Other: The new dog park at Switchyard is very pretty, but it lacks basic amenities to make it really useable. At the Ferguson park there is access to water in the park (not outside the gates) and it’s a spigot that can be used to fill a bowl. The setup at Switchyard makes it basically impossible to spend more than a few minutes in hot weather. Also, it looks like there was a plan to have a dog rinse area like at Ferguson, but it’s just an empty vestibule. Could you at least run a hose as a temporary measure? Especially if there are going to be permanent mud puddles right by the entrance. There’s also nowhere shaded/sheltered in the park. The pergola over the outer seating area looks cute but isn’t very practical. I’ve hiked the quarter mile with my dog on weekend days only to find no one there and had to leave basically immediately because the park is essentially unusable on a hot sunny day. Everyone is at the old park on those days.
Emailed. Already looking at solutions for puddle.
Jennifer, Thank you for your email. We're aware of the issues you raised concerning the dog park. We are working on these. We are hoping in the future to upgrade the water amenities. Shade in the two dog chambers will improve dramatically with time when the trees mature. We have been monitoring the puddle area you are referring to and are looking at various solutions. As a dog owner myself whose dog has been to the dog park many times we are very interested in making the experience a positive one. Hsiung Marler Switchyard Park General Manager Bloomington Parks and Recreation marlerh@bloomington.in.gov