Four trees; No waiting

From buckslocalnews.com

Does anyone have anything to say about the idea of a dog park in Morrisville? With the financial situation Morrisville is facing, I'd rather see a revenue producing land use. It's going to be placed on dedicated open space, so there was never a chance to have it be revenue producing.

A dog park is a great amenity. New business that didn't involve fingernails or tobacco products would be a great amenity too.

The story mentions that the borough council supports the idea. What revenue producing land uses are they supporting?

< >

Hear that? That's the sounds of silence. Remember this in May at primary time.


Morrisville Borough looks into creating dog park
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; Posted on Wed, Jan 7, 2009

About 50 Morrisville Borough residents have come up with a plan to create a fenced-in dog park, which would be located at the corner of Philadelphia and Delmorr avenues.

There's a growing trend for communities to have their own dog parks, according to Ellen Stevie, the coordinator of the project. Stevie noted there are dog parks in Falls Township, Mercer County, N.J., and Horsham.

She said the Friends of the Morrisville Dog Park Committee held its first meeting this week. The group was formed to raise money and solicit funding from area businesses.

The first fundraiser will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at "Four Paws," a doggie day care on the Snipes Farm in Morrisville. Stevie describes the center as a place where your dog can run around for an hour on a cold day.

Participants also can have their dog "microchipped" for $30. The identification chip is placed under the dog's skin in case the animal runs away or gets lost.

In addition, there will be a dog wash and dry. According to Stevie, donations will be taken for the service. Volunteers are needed for the Jan. 18 event.

Stevie first proposed the idea of a dog park four months ago to Morrisville Borough Council and has had their support. The land under consideration was owned by the fire company before the borough purchased it as open space. Located south of Bridge Street about a half-mile from Williamson Park, the site is near the railroad tracks and across from the river.

"It's a win-win situation," Stevie said. "This is privately funded. We're raising all the money. "We're adding an amenity to the town."

Once established, there will be a pen for dogs 35 pounds and under. Any dog above 35 pounds will go in another pen. Rules will be posted, such as "Tend your dog" or "If anything gets out of hand, remove your dog."

The pens will measure approximately 100 feet by 100 feet and 80 feet by 80 feet.

"We need to raise about $12,000 to buy the fencing," Stevie said, "The town has committed to the signage and to maintain the land."

Nancy Sherlock, Morrisville Borough Council president, said she went to the recent grand opening of the dog park in Falls Township. Describing the park as "very nice," Sherlock said she considers a dog park "another amenity for the borough."

Sherlock indicated Stevie's group is "willing to work with us and they're not looking for a handout."

Benches and trees will be added to the riverside site. "We'll make it a place where people can go," Stevie explained." If you own a dog, you have to walk every day."

The dog park would be "good for the dogs physically and socially the dog owners get to socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee and talk to one-another," she asserted.

Morrisville's Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is also involved in the planning because the land is part of the borough's open space. Council is slated to adopt a resolution about the dog park at its Jan. 13 meeting.

"I see it as a collaborative effort," she added.

Bill Setzer, EAC chairman, said his group will make a recommendation to borough council about the proposed parcel, which he described as "sizeable."

"It's our responsibility as the EAC to look at any issues that involve open space in the borough," he said. "That's why we invited them to our meeting."

According to Setzer, the borough will not be responsible for cleaning up after the dogs.

Meanwhile, Stevie, who has lived in Morrisville for 22 years, said, "It's a great town with a lot of great people." Since she got Yogi, a year-old golden doodle, Stevie has met many more people while she has been outside walking her dog.

According to Stevie, she feels "a real kinship" with her fellow dog owners. "I have come across a lot people who are dog owners) especially since this dog park idea came along," she noted.

Stevie said she would not have met as many people as she has were it not for walking her dog and talking about the dog park project.

"If we have a place to commune in the morning or evening, it's even better. You start seeing the same people," she said.

Of course, Yogi is an important character in Stevie's life. "It's all about Yogi now. I don't have any children. He's my child now," explained Stevie, who drove to Virginia, just to get Yogi.

"When you decide to get a dog you need to be aware of the commitment," she indicated. "That means the dog needs exercise." Walking Yogi means setting aside 1 1/2 to 2 hours of her day, making sure that happens for him."

Walking a dog is "absolutely" a bonding experience for the pet owner and the dog, Stevie concluded.

To donate, make checks payable to Morrisville Borough. In the memo section, put "for dog park." Checks should be mailed c/o Ellen Stevie, 421 North Pennsylvania Ave, Morrisville, PA 19067

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Doggie Wash fundraiser at Four Paws on the Snipes property in Morrisville can call Stevie on her cell phone: 215-630-0115. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 18.