History of the REDLANDS DOG PARK
Before we get into the history of Redlands Dog Park, we'd like to give a quick shoutout to Web Hosting Buddy & SiteGround for making this website possible!
The Redlands Dog Park has been "in the works" for quite some time. To follow is a recap of all that has taken place:
9/14/00 – Redlands resident, Samuel H. Freedman, submitted a detailed proposal to the Redlands Parks Commission and the Redlands City Council regarding the establishment of a dog park in Redlands. The Parks Commission unanimously approved the park site, but the project lingered at the council level.
4/6/01 – According to a document from the State of California, the City of Redlands was to be allocated $615,000 from the 2000 Proposition 12 Park Bond Act.
9/4/01 – In anticipation of the funds from the Proposition 12 Park Bond Act allocation to the City of Redlands, a "Wish List" was developed by the Parks & Recreation Commissions recommending a list of capital improvements. Development of a dog park at Ford Park was originally #15 on the list. However, Recreation Commissioner Patty Holohan recommended that the dog park (#15) be swapped with a project at the Community Center for the children (#23). The Council agreed. Ultimately, this move put the dog park too far down the ‘Wish List' to receive funds that were allocated by the bond measure.
4/23/03 – Mr. Freedman again contacted the city regarding the status of the proposed dog park. He also notified the city that, although he would continue to be available for input and suggestions, he was having to move out of state in the near future and would not be able to advocate for the project locally.
10/03 – Having seen an article in the Redlands Daily Facts regarding Mr. Freedman's efforts, Elizabeth Kulbin contacted the city regarding the status of the dog park project. She was informed that the city supported the concept, but did not have the staffing or the funds at that time to see it through.
10/14/04 – Elizabeth Kulbin, with the support of a local service club, made a presentation to the Redlands Parks Commission regarding the possibility of establishing a dog park at Ford Park that would be funded by private donations and maintained via a collective effort by the city, the service club and a dedicated group of volunteers. The Parks Commission voted to support the development of the project.
11/16/04 – The City Council approved the Parks Commission's recommendation to develop a dog park facility in Ford Park.
12/04 - 6/05 – Community meetings were held so that residents could contribute their ideas and suggestions of what they would like to see in Redlands' first dog park.
11/05 – By compiling the ideas and suggestions gathered from the community, a formal design plan was developed for the Redlands Dog Park
3/06 The Redlands Parks Commission approved the formal design plan
6/06 The Rotary Club of Redlands made a contribution, via The Redlands Community Foundation, to the Redlands Dog Park in the amount of $13,000.
4/07 The Rotary Club of Redlands made an additional contribution of $2,000
5/08 – After an extended ‘intermission', we have re-grouped and re-charged and are moving forward to make the Redlands Dog Park a reality!
2009 - R.U.F.F. Raises the funding needed to construct the Dog Park.
8/10- We are awaiting final approval of our plans from the City of Redlands. We will annouce the "Ground Barking Ceremony" and begin the construction of the Redlands Dog Park very soon!! Thank You for generous contributions !!
12/10 - Redlands City Council approves the Dog Park !!
3/11 Redlands Dog Park Breaks Ground !!
4/11 Construction begins on the Dog Park.
JUNE 12, 2011 REDLANDS DOG PARK OPENS !!