Damon Hodge's August 19 story about hot emotions at the Dog Fancier's and Horseman's Park elicited a big response. Here's a sampling:
Please allow me to clear up some misconceptions that were aired by your paper last week concerning Clark County's popular Dog Fancier's and Horseman's Park.
These rare parks are wonderful amenities for letting your dog have a place to run around as well as for dog shows, rodeos and other equestrian activities.
Last October, I met with the users and neighbors of this park in a public meeting to get their input on a proposal from our Parks and Community Services department to add a traditional, 10-acre park to the area. It was evident that residents felt this addition would damage the integrity of the facility, so I made it very clear that they should consider the idea dead on arrival. And so it is.
Recently, it was discovered that a 25-year-old main water line servicing the park was leaking. Upon further review, it was found that the entire water system was falling apart and in need of replacement. Those repairs are now being made. An unfortunate side effect is that some grass is being temporarily removed and that some vegetation is being stressed by the disruption of watering. The only grass being removed is near a restroom. On the bright side, several new water fountains and faucets are being added.
Your reporter quoted a citizen who suggested a dispute exists between park users and those who stage competitions at the Dog Fanciers' facility.
What's important to note is that the county will not be renewing the contract for operations at Dog Fancier's Park. When that contract expires next month, the county will assume active management of the facility. I anticipate an overall improvement in the way the park is managed and that all parties will benefit as a result.
Dialogue between government and its citizens is to me critically important. The county will continue to seek input from the public so that we can better serve them. To that end, those interested in the future of Dog Fancier's and Horseman's Park can expect more public meetings. In this way, we can together determine what's best for the area and find ways to improve our services.
Thank you very much for your fine article about the Dog Fanciers' Park controversy. The fences are up and it is a pity how that dog park has been ruined and (disfigured). People that have not been to the park for a while are astonished at the fencing and ask over and over, why? The dogs used to be able to roam and play to their hearts' delight, now they have to be careful that they don't run into these fences and hurt themselves.
This letter was addressed to Commissioner Reid and copied to us.
Just an update on the dog park. It seems only your friends (or Larry Oswald's) are allowed to use the ground-level parking lot and have a padlock to lock everyone else out. Handicapped people have to park on the upper level and maneuver down the ramp. I also would like to know how much insurance these groups have to have to use this park for training. When I inquired about being a vendor for the Strut your Mutt event, I was told I would need two kinds of insurance—one for $1 million and one for $2 million. I sure hope these people are covered for their use of public property for private use. By the way, have you seen the park? It looks horrendous. Even the people who were at first indifferent to the fences are furious. Rest assured that we have not yet given up.
P.S. Last Sunday, the Fly-Ball people were there and had half of the good section of the park marked off. Aren't they supposed to use the fenced-in section? Also, they are allowed to drive their vehicles into the park. If they have to use the fenced-in area (as they should), they will be driving across the park and ruining Mr. Oswald's wonderful grass.
Thank you for finally telling the truth (and lies) surrounding the Dog Fancier's Park "maintenance." I have repeatedly tried to get answers from various county entities, and I can't even get an acknowledgement. My canines and I have enjoyed the park for the last 13 years, and now they have screwed it up. There were no plans posted, not even a notice stating how the long the park would be under "maintenance." Thank you for a great article!
Thanks for your story on the dog and horse park. It's encouraging to know that someone is paying attention to the concerns of the taxpayer. By the way, I checked on the Clark County Park Department website and found that these training groups pay only $5 for a two hour session, plus 25 cents per dog! Obviously, it is the taxpayer in Clark County who is funding this park. Why should the citizens who are footing the bill for the park be dictated to by these groups?
I don't expect the county to provide a place for me to operate my business, why should they? If they are running a business, shouldn't they have their own facilities to make their money? Thanks again for your article, it was well-written and fair to both sides of the issue.
Thank you for the awesome article and gorgeous pictures of my favorite Las Vegan, Carlos Garcia! (Cover story, August 19.)
The cover shot of that friendly looking and what I believe to be THE most perfect—yes perfect—face a man could ever ask for. Then open to page 25 and BAM! there's the "Yeah, I may look a little tired but, just try to rag on my performance," authoritively stern, serious looking pout.
Although I enjoyed the article and definately feel better with two young kids in Las Vegas schools knowing Mr. Garcia is running the ship, I could hardly stop staring at the cover once it re-caught my eye again. My sexuality has nothing to do with my feelings and comments about your incredible photos of a REAL man and pretty much, well, the Hispanic Sean Connery! So much nicer on the eyes than any other "in charge" (especially O. Goodman). I'm 34 years old and get hit on quite a bit, and I would switch in a second. Congratulations, Mr. Garcia, on being what thousands, yes thousands of men only dream of looking like but would never get themselves to admit to anyone. You really are a lucky guy.
Oh, and keep up the good work. As a parent, I for one am very impressed and glad it's you running the show.