The deity of your choosing must be a dog lover. On a morning between spells of rain and fog, the sun came out and the grass dried up for the grand opening of the new Minooka County Park Dog Exercise Area!
Wednesday Morning at 10AM the politicians and dog lovers assembled in the parking lot of the new dog park in front of the secure gated entrance to the large dog area. A podium was set complete with a sound system. Flags guarded the sides and folding chairs were placed in the assembly though many with dogs stood in the rear. Off to the side was a table with refreshments. The parking lot was full.
Dale Shaver, director of parks and land use was the host to speakers County Executive Dan Vrakas, Board Chairman Jim Dwyer, Mayors Jack Chiovatero and Larry Nelson of New Berlin and Waukesha and my favorite, Bill Graham who is President of the Waukesha Kennel Club and Vice-President of the Waukesha Dog Parks Organization. Other officials and dignitaries were in the audience. I’ll make special mention of Alderwoman and County Supervisor Susan Cummings. She serves her constituents well.
Speeches about how great it is to finally have this dog park and how everybody wanted it were made. Celebration of the municipal and county cooperation made it possible. It almost made me forget the behind the scenes activity to push all of this through! Several civic organizations were given recognition for helping with projects and special mention was made to a young man named Rudy Lange.
When Pat, Kanook and I drove in, I commented on the many nice benches in the dog areas. Dale Shaver announced that Rudy Lange made all of them as part of his Eagle Scout work. As a former Scout myself, I was most favorably impressed. Well done Rudy and thank you!
After the speeches, the ribbon was cut and the gates were opened. It was enough to almost make me shout, “Release the Hounds!” As excited as the dogs were, everyone behaved well. I think Kanook has the dubious honor of making the first donation to the trash bin. I came armed with a few baggies, but there is a good supply of them at the entrance.
I will likely split my visits between Minooka and Mitchell park still. Kanook and I have been going there for five years now. The distance from my home on the NW side of town is about the same for both. I suspect the crowd will be a little smaller there now.
Remember, pick up after your dog!
