City of Hudson, Ohio Meeting Minutes - Final Park Board - Meeting Minutes - Final Park Board
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
City of Hudson, Ohio
Meeting Minutes – Final
Park Board
Tom King, Chair
Douglas Colafella
Frank Griffiths
Sean McGurr
Shannon Navy
Linda O'Neil
Brett Shriver
Trent Wash, Asst. Public Works Director
John Spivak, Asst. Public Works Superintendent
Beth Weiser, Executive Assistant
Monday, May 17, 2021 7:00 PM Video-Conference & Live-Stream
1. Call to Order
Mr. King called the Park Board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., in accordance with the
Sunshine Laws of the State of Ohio, O.R.C. Section 121.22.
Attendance - Douglas Colafella, Tom King, Linda O'Neil, Shannon Navy, Frank
Griffiths, Sean McGurr
Absent: Brett Shriver
Also in Attendance – Trent Wash, John Spivak, Beth Weiser and Kathy Battalgia from
the League of Women’s Voters
2. Approval of the Minutes
A. 3-15-2021 & 4-19-2021 Meeting Minutes for Approval
Mrs. O’Neil moved to approve the minutes from the March 15, 2021 meeting. Mr. Griffiths
seconded. The minutes were approved.
Mrs. O’Neil moved to approve the minutes from the April 19, 2021 meeting. Mr. Griffiths
seconded. The minutes were approved.
3. Resident Input
30 email and phone comments were received about the proposed dog park at Colony
Park and are attached to the minutes.
Jessica Nueman and Leah Smith, 4th graders, came to discuss a petition to clean up
Cascade Park’s waterfall (attached.)
Staff will follow up with the tools they need and a date and time for the cleanup.
Norm Powers of 23 Roslyn Ave & Sue Swidarski of 6761 Pheasants Ridge came to talk
about a community garden in one of the parks.
Norm and Sue will provide a list of interested parties to see if it will be worth the
maintenance to start this project again in the parks.
Page 1 Printed on 7/21/20214. Friends of Hudson Parks – Judy Semroc, Conservation Specialist, Field Biologist &
Naturalist shared a presentation on invasive species as it relates to the new meadow at
Darrow Rd Park but also all the parks. The presentation is attached to the original
minutes.
5. Director's Report - Mr. Wash reported on the following:
Baseball field renovations at Cascade and Colony Parks
Kiwanis donated batting cages are installed
Golf valve replacement Project
Davey Restoration Group stream restoration project at Darrow Rd
Engineering report about the watershed at Nicholson & Ellsworth
Limited park staff this summer
Golf Course play
Parking at Hudson Springs Park
6. Assistant Superintendent's Report – Mr. Spivak reported on the following:
Regrading at Colony and Cascade Parks
Fencing at ball fields
Pavilions, deck, boardwalk and dugout maintenance at Barlow Farm Park
Colony dry pond maintenance
Trying to keep up with the mowing throughout the parks with very small staff
7. Report from Council – Hal DeSaussure
In Mr. DeSaussure’s absence, there was no report.
8. Committee Reports
A. Park Master Plan – Mr. King reported that the Plan was adopted by City
Council
B. Tennis/Pickleball courts – Request for Proposals will go out soon and the
committee will review to recommend one to Council.
C. Trails and Connectivity – no report
D. Public Outreach/Youth Input – Mr. Griffiths, Mrs. O’Neil and Ms. Navy
reported on a program they set up with a Hudson High School club to get feedback.
E. Dog Park – Old Business
F. Ball Fields – Mr. Griffiths reported an overwhelming positive feeling towards
our ball fields and thanked Mr. Spivak for his tireless work to keep them in stellar
shape.
G. Golf Course – Mr. Wash reported that he is still working on proposals for golf
simulators and an expansion at club house and will schedule a meeting with
committee this summer.
9. Old Business
A. Master Plan Recommendations
B. Dog Park – Mrs. O’Neil arranged and reported on the statistics of the responses
received from the public.
Frank Griffiths moved to NOT have a dog park at Colony Park. King seconded.
Colafella – No; Griffiths – Yes; King - Yes; McGurr - No; Navy - Yes; O’Neil - No; 3
Page 2 Printed on 7/21/2021for 3 against, motion will be held until next meeting.
10. New Business
A. Park Board Committee Organization – Mr. King sent am action plan
spreadsheet to the Board. It is attached to these minutes. The Board will review the
document and come to the July meeting ready to discuss committees and committee
assignments that align with the Master Plan.
Darrow Road Park invasive species plan will be discussed further at the July meeting.
The dedication of skate park will be scheduled.
11. Adjournment – Mr. Colafella moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. McGurr seconded.
Mr. King adjourned the meeting at 9:11 PM.
The next meeting of the Park Board is scheduled for July 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
________________________________ _____________________________
Tom King, Chair Beth Weiser, Executive Assistant
Upon approval by the Park Board, this official written summary of the meeting minutes
shall become a permanent record, and the official minutes shall also consist of a permanent
audio and video recording, excluding executive sessions.
* * *
The mission of the Hudson City Government is to serve, promote and support, in a fiscally
responsible manner, an outstanding community that values quality of life, a well-balanced
tax base, historic preservation, with a vision to the future, and professionalism in volunteer
and public service.
Page 3 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Weiser, Beth
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 12:14 PM
To: Brett Shriver (brettshriver@roadrunner.com); Doug Colafella; Frank
Griffiths; kings7565@gmail.com; Linda O'Neil; Sean McGurr; Shannon Navy
Cc: theduncanothen@gmail.com
Subject: Comments Against the Dog Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
I received this phone message this week which I will add to the minutes of the April 19 meeting.
Duncan Othen 2063 Stoney Hill Rd
Backyard toward Colony Park. Expressed concerns about the additional traffic and the barking.
Beth Weiser
Executive Assistant Parks/Public Works
330-653-5201
www.hudson.oh.us
Park Board,
I received the following two emails today regarding the proposed Dog Park. I am forwarding them on to
you for review:
1) Jeffry Hildebrand
Sun 3/21/2021 1:33 PM
Mr. Sutton,
My name is Jeff Hildebrand and I have resided at 1657 Arbutus Drive for over fifteen years. I am writing
with a plea to stop the plans for a dog park in Colony Park. My family and I visit this park often during
the entire year. It is a lovely park and its quiet and clean environment is most appealing. I have seen and
heard how the dog park in Stow has had problems. Lack of those cleaning up waste as well as dogs
attacking other dogs (same size and not) are a common occurrence. I feel that more people use the
"empty" field space than what is perceived.
This is also an invitation to allow more traffic down the already busy Stoney Hill and Ogilby roads as well
as Barlow road.
Ward 3 residents, especially those in this neighborhood, need to understand the impact of this plan and
the city needs to inform them directly.
Your support is appreciated!
Jeff Hildebrand
Page 4 Printed on 7/21/20212) CJ RAUFMAN
Sun 3/21/2021 4:24 PM
Mr. Sutton,
We have lived in Hudson over 40 years and this is perhaps the worst idea and use of our tax money that
I have yet seen. The people who pay taxes to the city and the parks have, for the most part large yards
for their dogs. Who do suppose will be using the this park? Why provide a space for those who are not
part of the community?
We do not need a dog park. We need safer pathways to the parks for humans.
Please reconsider this plan.
Chuck and Judy Raufman
From: Katie Lally
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 3:34 PM
To: Sutton, Skylar
Subject: Dog Park at Colony
Hi Skylar,
I am writing to express my concern about the proposed dog park at Colony Park. I live on Bradford Way
and as a resident of the neighborhood surrounding Colony Park, this proposal is very upsetting to
me. My biggest concern is the additional traffic that will be in our residential area. This is a very young
neighborhood with children playing in their yards and riding bikes/scooters in the street. This will
definitely bring more traffic to our streets and as a mother of two young boys this makes me extremely
nervous.
While I understand the desire for a dog park, I do not understand why the park board would choose a
location inside a quiet residential neighborhood. This just does not make sense. We already have a
huge problem with speeding cars on Stoney Hill, Ogilby and Bradford Way. This will only contribute to
the problem and make the neighborhood less safe for the families and children who live here.
Linda O'Neil is quoted in the Hudson hub as saying Colony was chosen for its "ample" parking. When
baseball games are playing in the summer, that parking lot is totally full. Will the additional cars be
parking on our streets? She also said it's "not as active" as other parks. Maybe not to people outside of
the neighborhood but to those of us who live here that park is used year round. Our children love
it. The basketball court in the parking area is constantly used, baseball fields are played on all spring and
summer and the playground is used all year long.
There are plenty of parks in Hudson that are off of main roads (Hudson Springs Park, Middleton Park)
that will be more appropriate for a dog park. I support the idea of a dog park but it has to be in a more
appropriate area. Colony Park, located within a neighborhood full of kids is just not the place! I will be
sending Trent Walsh an email for the meeting tomorrow. I hope that the residents of this neighborhood
can count on your support to speak up against this location being used for the dog park.
Page 5 Printed on 7/21/2021Thank you for your time. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Katie Lally
530-414-8124
From: Katie Lally
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 4:30 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
Hi Mr. Wash,
I am writing to express my concern about the proposed dog park at Colony Park. I live on Bradford Way
and as a resident of the neighborhood surrounding Colony Park, this proposal is very upsetting.
My biggest issue with Colony as the location for the dog park is the additional traffic that will be in our
residential area. This is a very young neighborhood with children playing in their yards and riding
bikes/scooters in the street. This will definitely bring more traffic to our streets and as a mother of two
young boys this is concerning.
While I understand the desire for a dog park, I do not understand why the park board would choose a
location inside a quiet residential neighborhood. This does not make sense. We already have a huge
problem with speeding cars on Stoney Hill, Ogilby Drive and Bradford Way, that has not been
addressed. This will only contribute to the problem and make the neighborhood less safe for the
families and children who live here. What is the plan to address the additional traffic in the
neighborhood and what is the plan to ensure that cars coming to the dog park do not speed on
our streets?
The Hudson Hub article stated that Colony was chosen for its ample parking and because it is rarely used
for organized events. When baseball games are playing in the summer, the parking lot is completely
full. Where will the additional cars be parking? Will the overflow end up on our streets in front of our
houses? What is your plan to address this?
I support the idea of a dog park in Hudson but it has to be in a more appropriate area. Colony Park,
located within a neighborhood full of kids is just not the place!
If this was going to be at the end of your street, how would you feel? Would you want the additional
traffic going past your house all day?
Please consider finding a more appropriate location for the dog park.
Thank you for your time. If possible, I would like the opportunity to speak to the board tomorrow at the
meeting.
Sincerely,
Katie Lally
530-414-8124
Page 6 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Jim Puflea
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 7:51 PM
To: Council Comments
Subject: park board projects
The following is in response to the Park Board's future plans for a tennis and pickleball court to be built
in Colony Park.
I fully agree with the concept and would support the creation of these two facilities.
Having lived in Hudson for over 45 years, I disagree with the creation of a dog park.
I have had experience using a dog park to exercise our dog. It led to several ear and eye infections as
the water pond was polluted from dog deposits. In addition, droppings in the exercise area are
uncontrollable and impact the entire area. Don’t plan or expect the dog owner to pick up debris.
The noise level from barking and playing dogs will severely impact the surrounding homes.
The cost of maintenance should be closely analyzed, as it will require manpower to be present during
operating hours and cleaning material to properly maintain the area.
Thank You for your SUPPORT!
Jim Puflea
5979 Brewster Dr.
Hudson, OH
330-656-5069
From: Jena Eichler
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 9:52 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog park question
Good evening,
We are newer residents of Hudson and specifically live in colony park off Brewster. Are they going to
make it a yearly fee to get in, like a tag or key code? That way each dog has to be vaccinated and the fee
should cover the costs of up keep and other things like waste removal?
The other cities we have lived in do that and it keeps the amount of dogs maintained, crime and
vandalism down, keeping dogs safe from easily spread disease like kennel cough.
Also what other things are going to be in place to keep the neighbors safe?
More sidewalks for walking to the park because the traffic is going to increase, street lights, more
signage for speed limits and children at play? Trying to keep our neighborhood families safe while also
bringing some activities to local dog lovers too. As a mom of both a toddler and an adventurous lab mix I
am not against the dog park, just would like more planning and thought processes for the future to be in
place as well. Thank you for your time.
Page 7 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Holly Harris
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 10:48 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog park
The creation of a dog park in Colony park is a bad idea. This type of feature will draw not only Hudson
residents from all over town but will draw residents from many other communities.
The traffic will be greatly increased throughout this residential area even further. This willendange our
children due to additional cars and bring more strangers into our neighborhood. Additionally the extra
traffic would be putting extra wear and tear on Ogilby and Stoney Hill and will make these two streets a
main thoroughfare which could devalue the homes on those streets.
I propose that one of the parks that are located on main streets be used for the dog park instead. The
park on Rt 91 between Hines Hill and Herrick is currently an empty lot. Or possibly the land allocated
for a park on Ravenna Street and Stow Rd. This again is an empty lot. Neither location would bring
traffic through a neighborhood. The section of 91 will have been widened by that time and will easily
accommodate the traffic as would Stow Rd.
Holly Harris, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Schmidt
330-687-4360
From: Adam Frey
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 7:28 AM
To: Jill Frey ; Wash, Trent
Subject: Colony park-no dog park please
Hi,
My family and I moved to Hudson in may of 2019 from southern Ca. We live on Stoney Hill, which is one
of the main roads needed in order to get to Colony Park. This road is already heavily traveled due to
baseball games and other activities, which we love to have them in our backyard because our young kids
love watching them. So do all of the other kids in the neighborhood. There is also already a speeding
problem on the street. My wife and I strongly believe the addition of this dog park would only bring
more traffic and speeders. Please do not add this park. Hudson springs park is only a dog bone throw
away. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Adam and Jill Frey
--
Kind Regards,
Adam Frey
Adamfrey24@gmail.com
714-767-5535
Page 8 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Bruce Adams
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 12:29 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Cc: cfoster@cfoster.com; DeSaussure, Hal ; Bigham, Beth
; Kowalski, Nicole ; Schlademan, Kate
; Sutton, Skylar ; Wooldredge, William
Subject: Question for the City of Hudson Park Board Meeting on 4-19-21 on the dog park
I am not requesting to speak at the above meeting, but I would like to have my voice heard and
questions below answered.
Q: Is the city responsible or could it be held partially liable if an irresponsible dog owner brings an
aggressive dog to the park that injures or kills a less aggressive dog while those dogs are using the city’s
dog park? Does all the liability rest entirely upon the irresponsible dog owner, or could the city be
partially at risk in this situation? What have been the findings in previous case law related to this?
A dog park sounds like a nice addition to the city, as long as it does not result in negative unintended
consequences.
Bruce Adams
7286 Glastonbury Drive
Hudson
Good afternoon, Mr. King:
City Council, the Mayor and City Staff are mindful of the potential liability inherent in parks and
recreation activities – including a proposed dog park. To that end, City Staff has been in communication
with the City’s insurance representative relative to the proposed dog park idea. So far, from an
insurance standpoint, no red flags have been identified (outside of the standard risk a municipality faces
with parks and recreation activities). And, generally speaking, the Ohio Revised Code provides immunity
to the City in tort cases.
City Staff will continue to keep an eye out for any liability issues that may arise relative to the proposed
dog park idea as it evolves and keep the City Leadership informed of the same.
Thank you again and have a nice day!
Matthew J. Vazzana
City Solicitor
City of Hudson
1140 Terex Road
Hudson, Ohio 44236
(330) 342-1719 – Office
Page 9 Printed on 7/21/2021From: ann honroth
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 3:51 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog park
I live near Colony Park and am totally against this idea. The little park has always been a part of the
neighborhood and if anything should be improved. We do not need green space to walk around in to be
taken over by not one but two areas for dogs!
Sent from my iPhone
From: Work
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 4:55 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park at Colony Park
Hello:
As a current resident of Olde Town Colony and someone who grew up in Plymouth Village and has
utilized our private and beautiful parks for years, I am very concerned with the placement of a dog park
at Colony Park. Placement of a dog park there threatens the peace and quite of our neighborhood. It
would inevitably lead to increased traffic travel through a residential area. Ogilby and Stoney Hill are
already some of the busier streets in the neighborhood. The access point from Sunset Rd may also lead
to more on street parking and cutting through other roads. The noise level of barking dogs directly in
residential backyards is also of concern. Additionally, this neighborhood already has a problem with dogs
roaming off leash. The introduction of a dog park would only encourage more of this. Uncontrolled
animals as a result of irresponsible owners is inevitable and with the proposed site being so close to
where children play, an invitation for disaster and dog bites. Dog parks are a dying fad and a waste of
taxpayer money in general. They lead to spread of illness between animals and serve no benefit to our
community. We live in a community with plenty of places to walk our dogs and do not need to maintain
specifically designated areas in the way a larger city might. Instead, let’s invest in our children’s play
areas and renovating those. If Hudson continues to push for a dog park, it should be in an area away
from residential homes. Consider the Veteran's Way park or Hudson Springs Park as an alternative.
Truly,
Amy Drown
Sent from my iPhone
Page 10 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Matt Brown
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 4:00 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Cc: Matt Brown ; Margaret Brown
Subject: Dog Park at Colony - OPPOSED
Dear Park Board Members,
Thank you for taking emails on this matter pertaining to a potential Dog Park being proposed for Colony
Park.
As Plymouth Village Neighborhood Home Owners, Hudson residents, and dog enthusiasts, we are
adamantly OPPOSED to the idea of a dog park at Colony Park.
Please consider this rationale in your discussions:
• Nuisance to any Neighborhood - A Dog park will bring all day noise, safety concerns, and traffic
to a residential neighborhood. The increased traffic to our neighborhood will likely be many
non-Hudson residents. Dog parks can bring many safety concerns. It only takes one untrained
dog and laissez faire owner to upset the entire park which is why many dog owners avoid
them. Issues at these parks involving dogs would be fighting, biting, and owner
disagreements. Certainly our law enforcement would not be interested in handling these
types of recurring complaints. Many dog owners from surrounding neighborhoods walk their
dogs through this area peacefully every day. This will no longer be the case for them. Please
ask yourself if you would want a Dog Park 200-1000 ft from your backyard as some of these
homeowners will have.
• Incorrect Survey question - The basis for your looking at a Dog Park in Hudson is from a 3 year
old survey. We believe the answers to the survey would have been vastly different if had
been asked as "Would you be interested in a Dog Park in your neighborhood?". This would
most certainly be a NO from a majority of Hudson Residents. Please ask yourself if you
would want a Dog Park 200-1000 ft from your backyard as some of these homeowners will
have. We are certain this proposal would not be considered in other Hudson neighborhoods.
• Colony Open field space - This field is frequently used by our neighborhood, surrounding
neighborhoods, and many other hudson residents for summer pick up lacrosse, flag football,
and many other organized activities. This park, like all parks, has been essential in the last
year for sure. These types of spaces have become more important as "field space" in Hudson
becomes less available. The dollar amount discussed could easily be used towards improving
the drainage of the current Colony field which would attract more sports and
regular use. Colony Field could be an ideal grass field with a small amount of additional
maintenance. Drainage is already an issue as mentioned in this proposal and revamping of
the field would therefore solve both problems. While the Barlow park fields are near our
neighborhood, they seem to be exclusive to a local soccer organization.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
We strongly urge you to reconsider another more secluded park for a dog park.
Thank you for your time and work with our city.
Page 11 Printed on 7/21/2021Margaret and Matt Brown
5870 Brewster Dr.
Hudson, OH 44236
330-283-0843
From: Margaret
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 4:41 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Colony dog park
Dear park board members,
It has recently been brought to the attention of the residents of Plymouth Village that there is an
interest in adding a dog park to Colony Park, and in doing so removing open park space.
The green space at Colony Park is used for flag football, lacrosse, open play by neighborhood kids and
the single basketball hoop is great for a low key small game. By taking this space away, it takes even
more grass away from local youth sports, we are already limited in space. The walking paths would also
be greatly compromised by added dogs and traffic into this small area.
If the city really needs to add a dog park, please look to the north side of our town, maybe it could
benefit our neighbors in Twinsburg or Streetsboro as our neighbors to the south already have a dog
park.
At the end of the conversation, ask yourself if you would want this in your quiet neighborhood. Would
you want an increase in traffic on your neighborhood streets, in your parks or in your backyard. Would
you want your children to lose one of the only free green spaces for flag football or lacrosse?
Please do not bring an unsupervised dog park to our peaceful neighborhood.
As a resident of Plymouth Village,
Margaret Brown
Brewster St.
Sent from my iPhone
From: Rodrigo Rubiano
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 5:15 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Proposed Hudson Dog Park
We are Hudson residents and wanted to comment on the proposal for a dog park in our city. We have
lived in Hudson for a total of 6 years and have two dogs in our family. We do not support adding a dog
park to our city. Our experience has been that dog parks are not a healthy environment for dogs to
socialize. Sadly dogs can be injured or traumatized by just one uncontrolled encounter. In addition there
are three dog parks within very close proximity to Hudson and adding another one in our city is a waste
of city resources. Please do not add a dog park to our city.
Rodrigo and Shari Rubiano
6168 Burr Oak Way
Page 12 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Birgit Rhoads
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 5:42 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
Hello,
JMO, I believe a dog park is not necessary in Hudson. We have many lovely parks and trails all over the
city for folks to walk their dogs. Many people have yards to exercise their dogs. I believe you have to
have minimum of ½ acre land in most areas of Hudson?
I do not want my tax $$$$$ going for building, daily clean up, maintenance of a dog park, particularly in
the area chosen which seems to favor a particular area of Hudson that would bring more traffic in the
neighborhood.
Dog parks = dog fights; can spread disease; people don’t supervise their dog but tend to visit with each
other; many people are not into picking up after their dogs….so who is saddled with that job? I can go on
and on, but you get the idea.
Birgit Rhoads
5974 Stone Rd
Hudson OH 44236
330.620.2288
chdexter@me.com
From: Family Hildebrand
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 7:11 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
My name is Jeff Hildebrand and I have resided at 1657 Arbutus Drive for over fifteen years. I am writing
with a plea to stop the plans for a dog park in Colony Park. My family and I visit this park often during
the entire year. It is a lovely park and its quiet and clean environment is most appealing. I have seen and
heard how the dog park in Stow has had problems. Lack of those cleaning up waste as well as dogs
attacking other dogs (same size and not) are a common occurrence. I feel that more people use the
"empty" field space than what is perceived.
It is also known, because of the incessant barking during park hours, dogs that live in nearby residences
are agitated and often develop new barking habits that are unwanted by owners and neighbors.
This is also an invitation to allow more traffic down the already busy Stoney Hill and Ogilby roads as well
as Barlow road.
Overflow parking especially during the busy baseball/softball season will pour out into the side streets
and make it more hazardous for the heavy bike travel that is in and around this park currently. This will
probably also include a loss of the current basketball hoop/court area in that parking lot.
This park needs to be in an area not already surrounded by homes perhaps Wood Hollow Metro Park or
Oak Grove Park.
Page 13 Printed on 7/21/2021Ward 3 residents, especially those in this neighborhood, need to understand the impact of this plan and
the city needs to inform them directly.
Your support is appreciated!
Jeff Hildebrand
From: Scott Wachsberger
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 7:28 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Proposed Dog Park
To Whom it May Concern:
I will be unable to attend the meeting on April 19 regarding the proposed dog park at Colony Park, so I
wanted to submit my thoughts this way prior to the meeting. I do not want them to be read at the
meeting itself, but I would still like to voice my opinion.
As a resident of Ogilby Drive, I would like to voice my opinion against this proposed dog park. I love
dogs. I have one myself, however I don't think this proposal is a good idea. Visitors to the dog park
would have to drive through either Ogilby, Stoney Hill, or Sunset to get there. If this proposed dog park
becomes a popular attraction, it would likely increase traffic in this residential area. The amount of dog
waste that would not be picked up by owners would be a detriment to the park. On top of it all, how
would dogs visiting the park react to the trains that frequently come through?
There is already a dog park nearby at Silver Springs Park. Yes, I know this is not Hudson property, but it
is less than 5 minutes away. Do we really need to have another dog park so close just to say it's in
Hudson? Besides, isn't there already a dog-friendly section of Hudson Springs?
Thank you for taking the time to read.
--
Scott Wachsberger
Page 14 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Celeste Fland
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 9:44 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park proposal
Hi,
My name is Celeste Fland and I live at 131 Clairhaven Drive in Olde Town Colony.
I do not want this dog park.
#1 I cannot believe our council person did not reach out to us and I found out about this on social media.
#2 This park is not a value ad for my neighborhood. We all have nice sized yards ideal for dogs and
children.
#3 To me this is being built to entice the proposed buyers of the proposed townhomes which I ALSO do
not want.
#4 All this will bring to us is more traffic. No one here wants more traffic as was shown with the phase 2
vote.
#5 Any addition to our Colony park should be something beneficial to our homeowners and future
homeowners here. A bigger play area for children or similar.
#6 We already have too much traffic cutting through Stonyhill as you may recall from previous council
meetings. I do not feel the town in any way supported the residents of Stonyhill in this and feel they will
behave similarly when this proposed dog park presents problems.
#7 Even the most cursory research turns up an article on the many negatives of dog parks, published in
the New York Times.
#8 If this unwanted dog park is to be built, then it should be elsewhere, such as on the useless but
expensive YDC property.
In closing I don’t want this, it brings nothing but negatives to my neighborhood and I feel will devalue
our property which is commonly known to be how young families buy into Hudson.
Sincerely,
Celeste Fland
Sent from my iPhone
Page 15 Printed on 7/21/2021From: , Ernie
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:45 AM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park Feedback
Good Morning,
My name is Ernie Timbs and I live on Stoney Hill Drive, with Colony Park literally in my backyard. The
park is one of the many reasons I chose to move to Hudson, and today I write to express my concern for
the placement of a dedicated dog park in Colony.
Though not a dog owner myself, I understand the desire to have such a facility in Hudson. What
concerns me, however, is the suddenness of the decision to place it at Colony, where there is a great
deal of activity - in terms of youth baseball, lacrosse practice, a playground and a basketball hoop. On
top of this, the park is perhaps the most "residentially located" in the city.
I believe better options must exist for placing the dog park - at sites like Veterans Way, Cascade or
Middleton, where there is much less existing traffic and less likelihood the increased traffic, noise and
other outputs of a dog park that would negatively impact residents.
I believe dog owners in search of this amenity could travel easily to any of these sites, but residents
cannot so easily relocate (and should not be asked to tolerate the potential disruption.)
Thank you for the opportunity to submit feedback. I am hopeful the council will pause this plan until all
options have been considered.
From: Tim Raggets
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 12:02 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog park feedback
Hello,
My family lives at 1727 Mayflower Ln. We are against the dog park due to concerns about extra noise
and traffic in the neighborhood. Most of our streets, notably Ogilby Dr, do not have sidewalks and it is
already unnerving walking around with our toddlers on their bikes.
I feel that this dog park may benefit dog lovers but is a significant inconvenience for everyone else.
Somewhere less residential-oriented would be more respectful to those not interested in living near a
dog park.
Thanks,
Tim Raggets
Page 16 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Samantha Lisy
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 2:59 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Cc: Scott Ebner
Subject: Park Board Special Meeting 4/19 at 7pm
Dear Park Board Members,
As the residents of 6065 Ogilby Drive, we are writing in regard to the proposal to create a dog park
within Colony Park. While we wish we could have participated in the virtual meeting "in person", 7pm is
prime time for getting our small children ready for and put to bed. Which brings us to our biggest
concern about having a dog park as, effectively, our next door neighbor. As anyone who has, or has
raised small children knows, one of the biggest threats to sleep is a barking dog. Whether that dog is in
the home, or belongs to the next door neighbor, it can ruin a bedtime within seconds. And when the
source of that barking dog is from strangers and not a neighbor, there is no manner in which such
barking could be addressed, much less stopped. We appreciate that this concern is unique to our home
and our neighbors along the park, but it is one we would have to deal with possibly daily and is a
nuisance for which we would have no recourse. Even with the park closing at dusk, this is often well
past bedtime throughout the year. The concern about noise extends to the daytime as well, as we work
from home as do many of our neighbors.
We have additional concerns about the added traffic to the park, the increase in dog waste that will be
left around the park and the safety of ourselves and our children when dogs inevitably manage to get
out of the park unleashed. While we understand that there will be days that everything will go smoothly
and without issue, there is no solution for resolving these issues for the days that problems arise once
the dog park is built and in use.
Ultimately, we are asking that you consider an alternative location for the placement of the dog park,
one that is not in the middle of a neighborhood, but located far enough away from homes that the park
will not disturb others while living their daily lives in their home. In the Hudson Park Master Plan draft,
Oak Grove Park and Robinson Field are listed as alternative locations for the dog park, and both of these
locations appear to be better suited for such use. We understand that our concerns are unique and
limited in the number of individuals that would be affected, however given better alternatives appear to
exist, we ask that you strongly consider them when making your decision about how to move forward
with this project.
Thank you for your consideration,
The Ebners
Page 17 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Joanne Jackal
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 3:46 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog park
I am unable to attend the special meeting tonight, but would like my statement to be read or submitted
to the Park Board for consideration.
Thank you.
Joanne Jackal Cammarata
6001 Bradford Way
I am a resident of Plymouth Colony, and I’m very much opposed to the creation of a dog park in Colony
Park. The proposed location is a lovely field that is currently used for a variety of activities from sports
practice to kite flying to nature walks. Creating a dog park limits its function and narrows the population
that could use it. In addition, the fencing necessary would create an eyesore in an otherwise natural
setting. Another important consideration for the our local residents is the additional traffic it would
draw to the area and the safety concerns that raises. Our neighborhood has very few sidewalks and is
full of children on bicycles as well as walkers and runners of all ages. The added feature would benefit
only a small percentage of the local residents but would create an increased safety risk for all. And,
finally, the need for such a feature is unclear. Our homes have ample yards and there are open, rural
areas nearby. I don’t agree with defacing our open field and prioritizing the needs of dog owners over
the safety of our residents. I ask that the Park Board reconsider this plan.
From: Calabrese, Gary
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 4:28 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
I live on Bradford Way in Hudson and heard about the potential of a dof park being considered for
Colony Park. The usual arguments for dog parks are for exercise and socialization
purposes. Unfortunately neither argument for a park holds up for Hudson in any park. While the
concept “sounds” nice, in reality in a city like Hudson it is neither needed or desired especially from a
resident in that region.
I would like to strongly object to this project moving forward for several reasons
1. Dog parks are usually reserved for cities where people who don't have a tremendous amount of
personal property or space to take their dog for exercise like massive apartment complexes in
large cities. Hudson is not that kind of community. We are blessed with many, many , many
parks and sidewalks for dog owners to exercise with their dogs. The need is not there given the
average lot in Hudson is close to ½ acre.
2. The second is to ask the question are dog parks actually good for dogs socialization? If you look
at the literature from veterinary societies it is clear that a dog learns its socialization skills in the
first 7-12 months of being a puppy. Free leash dog parks are not conducive to puppy
Page 18 Printed on 7/21/2021involvement since a pack mentality is usually the norm and dominant dogs actually will do
socialization and mental harm to the puppy.
3. There are a tremendous amount of dog “fighting” that occurs at dog parks. Just ask the police
departments of the cities who have been foolish enough to establish them. Dog bites between
dogs and dog to human are very common since most do not know how to break up a dog fight. I
believe this will open Hudson up to lawsuits in the future if the park is established and God
forbid if a child is bitten.
4. There are houses in close proximity to Colony Park. I would think the constant dog barking
would bother anyone who is in a decision making capacity if it was in your backyard. I am sure
none who live on Sunset wanted a dog park since they have access to the park to walk their dog
anyway. Think of others first!
5. An interesting article in the New York Times stated: “There is nothing natural, however, about
dogs that aren’t familiar with one another to be put in large groups and expected to play
together. Many of us just accept the assumption that dog parks are good places to socialize a
dog, but that may not be the case.” And “unfortunately, just because an owner thinks their dog
plays well with others, doesn’t mean they always do.” Both from veterinary specialists.
6. Dog parks are directly responsible for certain communicable diseases among dogs, plus there
are no proof requirements for vaccinations and shots at a dog park.
7. The dog park will for sure increase traffic in an area on Stoney Hill that has way to many cars
now and children playing. Hudson does not have to be the destination for every surrounding
community for their dog , skate board, baseball, soccer and park needs. Please reconsider this
project!
Respectfully
Gary Calabrese
From: Carol Monaco
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 4:29 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
Hello,
I am a resident on Stoney Hill Dr.
I am strongly opposed to the dog park near my neighborhood. The Barlow Park is a wonderful place for
families and sports. I do not want a dog park anywhere near there.
There are plenty of other places that are not as close to residential areas.
Carol and Rick Monaco
Sent from my iPhone
Page 19 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Daniel Bennett
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 8:16 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
To whom it may concern,
I apologize for late comments. I am opposed to using Colony Park as a Dog Park, not a Dog Park. I have
several reasons for this:
1. The added traffic is going to be a major issue as there are already traffic safety and speeding problems
in the neighborhood. This is a major problem for child and family safety in the area. This is a major issue!
2. There is a Dog Park just minutes away at Bow Wow Beach. IF, there needs to a be dog park in Hudson
it should really be much farther away from the parks in Stow, Streetsboro, etc.. It also must be
accessible directly from a main road.
3. I am not sure that even though it seems like the community put a Dog Park as high on the list, I
believe this was due to vague wording. You asked if we wanted a Dog Park... not many people will say no
to that. However not many people would want one in their neighborhood. Reword the question that
way and see how well it does in the vote.
4. There is also a safety concern for the people and the animals. I am hoping the legal ramifications of
this park as well as publicity of incidents that WILL occur at the park if not well managed with trained
personnel.
4. Depending on the costs, is this really the correct project right now when we obviously have needs for
more sidewalks, street repairs, etc.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this issue.
Sincerely,
Dan Bennett
5900 Bradford Way
Hudson, OH 44236
Page 20 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Terri Donovan
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 9:16 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
Thank you the thoughtful discussion about the proposed dog park at tonight’s Park Board meeting. I
would like to add my feedback.
I live on Stoney Hill Drive and Colony park is outside my kitchen window. Like many residents in the
neighborhood, I have serious concerns about this location for a dog park.
I was surprised to hear during the presentation that the park does not get a lot of use. From my
perspective, Colony Park is in constant use. I see families using the park at all hours of the day. In the
early morning, I see people walking their dogs; sometimes they are off leash. During the day and after
school, I see young families using the playground. On the weekends people have parties in the Pavilion
and use the volleyball net. In the Spring and in the Fall, baseball teams practice and play games at the
park. I also regularly see Lacrosse players practicing in the same location of the proposed dog park. In
the winter I have even seen cross country skiing in the park.
Colony is already a busy park and the addition of more people, traffic and activity raises serious safety
concerns for the neighborhood. As was stated multiple times tonight, Ogilby does not have sidewalks
and cars already drive very fast.
Please listen to residents in the neighborhood and find another location for the dog park.
Thank you,
Terri Donovan
2073 Stone Hill Drive
Sent from my iPhone
From: dlbruening
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2021 7:22 AM
To: Slagle, Elizabeth
Subject: Dog park
Miss,
I live on Eastham Way, I do not want dog park at colony , would bring in more traffic from people
outside area, there is a dog park close by in stow, nor at Barlow park again a short distance away is the
stow dog park, also not in favor of any rec center taxes are high enough, Life Center Plus is in city
already, thank you any questions please email
Dennis Bruening
Page 21 Printed on 7/21/2021Nancy Sexton (330-612-2956) 5980 Bradford Way
For the Park Board meeting tonight, she’d like the Board members to know she is completely against
dog park in Colony Park for a myriad of reasons (heath, safety, too close to a neighborhood, loud,
smelly, not enough parking, park too busy generally, etc.). She thinks Barlow Farm or Oak Grove would
be better – a park not near a neighborhood.
Page 22 Printed on 7/21/2021From: Mary Bell
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 9:28 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Support for dog park
I am in favor of the proposed dog park. I think it would be another lifestyle advantage for Hudson.
Mary Bell
148 Brentwood Dr
From: shari Holobaugh
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 4:44 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
Hello. We’d like to express our interest in having a dog park in our neighborhood. We live on Bradford
Way and frequent other cities to use their dog park. Since our neighborhood doesn’t have sidewalks it’s
frequently scary to try to walk our dogs but having a designated area for them to play would be a
welcomed addition to our community. I know there have been many negative comments about adding
this park but I stress that those of us who appreciate and will respect the park will also help to take care
of it. I’ve viewed the comments stating it’ll be all of these bad things so I’d like to make sure that it’s also
known to be viewed as a positive addition to our community.
Thank you
Shari
(440)413-3683
From: Joy Capper
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 6:09 PM
To: Wash, Trent
Subject: Dog Park
Hello! I was told by a City Councilmember that I would be able to sign up to speak at the park meeting,
but I do not see anywhere on the website where I am able to do that.
This is very frustrating, all around, because I just found out about this proposed dog park, and everyone
I've spoken to in my neighborhood (Olde Towne Colony) said they knew nothing about it either.
Why was there not more publicity on this, or something mailed to our neighborhood advising us of it?
I'm very upset that we are just now learning about this FINAL meeting on something we weren't aware
of, but are very interested in!
Page 23 Printed on 7/21/2021A simple dog park area in Colony Park would be fantastic! Just a fenced area, with some obstacle course
equipment would be great! I was told they were talking about a pond, but those of us in the
neighborhood who are supportive of this feel a pond is not necessary for the dogs. If people want their
dogs to swim, they can drive to Silver Springs in Stow.
I was also told that people who live near Colony Park are against this proposal. I don't really understand
why.
Noise? Ridiculous! There aren't any houses close enough to the proposed area to have any noise
issue. And the dogs don't even bark much! Have these complainants even been to a dog park?!
Traffic? Again, ridiculous. The increased traffic would not be any greater than the traffic that comes
with baseball or soccer games, and that doesn't seem to bother anyone.
People are concerned their own dog will bark if they see dogs going to the park?? That complaint is so
ludicrous it's hilarious. This neighborhood has a huge dog population, and on our street we see an
average of 40 dogs go by our house daily. We've trained our dog to not bark at them when they go
past. Perhaps people could try that.
A dog park at Colony would be greatly utilized by the residents living in OTC and probably Plymouth
Village. We have to drive to Stow or Twinsburg if we want our dog to be able to run off leash and play
with other dogs. We need a dog park in Hudson.
Joy Capper
86 Clairhaven Dr.
330-472-0629
I am in favor of a dog park in Hudson Ohio. I cannot appreciate why we aren’t a progressive community
like others with a park such as this. Certainly we have an abundance of parks in this community.
Respectfully
Joanne Haseley
330.289.8463
Page 24 Printed on 7/21/2021You can also read
