THE BACK STORY – MANY PRIOR EFFORTS, BUT TO NO AVAIL
In 2010, Yellow Springs High School seniors Marlee Layh and Lucas Donnell proposed a dog park at Ellis Park. The project was ultimately voted down by Village Council because of objections to the location. The Village then briefly considered Gaunt Park as an alternative location. Another effort was mounted beginning in 2014 by villagers Linda Rudawski, Lauren Miller and Diane Wilson, who worked toward having a local dog park in conversation first with John Bryan State Park and then with Antioch College, but fell short of securing a suitable spot.
BUT IT JUST SO HAPPENED..…IN THE FALL OF 2019……
BETTY, THE WONDER DOG, MAKES A DISCOVERY!!!!
You may have heard the term, “the tail wags the dog.”
It is never truer than with the beginning of the Yellow Springs Dog Park initiative. Richard Lapedes, our Project Champaign, and his dog, Betty, were walking in Gaunt Park and stumbled across an unused portion of green space. Betty proceeded to look up at Richard and he knew immediately what she was thinking,
“This space is perfect for a dog park — right here in Yellow Springs!”
Naturally, he listened to Betty…
Thank you Betty and Richard!
VILLAGE COUNCIL PRESIDENT, BRIAN HOUSH, INTRODUCES
RICHARD TO BETH MILLER….
In September of 2016 Beth Miller created Wagtown, a nonprofit initiative to quantify, qualify, and promote responsible dog-friendliness in America like no one had done to date. Beth, and her CPO (Chief Petting Officer) Tom Everhart, have been creating a national movement to change the world, one wet nose at a time. Fortunately for us, the portfolio now includes the Yellow Springs Dog Park!!
AND ALONG COMES JOHNNIE…
Johnnie Burns is our Public Works Director for the Village of Yellow Springs and oversees the Utility Billing Department, Electric and Water Distribution, the Water/Wastewater Treatment, Streets, Parks & Recreation, and all Village-owned Public Facilities.
The hard work and dedication by Johnnie and his crew to make this park a reality will be forever appreciated.
“I was asked my thoughts to the dog park idea and with the past history of the idea of a Yellow Springs Dog Park, you would have thought I would have ran away. But always having dogs and being a DOG lover myself and like a GREAT CHALLENGE. My focus has been to help plan and build a dog park without putting a burden on the villagers and staff. I also think it a great place to be able to watch a AWESOME SUNSET and talk with neighbor and get away from technology. And the DOG being able to play with their friends as well”
MAKING IT HAPPEN: THE DOGS WANT TO PLAY!
“A new plan is afoot, or a-paw, to locate a park for Yellow Springs’ furry residents on 1.3 acres of unused land west of the water towers at Gaunt Park, abutting Talus Drive and a farm field. The proposed dog park would be fenced along the perimeter, with internal fencing separating play areas for large and small dogs. Boulders, wooden shelters and other features would encourage canines, and their human companions, to romp and relax. Here, a public meeting at the site last Wednesday drew about 20 villagers.”
Yellow Springs News, September 2020
“A dog park is more than half for the people, a Yellow Springs dog park would be a “potent amenity,” enhancing life in the village.”
Richard Lapedes, Our Project Champion
IT’S OFFICIAL:
THANK YOU VILLAGE COUNCIL FOR GRANTING APPROVAL!
GROUNDBREAKING May 18, 2021
AND THE WORK BEGINS:
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- Tribute Paver Entryway
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- Village Crew Staff Dale and building a bench
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- Small Vestibule
Visit The Gallery Page for more photos.
THE LOCAL TEAMS BEGIN TO FORM…
In November 2012, Linda Rudawski created the Yellow Springs Dog Park Facebook group. Keeping it online in spite of not having a physical dog park, it has provided direct communication with 460 local dog lovers who can now be potential volunteers and/or donors for the new Dog Park. Linda served as the initial Chair to lead the Leadership Team. She now enjoys collaborating with Scott Bachmann to provide our new website.
“My Aussie, Stella, and I are both very excited about visiting the new Dog Park!!”
MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM VOLUNTEERS
Pam Nicodemus, Leadership Chair
Co-Chair: Events and PR
“I have been looking forward to Yellow Springs getting its own dog park for years and volunteered as soon as I possibly could. As a veterinary nurse, I have been impressed with the positive focus on dog behavior and safety. My goal is to encourage clear expectations, so all our dogs can play nice and have a great time!”
Kylle Kelly, Leadership Vice-Chair,
Co-Chair: Events and PR.
“I am an adoring human companion to my two small rescue dogs. We love socializing with dogs and dog lovers. I am excited to help create a space for my dogs and myself, and all dogs and their humans, to build community in Yellow Springs.”
Zoey Bryant, Leadership Secretary
Co-Chair: Education
“As a new pup parent and lifelong creature lover, I’ve been avidly learning how to be a good leader for my 1.5 year old Border Aussie, Otis. In this ongoing process, I’m increasingly mindful of how important it is to advocate, listen, lead, and have lots of patience for my pup. By joining the YS Dog Park as Co-Chair of the Education Team, I am committed to creating thoughtful systems and resources that support my Dog Park community in doing the same.”
Susan Stiles, Co-Chair: Education
“I love dogs and I love Yellow Springs. I am so excited about the dog park and want to help ensure that it is a success!”
MEET OUR MAJOR DONORS
OUR PROJECT CHAMPION
Richard Lapedes, Major Donor
Special Project: Providing the supports needed as they came up through generous donations
“I’d say having a thoughtfully designed and managed park for our friends, 2 and 4 legged, is not only basic amenity for Yellow Springs, it is also a way to reinforce our commitment to being a community that celebrates all living things.”
David Butcher, Major Donor
Special Project: Build & Open the Dog Park
David and his partner, Rachel, had been taking their rescue dog, Luna, a half-German Shepherd and half-Great Pyrenees, to a dog park in Fairborn and were interested in having one in the village.
“I love dogs and I love this community. A dog park is just as much about people and community as it is about dogs. I’ve always wanted to help and get more involved.”
Ann O’Donnell, Major Donor
Special Project: Tribute Pavers Path & Kiosk
“The Yellow Springs Dog Park is a wonderful place not only for our dogs to play, exercise, and socialize, but also to remember our beloved dogs who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I am grateful to play a part in honoring our dear dogs.”
Wagner Subaru
Special Project: Poop Station Supplies & Volunteer Clean Up Days
“We are sponsoring volunteer clean up days at the Yellow Springs Dog Park because we feel as a member of the community that it is our duty to contribute to creating safe, clean, and enjoyable environments for both humans and animals! As lovers of the earth and pets, Wagner Subaru is proud to be a part of this project.”
MEET OUR SPECIAL PROJECTS VOLUNTEERS
Libby Rudolf, Watercolor
YS Artist at Village Artisans
https://www.villageartisans.org
Special Project: Website Banner (top of each page)
“I walk Lucky daily and our whole family loves dogs. I paint watercolors so I joyfully donated a happy-dog painting for the dog park website, continued towards a memorial bench, and the pas through fund through the Yellow Springs Community Foundation”
Scott Bachmann, Webmaster
https://www.corgipress.com
Special Project: Yellow Springs Dog Park Website
“I became a dog person just before I moved to yellow springs, and my Corgi has changed my life – and not just because he sheds enough for three dogs and barks snakes out of my yard. He’s the friend I can count on. We visit dog parks a lot, walk around town a lot, having a dog park within range of his little legs is a dream come true that I didn’t know to dream.”
Evan Pitstick, Photographer
Special Project: Dog Park Photographs
“I’ve always loved living in the moment, so it only made sense to start capturing those moments. Volunteering as photographer at Yellow Springs Dog Park is a great opportunity to capture candid canines and sharpen my skills. For photo services and consultation contact me at pitstickevan@gmail.com.”
Sandi Sharp Maloney, Artist
Special Project: Gloria Gallery
210 N Winter St, Yellow Springs, OH
“I got involved with the Yellow Springs Dog Park because my husband and I were thrilled that we were getting one. We also know that it needs to be supported to be successful. My background is in art so it was natural that a first step was to be a volunteer on the Bark Art Committee.”
*EP – Photo Credit – Evan Pitstick
