I get so frustrated when positive, forward-thinking people/groups put forth ideas to make our town better, only to be immediately attacked by individuals who open up their mouths or emails before they have all the facts.
The changes to Hedges-Boyer Park are being proposed to make our park system even better and, believe it or not, help attract potential business. The land the Tiffin Bark Park will sit on is owned by the city and is part of Hedges-Boyer Park. The dog park, itself - its infrastructure, benches, trees, play areas, climbing structures, water fountains, fencing and anything else that may go there - is being paid through future foundation grants, donations from corporations, service clubs and individuals. Not city money. The Barks Park's design, maintenance and construction are all being donated by concerned businesses and individuals who believe in making Hedges-Boyer Park even better than it already is.
Dog parks in other cities are more than a place for dogs to run free. It becomes a social gathering place for animal and non-animal lovers alike. Benches, trees, etc., inside and outside the fenced area provide wonderful places for people to relax and take in the gift that we have in the Tiffin park system. Ask John Detwiler at the Chamber or Rich Focht at SIEDC, and they will tell you the Bark Park and other improvements to our parks system are just another piece of ammunition in potentially adding new business to the area.
The Park and Recreation Department does an incredible job with the resources it has to work with. Please, get all the facts about this and any other subject before you start barking at it!
Keith Hodkinson,
Tiffin
