I'm thrilled about this. My only wish is that, in the case the dog park will have to be moved, that a more central Farmington Hills location be found. With that only thought for the future, those responsible for getting this going are to be commended!

I am concerned that there still seems to be no commitment for allowing Farmington dog owners to participate. I have lived in Farmington for 17 years. My property taxes have helped to support this property owned by FPS for that length of time.

So glad to hear of a good use for the property. I will enjoy watching the dogs and hopefully will be able to bring my own there.

I'm so looking forward to having to dodge dogs as I drive down Shiawassee... In my opinion this should be a open space so the kids in the neighborhood can play! There are no open fields in this area.

Tanya,
The New Dog Park will be fenced off and separate from the rest of the school property. It is my understanding that the Playground will be available for children to play. Dog owners will keep their dogs on a leash until they are safely within the dog park.
Marilyn

I hope the new dog park will have an inner gate with a buffer in between the outer gate. A source of water would be a great asset instead of hauling water for the dogs to drink. Northville has a great set-up with their dog park. In order to have access, the dog owner must show proof of vaccinations and participate in an hour long dog park education class. Then the owner purchases a electronic entry key which is good for one year and then you must renew. Non-residents pay a higher fee.

Tricia,
This grounds is/ was (now leased to city) owed by FPS- the reason for teardown of William Grace was to provide $$ back to the school system. Not lease it to the city for 2 years at $1.
Your statement about us not covering our children's cost to the school system! If you had children, you would know how much $ parents do pay to send their children off to school! Public or private. And, how the cry about having no $ in FPS, all the cuts the empolyees took- to turn this into a dog park!
I hope no one get hurt, when there is a dog fight! Dogs are protectors of their masters!

To Terrie:

do you really think dogs should be "brought to the BBQ" ?Does this mean you are in favor of eating dog meat. Sounds morbid to me as I am not in favor of eating pets.

You might not like dogs but don't let the Michigan Humane society catching you with Fido Kebabs!

To Terrie:
it had nothing to do with making money for the school system, instead the schools were no longer needed and they were unable to repurpose the buildings or sell these properties. Eagle Elementary was sold but you might recall the new owners were not exactly welcomed by the adjacent neighbors. The idea was not to make money but to save money maintaining school buildings that were no longer needed. The land for Grace and Wooddale are still owned by the School Board. I have been following this story because as a child I went to Wooddale and was saddened when the school was torn down. But I do understand the reason for the end of Wooddale Elementary School.
I have more for you Terrie, but my dog wants me to do stop wasting my time!

Tricia: I'll see you at the new dog park! There has been an overwhelming response to the required owners orientation meetings. I had to wait until mid- June to get in

In reading the comments I have concluded:
What many of the non-dog owners in Farmington and Farm. Hills don't seem to get is there is really no place to excercise a dog at least in my neighborhood. This is because we are not allowed to have fences & dogs must be on leash at all times in these cities. Sorry but my days of running are long gone.

I take my dog to Canine Campus, doggy day care, at least once a week but that really is not enough. I walk my dog but again, that really is not enough exercise for my cute yet very active Australian Cattle Dog. So now with a local dog park, it will be far to excercise my dog.

Farmington Hills is a great place to live because there is something for everyone. From babies to toddlers, after school programs, nature programs, nature center, hiking trails, cultural arts division with great programs, the best Senior Center around with transportation provided & Smart bus system for students & Seniors. And so much more!

And now I see that Terrie (see previous comments) is having a BBQ for cows, chickens& dogs! Wow!

I think Terry was one of those guys that used to sit up in the balcony on The Muppet Show.

Gee Terry, can't understand that part of the reason people choose to live in Farmington Hills, and pay higher taxes than elsewhere, is because of the quality of life and services we enjoy.

Terry:
I love my grown children & all my grandchildren. Has it ever occurred to you that many people have enough love for humans and animals. I'm starting to suspect that you think love is finite.

Honestly the thought of eating someones pet or the child next door is right up there with Hanible Lecter and his grisly appetite.

Now I'm starting to feel sorry for you. You do not see the abundance that is all around us. There are enough resources in our community for all to share in many ways. I'm done here!

The gate is all put up and the maintence men have moved the lawn- all the debating really does not mean anything.

The city has gone down hill and my children's education is falling short!

I love my 3 dogs very much and 1 cat- I have a large yard that is fenced in to having my dogs. I am sorry that people are getting dogs that do not have the proper means to have a dog! There are parks all over this city that people walk their dogs, that is where you should go.

Children doing b&e's and other crimes- the city should think about what do these children do after 6pm when the Costick Center/ John Grant closes? That property should have turned into a building to have a "hang-out" that is supervised with lots of activities; dances, basketball, etc.

How much is the new William Grace Dog park going to cost our taxpayers?
THE COST( from what I have gleaned from local newspapers:
$1.00 lease per year
$10,000 cost of the fence and gate system
Is there really any new insurance costs for the city? The City of Farmington Hills has liability insurance for the vast park system, including Heritage Park, Woodland Hills Nature Park, the FH Golf Course, the Riley Skate Park, all of the Sports Parks and now the Dog Park. I would also think that Farmington Hills has lawyers on staff for consultation and to handle legal issues.
THE FEES:
The resident fee for the dogpark is $30 for the 1st dog and $10 for each additional dog. Talking to the Staff at the Costick Center, HUNDREDS have called to sign up for the orientation meeting.
At this time, one knows how much in fees will be collected for the dog park, however, let's assume 300 residents pay the $30 annual fee for one dog. Of that 300, 75 residents pay an additional $10. for a second dog.
The math: 300 x $30 = $9000 and 75 x $10 =750. $9000. + $750.= $9750 in fees for the 1st year. The fees would pay the $1 lease and almost all the fence/gate cost.
So, to all the curmudgeons who keep complaining about the costs of this modest park...it appears the park will be self funded.
GO FIND ANOTHER LOCAL ISSUE TO GRIPE ABOUT!

I would like to see the dog park if (and only if) it is self funded. I would think that asking for donations or seeking sponsorship would be something that the city could do to help offset costs associated in the upkeep, insurance and other ongoing costs.
Tax money is something that is best used for needed items and not on luxury items such as this.
Dogs, Cats and other household pets also are something that if one can not afford should not be kept. Where are we going to draw the line will we be paying for cat parks, what about reptiles, fish and other pets... are we discriminating against those pet owners.
Government can not continue to spend TAX PAYER money on needless things period.
Dog owners should pony up the money needed to fund this project and on going expense.

I Went to the required orientation meeting on Monday night.

What I learned: each dog owner is responsible for their own dogs behavior and must sign the City of Farmington Hills Waiver & Release for use of Dog Park. In short it releases The City of Farmington from lawsuits resulting activities in the dog park. It places the responsibility on the individual dog owners .
Also, the park is very well planned with a large dog area & a small dog area. The entire park has fencing and the double gate allows dogs & owners to enter in a controlled manner. Each dog owner must show vaccine records & Rabies Certificate for each dog. (3 maximum per household). The annual Dog Park fees are $30 for the first dog & $10 for each additional dog.

The rules & regulations are numerous to ensure the safety of people, dogs and to respect the neighbors around the park.

Paws in the Hills is to be congratulated on a job well done! Thank you! Thank you ! Thank you for the countless hours that the volunteers of Paws in the Hills put in to make this a reality. Ribbon cutting is next Monday, June 25th.