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Ala Wai K-9 Playground: History and Progress to date |
This is an important update for all members and newcomers to the Ala Wai K-9 Playground Ohana.
History
Starting in 2005, the A.W. K-9 Playground Assoc. met with the McCully/Moiliili Neighborhood Board to gain their approval to build a dog park in the Ala Wai Neighborhood Park. After 11 mos. and many meetings, the NHB voted 11 to 1 in favor of us joining in partnership with the Dept. of Parks & Recreation to build our park.
On April 4, 2006 the Ala Wai K-9 Playground Association was formally given approval to build an enclosed off-leash dog park, by Lester Chang- Director of Parks & Recreation. The 32,000 sq. ft. park would be located on the softball/soccer field of Ala Wai Neighborhood Park, adjacent to the Ala Wai canal at the end of University Ave.
When 40 days of rain damaged the aging sewer system in Waikiki - spilling 40 million gallons of raw sewage into the Ala Wai Canal (2006), a 20 million dollar temporary "Emergency Beach-Walk Project" was developed. The construction company needed a place for their equipment and supplies, and used the site that was supposed to be the dog park! This initial project lasted 2 years. It is now proposed by the city that the permanent sewer replacement project should begin next year-when the budget is approved. This project should take between 30 months and 5 years.
Although we support and understand the importance of this project it leaves our Association- our people, and most importantly our dogs with no place to socialize in the park legally--with the exception of the bike path, with our dogs on leash. We have been meeting under the "coconut palm tree" area to give our dogs a chance to socialize with their friends-on leash.
Progress and Possible Solutions
A meeting was held on Friday, March 28, 2008 @ 3pm to see if the DPR and our Association could make a temporary dog park, until we can move back to our original site.
Meeting took place at the Ala Wai Community Recreation Center
In Attendance:
Toni Robinson - Assistant Admin. of Parks & Recreation
Michael Smith - East Honolulu District Mgr of Parks & Recreation
Karen French - Recreation Director@Ala Wai Community Park
Pam Okinaga - Recreation Director@Manoa Community Park
Ron Lockwood - Chairperson, McCully/ Moiliili NHB
Shaunna Tabor - President, Ala Wai K-9 Playground Assn.
Sandy Edrich - Vice President, Ala Wai K-9 Playground Assn.
Subject: Temporary Dog Park @ Ala Wai Neighborhood Park
It was proposed that the Ala Wai K-9 Association be allowed to use the area off University Ave. bike path for a temporary dog park. This area has been closed off due to the Emergency Sewer Project. The site would include the path alongside the community gardens and bordered by the Ala Wai Canal- extending down to where the emergency sewer equipment is now located.
If the Construction Co. could also agree to enclose their sewer equipment, it would give the dog people the additional space from that area, down to where the Construction Co. back chain-link fence. The additional area would be greatly appreciated--since our original park site has been used as an equipment site for the Beach Walk Sewer Project and will remain as such until the permanent sewer project is complete, (indefinite time--possibly up to five years). We also want to remind the construction co. that we would be using this area from about 4pm to sunset-7 days a week. We are more than willing to work with the construction people to work out any concerns for both parties.
The official of the DPR will be speaking to the Construction Company on April 1, 2008 to discuss our proposal. We should hear back from them by mid-April. The DPR will add to the present signs in the park "Dogs on leash on path are permitted".
Please..... Members and friends of Ala Wai K-9 Playground - we are trying to work with the system. Who knew that an "act of God" would change things for us? We need to hang tough! We have made wonderful friendships and our precious dogs have bonded. Remember the long term goal. An enclosed place for our puppies to run and play with their own kind - where they are safe in our neighborhood park! For now keep your pups on leash, and stay out of the softball fields. See you under the coconut palms on the path...
Your friend and neighbor,
Sandy Edrich
Ala Wai K-9 Playground Association
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