$$ Reward for Friendly Beagle Bart!

• Bart went missing at 8:00PM on Saturday, November 17, 2007.
  
• Last seen at 10th Ave and 246th Cir, near Pacific NW Best Fish Co, in Ridgefield WA.
  
• Wearing a Seattle Seahawks logo collar and tags.
  

Please contact Roger or Kris of Beastieboutique.com
360-574-6400, 360-608-7737, or 360-887-7879
[ KPTV | Beastieboutique.com | Bartthebeagle.com ]

(click to enlarge '08 Calendar)

12-mo DOGPAW calendar, featuring local dogpark visitors. Measures 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17 inches when hung on wall. Colored, cover weight high gloss paper, wire-o bound Publishing ETA: December 2007.

SEND PICS:
Upload your pics at groups/dogpawcalendar2008. Send photos of your dogs, with captions for each season by November 26, 2007. This year we have up to three pics per month and daily pics too. So, send lots of pictures!

ORDER:
Order your calendars now for Christmas. Limited supply. Calendars cost $21. Please add $3.50 min for shipping. We can ship upwards of 8 calendars per address for the min rate.

UPDATE: Now available (Dec 15-16) at Natural Pet NW on 162nd and Beastie Boutique on Hwy 99!

Donate-Pay Online or mail check, with comment, to:
DOGPAW
PO Box 873667
Vancouver, WA 98687-3667

Contact kathleenh@clarkdogpaw.org

[Calendar Tips | Flyer | Order Form | Store Flyer]

On October 23, 2007, Vancouver Police K9 Dakota was killed while searching for an armed suspect during a SWAT mission. The Vancouver Police Department has set up a memorial fund for anyone wanting to make a donation toward the purchase of a new Vancouver Police K9, which costs $15,000 in donations. DOGPAW's goal is to donate $2,000 or more for a new police K9.

All money collected for Dakota, by November 5th, will go to the Dakota Memorial Fund via DOGPAW for the purchase and training of a Vancouver Police K9. The Police Department will use any additional funding exclusively for the Vancouver Police Department K9 unit.

The Vancouver Police Department will be holding a remembrance ceremony for K9 Dakota to recognize his service to the department and the community. The ceremony is open to the public. DOGPAW will attend and announce that the new off leash park at Pacific, opening summer of 2008, will be named in honor of Dakota and contain a memorial.

Date: Monday, November 5. 2007
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium (5700 E 18th St)

At the request of Officer Roger Evans, Dakota was laid to rest in a private burial ceremony held on Sunday October 28, 2007.

Thank you for your support of the Vancouver Police K9 unit!

Donate online via the DOGPAW Store or make checks payable to DOGPAW, note "Dakota Memorial Fund", and mail to:

DOGPAW
PO Box 873667
Vancouver, WA 98687-3667

Sources: [DOGPAW E-mail Archives] [The Columbian Newspaper] [KATU News] [CVTV]
Ceremony: [Ceremony Itinerary] [CVTV Coverage] [The Columbian]

There is an urgent need for volunteers at the SW Washington Humane Society. Here are the details:

Need Dog Walkers-
M-Sun. AM-PM shifts. AM 8a-11a. PM 3p-5p. (mostly 3-hrs)

Job is walking the adoptable dogs before and after hours-
Great job satisfaction and lots of kisses from very thankful dogs.


HSSW Shelter Location
2121 St Francis Lane
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-693-2338

Volunteer Coordinator, cholcomb@southwesthumane.org

Website: http://www.southwesthumane.org/

Dogs Allowed: ask coordinator

From: dogadmin@clarkdogpaw.org
Subject: [DOGPAW] Dogtoberfest
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:43:35 -0500

Many of you has asked about the Dogtoberfest event, which is normally held in
October. Unfortunately, we will not be having the event this year due to lack of volunteers. These big events take alot of work and we have a key group of folks who do every event and frankly, they are tired and burned out. Hopefully next year we will have more volunteers step so that we can get Dogtoberfest back on the calender.

We will plan a special event for the opening of the new Pacific off leash park, which should be late spring early summer. Also, we hope to be celebrating a new off leash park in Washougal by mid summer 2008. Additionally, our site development team has been in discussions with Clark County officials about a couple more potential sites around Vancouver-no idea yet on when those would be opening.

We hope that these new off site options will encourage folks to step up and
get involved when we put out the call for help to plan events for 2008!

Pam

Thanks for being a part of our pack in the Hazel Dell Parade. Be sure to look for yourselves on television. You guys rock!


click to view image

Thanks again for being a part of our 16th annual Walk.Run for the Animals. More than $111,000 was raised for the animals. Thousands of animals will have a second chance to find their forever homes because of you.

click to view image



Special thanks to Andrew, Nick, Lois Middleton of Bohemian Expresso, and Kathleen for representing the DOGPAW Pack.

Update to our March 17, 2007, DOGPAW Email List Notice

RECALL:
"On March 16, Menu Foods, Inc. of Streetsville, Ontario, Canada initiated a voluntary recall involving a large number of both dog and cat foods produced at its facilities in Emporia, Kansas and Pennsauken, N.J. between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold by many different distributors under a number of different brand names. At present, Menu Foods is recalling dog food products marketed by about 50 firms and cat food products marketed by about 40 firms.

Menu Foods, Inc. suspects that wheat gluten might be the source of contamination; however, as part of the ongoing investigation, FDA is looking at all ingredients. Therefore, Only foods that were manufactured with the affected wheat gluten source have been recalled."

SIGNS OF ILLNESS:
loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden changes in water consumption, or changes in the frequency or amount of urination.

These signs may also occur with other illnesses. Any animal showing these signs should be examined by a veterinarian, even if the animal has not eaten any of the recalled pet food.

Menu Foods, http://www.menufoods.com/
Menu Foods list of recalled products, http://www.menufoods.com/recall/
Menu Foods Hotline: 1-866-895-2708

America Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), http://www.avma.org/
For up-to-date breaking news: AVMA Recall
Info.

FDA Info: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/MenuFoodRecallFAQ.htm

We have been contacted by the Parks department regarding complaints of barking dogs in the early morning hours at Pacific Park. They have reminded us that the park hours are 7am to dusk for both off leash parks. Neighbors along the park have been told by the Parks department that they should contact 911 to report any noise in the parks before 7am. Violators can be ticketed.

The DOGPAW spring 2007 newsletter, DOGPAW Prints is now available. Download your copy now!

We are hoping to find individuals who frequent the park on a regular basis, and who are willing to take on the role of Ross Site Manager and Ross Assistant Site Manager. Volunteers in general are always needed. Please see our [ volunteer-job opportunities ] page.

I wanted to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help clean up the 4 acres at Pacific Park yesterday. It was great to see so many volunteers helping to make it a nicer place. The rain even held off until we were finished working. How great was that!

For all of you that couldn't make it out yesterday, stay tuned...we will have another work party in early March.

Thank you
Julie

DOGPAW General Meeting Notes from Thursday, February 1, 2007

For those that couldn't attend...


NOTES:
Be sure to check out all three pages on GeneralMtg2007.2.1.pdf.


COMMENTS:
For DOGPAW Board of Directors, e-mail kathleenh@clarkdogpaw.org
For Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation (VCPR), e-mail parksrec@ci.vancouver.wa.us


INFORMATION:
For VCPR Pacific and Hockinson information, "Greater Clark Parks District Projects" www.clarkparks.org

Pacific Community Park Update

January 29, 2007

Clark County Public Works and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce that construction of Pacific Community Park will begin on Monday, February 5, 2007. The construction contract has been awarded to Thompson Bros. Excavating, Inc.

Pacific Community Park is located on the south side of N.E. 18th Street, between 164th and 172nd Avenues in the Evergreen East area of unincorporated Clark County. When the project is complete, this new 56-acre community park will feature:

• Phase 1 of the Extreme Sports Park (10,000 sq. ft.) - designed for skateboarding and BMX riding
• 8-acre fenced off-leash dog park
• Playground
• Basketball courts
• 2 restrooms
• Parking lots
• Covered picnic area
• Trails
• Benches
• Landscaping

The remaining park features included in the long-range plan for the park will be added once additional funding is available.

The contractor is permitted to work in the park Mondays through Saturdays, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. However, most work should be complete by 5 p.m. Weather permitting, construction is scheduled to be complete by June 2008.

During construction, the majority of the park will be an active work zone, and people will be asked to stay out to prevent injuries or accidents. The off-leash dog park will be temporarily moved to a 4-acre area in the southwest corner of the park near 15th Street. This is the only part of the park that will not be affected by construction. Additional construction impacts include:

Brief traffic delays during work hours on 164th and 172nd Avenues to allow construction equipment to enter and exit the park.
Occasional parking restrictions on 164th Avenue north of 15th Street (dog park entrance will remain open).
Noise from back-up alarms, heavy equipment and other activities associated with construction work.
Some vibration from asphalt rollers and fresh asphalt smells during paving.
Dust during dry weather.

We would especially like to thank all the neighbors who participated in the planning process for this project. Your comments were very helpful in designing the park.

To view the construction plan for this project, please visit the new project Web page: ww.clarkparks.org/projects/pacifc.htm. Check back for regularly updated construction progress reports.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Jilayne Jordan at 397-6118 x. 4949, or by e-mail at Jilayne.Jordan@clark.wa.gov.

Thank you for your patience during construction.

Dog Lovers,

We have been notified by Parks and Rec that the construction of Pacific will begin on Monday Feb 5th by Thompson Brothers Excavating. A contractor from Parks and Rec will be in the park this week Wed-Fri (Jan 24-26th) repairing the fence around what will be the 4 acre temporary off leash space. The gate to
the field will remain unlocked until Monday Feb 5th, but first thing that morning it will be secured and until approximately June of 2008 the off leash space at Pacific will be confined to the 4 acres in the southwest corner near the main entrance. It is estimated that in June of 2008 we will move into our permanent 8 acre site on the north side of the park.

If having off leash space is important to you and your dog we encourage you to attend the Dogpaw meeting on Feb 1st at 7pm at the Clark co training center at 11606 NE 66th Circle Suite 103. We will have elected officials and representatives from the agencies that are responsible for the future of our community.

This is the time for dog owners to speak up and get involved.

Let's pack the house at the meeting on Feb 1st!!!!

A BIG THANK YOU to all who showed up to work at ROSS on Saturday, it was heart warming to see so many willing workers. Your dedication to ROSS and your willingness to work is greatly appreciated. A special
thank you to the guys who were there with tractor, truck and trailer. As you know, there are still some trees to be chipped, we hope to get back there with another chipper next Saturday. In the meantime, enjoy
your "less muddy" park.

With deepest appreciation,
Bob & Patricia
PS...
Thanks to everyone involved with the tree delivery on the 6th, Kathleen.

See Xmas Tree Recycling under Events.
January 6th limited usage.
January 20th closed.
Events page in pdf format xmastree2007.pdf

See Xmas Tree Recycling under Events.
January 6th limited usage.
January 20th closed.
Events page in pdf format xmastree2007.pdf

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006, subject: Forum is in Lockdown

As can be determined by the "Discontinuing Forum" thread, there is not enough traffic on this board to warrant the overhead to keep the spam out.

The boards are now locked down until we can determine the best alternative for the community.

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006, subject: Discontinuing Forum

Dogpaw is considering discontinuing this forum due to the low volume of valid messages and the high volume of spam and inappropriate e-mails.

This forum has been supported by Dogpaw to provide a public forum for discussion about dog park related issues. Unfortunately, many have misused this forum for advertising and inappropriate e-mails. BECAUSE OF THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AMENDMENT, WE CANNOT CONTROL THE COMMENTS MADE ON THIS FORUM. We can delete them when we find them, but just yesterday after I checked, someone posted an inappropriate e-mail which was offensive. WE cannot patrol this site 24/7.
This is a PUBLIC FORUM paid for by Dogpaw as a benefit for members.

At this point it seems the negative outweighs the positive.

We appreciate any comments you have on this subject. The board will make a decision on this issue in the next month.

Update your DOGPAW Member Profile online here: http://www.clarkdogpaw.org/members/myprofile.php?

Now you can purchase DOGPAW items and renew memberships online at the DOGPAW Store UDOG.org.

Our current tentative schedule is as follows:

Advertise the Construction Contract for Bids: November 1
Bid Opening: November 14
Bid Award: November 21
Estimated Construction Start Date: Dec. 5

Note that this schedule has not yet been approved by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, and it's dependent on a successful bidding process.

If all goes well, we estimate that the off-leash area will be relocated to the 4 acre section immediately after the contract is awarded (Nov. 21).


Thanks!

Jilayne Jordan
Public Information Officer
Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation
Phone: 360-619-1141

Greater Clark Parks District Program Re-Evaluation Continues; Five Neighborhood Park Construction Projects Rescheduled

Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation and Clark County Public Works staff continue to look at additional ways to save money on design and construction as part of the program re-evaluation. Until we have an approved budget for the program, we cannot move forward with any new construction projects. As a result, the following five neighborhood park projects that were scheduled to start construction in 2006 have been rescheduled for 2007:

* Cherry Neighborhood Park (www.clarkparks.org/projects/cherry.htm)
* Greyhawk Neighborhood Park (www.clarkparks.org/projects/greyhawk.htm)
* Little Prairie Neighborhood Park (www.clarkparks.org/projects/lilprairie.htm)
* Sifton Neighborhood Park (www.clarkparks.org/projects/sifton.htm)
* Tenny Creek Neighborhood Park (www.clarkparks.org/projects/tenny.htm)

We will start construction on these projects as soon as possible after the budget is finalized and approved. A postcard advising all residents within a half-mile of these parks about the delay will be sent out this week. They should start arriving in mailboxes sometime next week.

The only exception is Pacific Community Park. This project has Park Impact Fees associated with it that will expire and be returned to developers if they aren't used this year. In addition, the kind of construction work being done at this park and the type of soils at this park site make it possible to begin some construction activities during the wet season. As a result, the construction contract for this project will be advertised for bids in October. If the bidding process goes well, construction could begin before the end of the year.

Please see the updated Q&A document at this Web page: www.clarkparks.org/projects/re-evaluation.htm

First Greater Clark Parks District Project Completed!

Construction on Orchards Highlands Neighborhood Park was substantially completed this month, and a dedication event and neighborhood picnic was held on September 9 at the park. Between 150-200 neighbors showed up to cut the ribbon their new, improved park; eat hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy; and explore and play in this beautiful new park. Great fun was had by all!

Special thanks to neighborhood sponsors Brad Burnett at Prudential Northwest Properties, Shelley Burnett and Purple Palace Daycare, Gex Morgan at Columbia Mortgage, and Bob's Carpet Installation for providing the wonderful food and beverages!

Visit this Web page to check out photos from the event or find out more about this project: www.clarkparks.org/projects/orchardshigh.htm

New Improved Web Site Now Available

A new and improved Web site for the Greater Clark Parks District and its projects is now up and running!

www.clarkparks.org

The new Web site was created in order to provide the public with one, easy to use place to get current information about the parks district program and its associated projects. The Web address is also much shorter and easier to remember. Multiple links to this new Web site are available from the existing Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Web site (www.vanclarkparks-rec.org), and Clark County's Web site (www.clark.wa.gov).

Please check out this new Web site, and let us know what you think!

Greater Clark Parks District:

A metropolitan parks district for the unincorporated urban area of Clark County

Program Update from Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Director David Judd

August 31, 2006

Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation staff and members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission met with Board of Clark County Commissioners on Tuesday, August 29 to present the results of the recent parks district program re-evaluation, and request guidance on how to proceed. PDFs of the handouts provided to the Board are attached to this e-mail.

The Board did not make any specific recommendations about the program proposals to staff at the work session. They completely support delivering all the parks, trails and ball fields included in the Greater Clark Parks District as promised, but wanted to take some time to further review the information they received before taking any official action.

They also requested some additional information be provided, including where the project cost increases are happening, how much it costs to maintain ball fields, and how park projects are designed.

Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation staff will provide the requested information to the Board as soon as possible and coordinate next steps with them. More information will be provided as soon as it's available.

Please read the article from Wednesday's Columbian newspaper for more information about the Board work session:

http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/08302006news54964.cfm

For More Information, Please Contact:
Jilayne Jordan, Public Information Officer, 360-619-1141, Jilayne.Jordan@clark.wa.gov

For past update materials, please visit this Web page:
http://www.ci.vancouver.wa.us/parks-recreation/parks_trails/planning/ParksDistrict.htm

Additional Parks District Program Updates Coming Soon

A metropolitan parks district for the unincorporated urban area of Clark County

Program Update from Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Director David Judd

August 25, 2006
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission met for the second time on Friday, August 25 to review and discuss the program re-evaluation, and prepare their final recommendations. This was the last of two meetings to discuss the program prior to it going before the Board of Clark County Commissioners at a work session at 3 p.m. on August 29, 2006.

The following is a summary of today's meeting.

Revenue Update
Financial consultant Paul Lewis presented the Capital Project Revenue Update for the parks district. The cost to deliver the full program (parks, trails and ball fields) is between $32-65 million depending on what project elements are built during the first phase of construction.

The revenue update showed how much existing revenue we have available from dedicated sources like Park Impact Fees (PIF), the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), the Greater Clark Parks District levy, and grants. It also showed how much additional revenue could be available from new funding sources with the Board of Clark County Commissioner's approval. Please see the attached PDF document for the content of this presentation.

The main summary of the revenue presentation was:

* Real Estate Excise Tax revenue projections are difficult to make and this revenue source can be volatile.
* Regular adjustments to Park Impact Fee rates are provided for in County code in order to help mitigate cost increases. It is possible to index rates between more comprehensive updates.
* Annexation, expansion and development all will impact revenues.
* We need to have tiered plans for different level of revenues (i.e. higher and lower than estimates), but resist the urge to react to increases or decreases in any one year.
* Current cash balances will help fund planned projects in near term, but we need to plan for short term borrowing in the future.
* The current developed park deficit in unincorporated urban area is virtually eliminated in the middle years, but begins to grow again as population increases and new park development does not.
* Borrowing against future Real Estate Excise Taxes is not considered viable due to commitment of future revenue to future park development, interest expense and transaction costs.

Prioritization of Program Elements
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioners also conducted a prioritization exercise for the different program elements established at the meeting on August 18. We won't know for sure which features will be developed during the first phase of construction until we know exactly how much revenue we have to work with. However, this exercise provided a good idea about the order in which Commissioners felt different park elements should be built.

Final Recommendations
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will present the following recommendations to the Board of Clark County Commissioners next week: The Parks Commission recommends developing 35 parks (30 neighborhood and 5 community), trails and sports fields. The need for sports fields in Clark County is significant. We are facing constraints in developing these at some locations due to expense and site constraints. We ask the BOCC for help in identifying alternative sites. The Parks Commission supports staff recommendations for enhancing revenues.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Jilayne Jordan, Public Information Officer, 360-619-1141, Jilayne.Jordan@clark.wa.gov
For past update materials, please visit this Web page:
http://www.ci.vancouver.wa.us/parks-recreation/parks_trails/planning/ParksDistrict.htm

Additional Parks District Program Updates Coming Soon
We will continue to update you on the status of the program re-evaluation as decisions are made, or if anything changes.

We're pleased to announce that the construction contract for the park is currently scheduled to be re-advertised for bids this October. If the bidding process goes well, we expect that construction activities will begin before the end of the year.

As you already know, we are currently re-evaluating the entire Greater Clark Parks District program as a result of extremely high construction costs across the board. Due to budget restrictions, it is likely that
we will need to phase construction for this park. We will have a better idea of which park features will be built during first phase of construction at Pacific Community Park after the Board of Clark County
Commissioners reviews our analysis and makes their recommendations regarding the construction budget for the project.

BMX Fundraising Event Scheduled for August 26. In the meantime, local BMX and skateboarding enthusiast Dean Dickinson has put together a great fundraising event for the new Extreme Sports
Park this Saturday, August 26. The event will involve a fantastic BMX riding contest, food, music, and a raffle for great prizes. All proceeds from the event will go into a Parks Foundation fund for
construction of the Extreme Sports Park. For more information about this fundraising event, please visit the project Web page: www.clark.wa.gov/parkdesign (Select "Pacific Community Park" from the list that comes up).

Jilayne Jordan
Public Information Officer
Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation
610 Esther St
PO Box 1995
Vancouver, WA 98668-1995
Phone: 360-619-1141
Fax: 360-696-8009
E-mail: jilayne.jordan@clark.wa.gov
www.vanclarkparks-rec.org
Creating community through people, parks and programs

Greater Clark Parks District Program Re-Evaluation

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will meet twice in August to review, discuss and provide recommendations on the Greater Clark Parks District program re-evaluation now under way.

The first meeting will be on Friday, August 18, and the second meeting will be on Friday, August 25.

At the meeting on August 18, staff will ask the Commission to review and provide feedback on the policy issues around the program re-evaluation. This meeting is also the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission's regular monthly meeting, and the agenda includes other business besides the parks district program discussion (see attached).

At the meeting on August 25, staff will present detailed budget numbers for review and recommendations by the Commission. The parks district program re-evaluation is the only topic on the agenda for this meeting.

Both meetings will begin at 12 p.m. (noon), and will take place in the Public Conference Room at the Firstenberg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Street in Vancouver. They are open to the public.
After receiving guidance from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, parks staff will present their final analysis to the Board of Clark County Commissioners for review at a work session on August 29.

For more information about the Greater Clark Parks District Program, please visit this Web page: www.clark.wa.gov/parks, and click the "Metropolitan Park District" link.

ATTACHMENT ADDENDUM
Enclosed is a PDF of the agenda for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting tomorrow, August 18. Please note that the meeting will take place in Conference Room A inside the Firstenberg Community Center, not the Public Conference Room.

City of Battle Ground Council Chambers
109 SW 1 st Street, Second Floor
Battle Ground, WA 98604

Aug 21st at 7:00 p.m.

CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS - 3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER

Ordinance #06 - 011, Amending the Budget Regarding Parks, Police and Public Works Revenues and Expenditures: Consideration

Summary: City Council will consider adopting an ordinance which would allow funding for the Parks Initiative to improve Fairgrounds Park, Kiwanis Park, and the acreage sold to the City by the Remy family, to be expended. Presented by David Reeves, Finance / Information Services Director, (360) 342 - 5025.

http://www.cityofbg.org/city_council/agenda.php

August 18, 2006

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission today reviewed and discussed the policy issues around the Greater Clark Parks District program re-evaluation at the first of two meetings.
As part of the presentation at today's meeting, the Commission was given a Questions and Answers document and brief presentation related specifically to the sports field component of the parks district program, and what has changed. For information from this presentation, please see the PDF attachment to this e-mail.

The Commission had a discussion about potential ways to save money in projects. One idea for smaller neighborhood parks that will be explored further as a preliminary notion is eliminating irrigation and using alternative surfacing material on paths.

During a presentation about the status of the community parks contained in the Greater Clark Parks District program, Capital Program Manager Mary Anne Cassin asked the Commission to help her develop logical groups of project elements for Hockinson/China Ditch, Fairgrounds and Pacific community parks. It is likely that each of these large park development projects will be built in phases, and it is important that each group of park elements is identified so that costs can be associated with them.

The Commission also re-iterated their commitment to constructing all 35 parks and 7-8 miles of trails as originally planned.

The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting will be on Friday, August 25 at 12 p.m. at the Firstenberg Community Center (700 NE 136th Street). At this meeting, potential new revenue sources will be explored and prioritized, more detailed financial figures will be reviewed, and the Commission will be asked to develop a recommendation for project construction priorities for presentation to the Board of Clark County Commissioners on August 29.

For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Jilayne Jordan at 360-619-1141, or by e-mail at: Jilayne.Jordan@clark.wa.gov.
Additional Parks District Program Updates Coming Soon

Greater Clark Parks District Program Re-Evaluation

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will meet twice in August to review, discuss and provide recommendations on the Greater Clark Parks District program re-evaluation now under way.

The first meeting will be on Friday, August 18, and the second meeting will be on Friday, August 25.

At the meeting on August 18, staff will ask the Commission to review and provide feedback on the policy issues around the program re-evaluation. This meeting is also the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission's regular monthly meeting, and the agenda includes other business besides the parks district program discussion (see attached).

At the meeting on August 25, staff will present detailed budget numbers for review and recommendations by the Commission. The parks district program re-evaluation is the only topic on the agenda for this meeting.

Both meetings will begin at 12 p.m. (noon), and will take place in the Public Conference Room at the Firstenberg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Street in Vancouver. They are open to the public.
After receiving guidance from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, parks staff will present their final analysis to the Board of Clark County Commissioners for review at a work session on August 29.

For more information about the Greater Clark Parks District Program, please visit this Web page: www.clark.wa.gov/parks, and click the "Metropolitan Park District" link.

ATTACHMENT ADDENDUM
Enclosed is a PDF of the agenda for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting tomorrow, August 18. Please note that the meeting will take place in Conference Room A inside the Firstenberg Community Center, not the Public Conference Room.

Parks & Recreation meeting, August 1, 2006

Pacific Park bids for development will be received in October.

Parks & Recreation must have signed contracts by year end or lose funding

Development will begin in the early spring 2007

Patricia Weinkauf & Nancy Macklin

A new 80-acre park is being planned in Battle Ground. So far, it has no off leash proposed.

The final plans will go before City Council this August. Please let the project contacts know that we want and need off leash space. Read more about the [new park here] or go straight to our [petition here].

Public Input Regarding Master Plan
New 80-Acre Park in Battle Ground
Thursday, July 20th at 6:30 p.m.
BG City Hall in Council Chambers
at 109 SW 1st St, Battle Ground

Adrienne DeDona - Executive Liaison
(360) 342-5004
adrienne.dedona@ci.battle-ground.wa.us

Click for More Info

Felida Neighborhood Association meeting at the Felida Fire House (11600 NW Lake Shore Ave) to discuss Felida Dog Park.

Thanks to all who attended and helped make this a great event!!!

Best Costume
1. Maggie (fairy princess)
2. Nicki (Sheriff)
Honorable mention Paloma (Wonder Woman)

Best Tail Wag
1. Lucky
2. Tucker
HM. Raider

Best Trick
1. Fritz
2. Ricky
HM. Tucker

Best Vocal Talent
1. Deke
2. Iki
HM. Tucker/Spaz

Best Dog Owner look alike
1. Ann and Biscuit
2. Rolan and Princess

Most Obedient/5Commands
1. Frodo
2.Jaida
HM. Willie

Best Kisser (special thanks to Marney Mathison for being the kissie)
1. Chase
2.Pippin
HM.Bud

Best smile
1. Maggie and Molly
2. Lacey
HM. Meg

Best Dancing Duo
1. Sandy
2. Hershey
HM. Maggie

Biggest Paws
We had a three way tie!!
Sasha
Gunnar
Annabelle

I-901 of the Clean Air Act prohibits smoking in public places. A civil fine can be imposed on those individuals who violate the law by smoking or destroying a sign allowed by the law. Signage will be posted at local off-leash areas, courtesy of clarkdogpaw.org

for more information go to secondhandsmokesyou.com

Folks,

There have been some parking changes at Pacific that you should know about. The lanes on NE 15th St and 164th Av have been restriped, so that there is parking only on one side of each street. The Clark County public works department determined that because the semi trucks are using those streets, it is not safe to have parking on both sides of the streets.

Because these streets are non-residential, the semis are allowed to park there, but only for 24 hours. We have been working with the Clark co Sheriff to get better enforcement and have seen the number of semis parking there drop.

But since the Sheriff officers are patrolling the streets regularly, many dog park users who are not parking in the right spots have been getting ticketed.

YOU CANNOT PARK ON THE EAST SIDE OF 164TH OR THE NORTH SIDE OF 15TH ST. If you notice, the yellow lines you will see there is not room for both a travel lane and a parked car on those sides of the street.

I have asked public works to put up no parking signs and so far, they have declined to do it, saying the yellow lines are enough and it costs money to put up No parking signs. The Sheriff office has also asked Public works to put up signs to the huge problems this has caused, so we will see if they have any better luck.

thanks
Pam

Ross work day is Saturday, May 20th, starting 9:00am. ROSS WILL BE CLOSED THAT DAY FOR MAINTANENCE Questions? Email: Patricia, ROSS Site Manager at clarkbarkpark at aol.com

Caution - a car crash damaged our Ross fence. Repairs planned sometime today.

We have recently been hearing about instances of dog aggression occurring at the off leash parks, primarily at Ross. There have been a few cases of dogs being hurt and in a couple cases people being bitten trying to break up a fight.

As you all know, aggressive dogs are not welcome at our off leash parks. The rules posted at each park clearly state that rule. We are working on ideas to better ensure we do not have problems with dog fights and we would welcome any ideas that you may have.

If you see an aggressive dog, you should approach the owner and ask them to get their dog under control. If they do not, you can attempt to get their name and number, or get their car license number so we can track them.

For Ross Park, please notify our site manager, Patricia Weinkauf, 360-992-1692, or e-mail clarkbarkpark at aol.com of any problems there.

For Pacific, you can notify me, 360-260-3785 or e-mail pamlex5 at aol.com

We want to get on top of this problem right away and the Dogpaw board will be discussing how best to handle this. Please let us know of any ideas you may have and about any problems you witness.

Thanks
Pam

Thank you! Over 1,500 walkers and 700 dogs, two ponies and a rat participated. The DOGPAW Pack supporters report generating over $700 towards the Humane Society Walk for the Animals event. Overall, this event raised some $94,560 for homeless animals in southwest Washington and still counting.



DOGPAW Pack Winners:

James Deuvall
Monica Kingsbury
Lois Middleton

You can view Kathleen's photos at Walgreens. You can even print copies, if you login. The Humane Society has more photos. Does anyone else have photos to share?

Notice question #9 and tell Parks that you do want Fenced, off-leash dog parks. Mail Parks & Rec Questionnaire to Michelle Kunec by May 15th.

We now have an online events calendar. Visit our Calendar for more Information.

Late Friday there were some new developments regarding the construction at Pacific Park. The construction company that was receiving the bid award was due to take occupancy of the park this coming week to begin the construction project. I do not have all the details, but as I understand it one of the companies that also bid on the project apparently filed a protest about the award of the bid. What that means to us is that we do not have to vacate the area outside the new 4 acre space immediately.

We do not know how long this issue will take to resolve, it could be days, or weeks??? For the time being the gate at the back of new area is being left unlocked and you can access the rest of Pacific Park. REMEMBER YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK SINCE THERE IS NO FENCING ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE PARK.

We still will be limited to the 4 acre fenced in area once the construction issue is resolved. We will keep you posted as we know more information.

For tomorrow Saturday March 4th AND ONLY THAT DAY, we will be able to open the back gate to allow access to the field. Dogpaw volunteers will be there to monitor the gate.

REMEMBER THERE IS NO FENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARK ANYMORE SO USE CAUTION IF YOU GO OUT THE GATE.

Dogpaw reps will be at the park from 7-5, so come by for one last romp in the field and SUPPORT DOGPAW!!!

Starting next week, the area outside the new off leash space will be under the control of the construction company building the new park, and the gate will be permanently locked. Anyone who enters that area will be doing it at a risk. They will be putting up fencing in the next couple weeks to secure their area.

Pam

Pacific Park Plan Construction Set to Begin
If you and your dog are regular visitors to Pacific Park, you probably are aware that changes are in store and that our off-leash space at the park is about to become much smaller in size.

After a welcome delay in construction, park development will begin at the end of this month (February 2006) and off-leash access will be confined to four acres for the duration of the construction.

History
As you may remember, after many months of meetings and dialogue among Parks & Rec, DOGPAW and various other stakeholders, the Parks & Rec Advisory Commissioners approved a master plan for the park in October 2004. As part of the plan, a new off-leash space will comprise approximately eight fenced acres, including some retained natural habitat, two water sources, double-gated entrances and other features. Sports fields, a skate park and other uses will be built into the rest of the park.

Construction had been expected to start in 2005 but was delayed.

What to Expect Now
Parks & Rec has informed DOGPAW that the permitting process is now finished and the agency will award the construction bid at the end of this month. Once the award is announced, the selected contractor will secure the park in preparation for the start of construction.

The existing off-leash area at Pacific Park will be relocated to a temporary four-acre site by the end of February. The new site is located in the southwest corner of the park. The current access from NE 15th Avenue will remain open.

This temporary off-leash area will be fenced and will feature the same amenities as before, courtesy of DOGPAW. Access to the rest of the park will be off-limits as a safety precaution throughout the construction period.

Weather permitting, construction will be complete in spring 2007.

Do Your Part
Please help with our membership drive and park cleanup on Saturday March 4, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Find details on our news page.

We now have advertising packages for the ROSS off leash space. Visit our Sponsor Page for more Information.

We're sick of muddy trails and plan to wood chip our trails. Although, many of our potential contributors require proposals that include proof of community support. Please, show them that wood chip trails are important to you and sign this petition.

Sign the Wood Chip Trail Petition

Pictures from Dogtoberfest 2005 are now in the Photo Album. Click here to view them.

Dogtoberfest 2005 was a great success! Thank you to all who came out.

Contest Winners

	Best Costume:	Best Kisser:
1	Beluh	Nibbles
2	Lili Belle	Moses

	Most Obedient:	Best Trick:
1	Dashia	Cisco
2	Snoopy	Spaz and Tuck

	Best Tail Wag:	Best Dead Dog:
1	Raider	Titus
2	Romeo	Anika

	Look a Like:	Best Vocals:
1	Princess	Congo
2	Niki	Titus

	Best Dancer:	Best Ball Throw:
1	Cisco	Koda
2	Chester

	Best Running Time:	Best on Obstacles:
1	Spaz	Tucker

After a wonderful turnout at the public hearing, The Clark County Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a Master Hockinson Park Plan that contains 6.7 acres of Off Leash space.

The Off Leash Area has returned to the 6.7 acres in the North East corner. However, there is an option for the Hockinson School district to purchase some of the Hockinson Park property for school expansion. If this occurs, then the County Commissioners have instructed Vancouver-Clark County Parks and Recreations to move the Off Leash Space to the North West corner of the park and to maintain approximately the same amount of acreage.

Read this article in the Columbian about the Public Hearing.

DOGPAW would like to thank everyone who signed our online and physical petitions. We would also like to send a special thank you to those who were also able to attend the Public Hearing. Your voices make a difference.

We have created a petition to show the County Commissioners how much support there is for Off Leash space in Hockinson Park. When you sign the petition, an email will be sent to the County Commissioners on your behalf.

Sign the Petition

Also, we need as many Off Leash Supporters as possible to attend the Public Hearing on Sept. 13th.

There should be room for off-leash in a community park! Is there anyone out there that agrees with me? If you are on my side, then you need to speak-up! Stand and fight with me - don't let government say that there is no room for off-leash in our largest park! These few parks are it for the next 10-20 years. We need your support.

I have often met off-leash visitors from the far reaches of Clark County and beyond, like Amboy and Portland, adding up to several hundred dogs and their humans. Personally, I've observed approx 300 people per day at both Ross & Pacific.

The OLA has been removed from Hockinson plans. Currently, the only community park that has any OLA is Pacific. This includes all of the 35 parks being developed with the recent passing of the Metro Park District. When the Parks Dept stated that they want to help DOGPAW to secure approx 5 OLAs, they're including BPA land. There are only a few proposed community parks large enough to accommodate OLAs and I think we should have space in them.

Kathleen

* Update: The dog and owner have been reunited!

Unfortunatly, This dog was left at Ross park yesterday. She is an older dog but still very spry.

She was very loving and got along well with the other dogs at the park.

If you or someone you know would like to give her a loving home you can contact me (juliem@clarkdogpaw.org).
Thank You
Julie Mills

The hard working and energetic fence crew led by Bill Aultman and his faithful followers have been hard at work putting up fence. We have dug holes, cemented and driven posts, and strung fence, sometimes in downpours and sometimes in heat waves.

The crews who have volunteered have been fabulous! We have had fun and have had little competitions (the women are winning). We have erected the two kiosks (thanks to Tracey Beebe) that will hold our postings and poop bags. The two garbage can receptacles are built (thanks to CSI Construction) and installed.

We are working closely with the city to get traffic warning signs posted so people will slow down around the area of the park. Things are moving along nicely.

We can still use your help!
We have more fence to string and gates to put up. Contact me through this web page to get involved.

Grand opening - mark your calendar The park will be ready for use soon and the official Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for July 9. The Mayor will do the ribbon cutting; there will be vendors, dog experts and treats for all. Watch here for more updates; we will need help to make this event a success. Can you help hand out flyers, make "people treats" for our bake sale and/or help at the booths selling?

Let me hear from you, and check this web site often for updates.
Nancy Macklin, DOGPAW Site Development Chair

Thanks to every one who turned out this morning to put in fence posts at the Ross Park. We did the job in a little over 2 hours...80 posts cemented in. We had 2 hard working teams that jumped in to got the job done.

Thanks to Jim , Garrett, Bill, Chris, Tracey, Doug, Tudor, Nancy S, Debbie and Jerry. GOOD WORK EVERYONE INCLUDING Tahoe, Hershey and Kato.

The kiosks are in and cemented as are the 2 trash can storage units. The neighbors are very excited about the new park and many have driven by just to thank us.

We have 2 more work sessons planned to pound in T posts and string fence. Come by if you can we could sure use your help.

The NE 18th and Ross parking strip:
Wednesday, May 25 at NOON
Saturday, May 28 at 9 AM.

Thanks, Nancy Macklin

In response to the concerns raised by the neighbors regarding the actual locations and significance of the wetland areas on this proposed Community Park site, Vancouver-Clark Parks & Rec. has engaged a wetland consultant to prepare a full wetland delineation of the entire property. This study should be complete by the middle of June 2005 and as such, the fourth public meeting to discuss the master plan for this park will be delayed until we have the results of this study in hand. We hope to be able to schedule the next public meeting in late June or early July 2005.

Thank you for your patience.

For additional information please contact:

Jim Sandlin
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department
PO Box 1995, Vancouver, Washington 98668
Phone: (360) 619-1118
Or, visit the project website for a project summary & concept graphics.
www.vanclarkparks-rec.org

*From PDF on Vancouver-Clark Parks & Rec. email, which you can find here.

In the rain and storm of this morning a few brave souls weathered the downpour and helped dig the holes for our fence posts. We have a total of 70 posts going in which will be firmly cemented and be the anchors for additional "T posts" that will be driven into the ground to hold the fence. Thanks so much to Bill Aultman, Doug Davis, Mariya Kai and Garret Long, who all left drenched and tired but happy with our progress. All 70+ holes are ready.

We have CSI construction donating labor and materials to build our trash can receptacles and the concrete pads are in now. The boxes will be up this week. Tracey Beebe (from DP) is building the "kiosks" that will have all of our signs, rules, notices etc. He is building a clever and functional structure of his own design that will have a roof, locking display area and poop bag dispensers built in. Cameron Bennetts, our DP artist is painting the cut outs that Tracey made that will decorate the trash can boxes to make them fun, lively and "inviting".

If you would like to volunteer to help with the Ross Park construction, please contact Nancy.

Dogpaw would like to thank the following companies for their generous donations to our raffle at the Walk for the Animals. The event was a huge success and we are very grateful to all who participated.

Natural Pet NW
Wacom
Best Buy
Ocean Child
Bruce Walker, LMT
Starbucks
Jamba Juice
Sunrise Bagels
Petstyle
Happy Tails
Autumn Arbor Care
Petsmart
Espresso Villa
Postal Annex
Bacchus Restaurant
Doodlebug Duds
Bark at the Moon Bakery

It was cold and rainy, but that didn't stop us. Our April 15-16 Membership Drive and Park Cleanup was a huge success. Special thanks to Starbucks for the coffee, scones and volunteer time--not to mention the money they are contributing for volunteer hours (ours and theirs) donated over the weekend and for planning leading up to the event.

We also thank key contributor Zanadoo & Co., Vancouver's own proud creators of some of the tasties and healthiest doggie treats around. The treats, made from all natural human grade ingredients, are wheat, corn and soy free. These cookies were a hit with the four-legged crowd on the weekend.

Watch for an update on our total amount raised as soon as we hear the final news from Starbucks. At the very least, we raised enough to get the ROSS site up and running. Thanks to all of you who helped!

Stop in at Chip's store (19215 SE 34th St, Riverstone Marketplace), buy a coffee, and thank him and his staff for their enthusiasm and support.

As of April 2005, we have three off-leash areas in varying stages of development. Momentum is building!

Ross-BPA Site
The fenceposts and fencing at the Ross site are already being installed. Special thanks to Tom Scott, CSI Construction, for his very generous offer to donate all the labor and materials for our trash can enclosures. Tom's crew will pour a concrete pad and build a wooden structure around the cans to keep them neat. We are hoping to have some material donated for our sign kiosks that will have plexiglass windows where we can post information and park rules. Take a look at our material wish list and let us know if you have a good source for any of these items. More background on this project.

Pacific Park
Changes are coming to Pacific Park. Beginning Friday, April 29, the entrance on 172nd will be closed and the eastern portion of the park will be fenced off for road improvements. The western portion of the park will remain open for off-leash use. Further development is scheduled for fall. View Parks and Rec's official notice about the fence relocation.

Hockinson/China Ditch
Parks and Rec has designated approximately three acres, much of which is low-usage wetland, for off-leash space at the Hockinson/China Ditch Community Park. This park covers 240 acres at NE 119th St and NE 172nd Ave. The final master plan is scheduled for early Spring 2005. For Parks' official statement on this project, visit: http://www.ci.vancouver.wa.us/parks-recreation/parks_trails/planning/hockinson.htm. Watch for details on this site as DOGPAW board members meet with our Parks partners to learn more about the plan for this park. More background on Hockinson/China Ditch.

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) radio interviewed Pam at Pacific Park about the leash law change and Off Leash Dog Parks. Also interviewed were other dog owners, and even Mayor Pollard, who said "...it will depend on partnerships will be to create from six to eight off-leash areas." Listen to an MP3 of the broadcast, or read the transcript of the radio broadcast here.

The Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to amend the leash law. The amendment, which goes into effect in 30 days, allows the Parks Director to designate legal off leash areas in the city. This paves the way for DOGPAW to officially move forward with the ROSS Park site development.

As our President Pam put it "FABULOUS NEWS!!!!" We have finally received our federal non-profit status approval. This means that we can move forward with some of the great plans we have been working on behind the scenes. Be sure to visit us again soon for more news and upcoming events!

DOGPAW sends a great big Thank You to Tim Edwards and Tame Products for their generous donation of Bags On Board doggie clean-up bags.

Tame Products

We would like to send out a special thanks to Mike Mills and Julie Mills with Autumn Arbor Care for donating, delivering, and spreading the wood chips at the Pacific Park entrance.

Autumn Arbor Care.

Thank you for helping to make the park nicer for 2 and 4 legged users alike!

The DOGPAW board had a meeting today.

Kathleen Hansen was voted in as a new board member and we are expecting someone from the Humane Society to join the board soon as well. We are still waiting for a reply from Parks & Recreation about the Off Leash Dog Park Rules.

We are almost complete in the process of being federally recognized as a non-profit organization. The IRS has requested a small amount of additional information before it can complete the paperwork.

A membership drive is in the planning stages. Be on the lookout for more info about this event.

DOGPAW desperately needs volunteers! There is much to do. Please consider joining one of the following committees by emailing the chair person!

The Park Development Committee
Chair Person: Nancy Macklin
About: Work to get our new sites up, this means design, layout, estimating costs of materials such as fencing gates. And then the all important party to install everything (pounding fence posts, digging holes wiping the brows of all the hard laborers), probably in Feb (or sooner).

Publicity
Chair Person: Stephanie Helget
About: Getting the word to the media and neighbors about our mission and trying to get more people involved.

Fund Raising
Chair Person: Jenny Davis
About: Thinking of ways to raise money (creative fun things) and then getting out and start bringing in the bucks! This includes talking to everyone you see at the park and encouraging them to send in their membership donations. Let us know... we'll keep you busy!

Want to become a member of DOGPAW? Download and fill out the new

Membership Form.

The Oct. 29th DOGPAW News Letter is now online.