 | ||
Letter to the Editor Proposed Self Funded Bark Park In response to Mr. Bill Giordano's recent letter to you, it is important to publish the facts of our proposed, well thought out plan. While there are appx 2400 acres set aside for open space and recreation, the Bark Park has specific needs that require only a 2+ acre spot for the use and recreation of Marshfield's many dogs. A dog park will provide a coyote safe place for people and their pets to exercise, it will continue to protect our piping plover populations on the beaches, and it will be an area for dogs to be exercised and socialized away from other public areas that people like to enjoy without dogs. To my knowledge, Mr. Giordano has not attended one of our open meetings, so he may be misinformed; he also neglected to identify our well publicized needs. The Facts: We have been planning this open recreation area for Marshfield's dog population for over a year now. The program is planned to be financed through private funds and pledges - town money is neither required or allocated for the Forest St site. We need approximately 2-3 easily accessible wooded acres of clean non hazardous soil on a safe street, with ample parking spaces and buffer space between it and its neighbors. The site on Forrest Street fits this description to a "T." The scientific data by a local certified water scientist and professional engineer advised that there would be no adverse pollution of wells that are over 1/5th of a mile away from our proposed Forest St site and the findings show that use of the park will not negatively impact the aquifer. The sum combined 200 dogs and horses currently living in this exact aquifer don't impact it, so why would the expected 35 - 45 dogs who would visit on any given day in peak season impact it? We are well below the limits of that scientific data as presented to our committee. Therefore, we wish to proceed with the approval process request in this honest effort to safely provide the people of our town a facility that will behoove all. This proposed plan is a private undertaking, on a two year requested probationary period from the Conservation Committee, with requested five year renewals upon continuing to meet the prescribed safety and maintenance criteria. We have operating committees set up for general running of the park, maintenance committees, ADA committee, 501c-3 charitable status pending, posted rules and regulations formulated, operating guidelines set, lawyers and accountants for IRS reporting, a treasury and all other necessary functions established. Perhaps Mr. Giordano would like to attend our next meeting on 12/14/05 at town hall to become better educated on the facts before sharing editorial that is attempting to serve as a negative press campaign. We are a grass roots committee who is attempting to better the town with private funds with over forty volunteer's time. We welcome all to attend and we thank the thousands of dog owners out there in Marshfield for their continued support in this fun and worthwhile project. Sincerely, Brad White |
  | |
 | ||