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2020 Survey Results Are In!

Every year in March, we send out a survey form with our Annual Newsletter to get member feedback and ideas. We compile every comment we receive by subject matter, then offer a response so everyone knows that their ideas were considered, whether or not they can be implemented at the time. Here it is for 2020!

Mud Concerns

 Member comments:  **Continued work on water absorption and adding bird- and bee- attracting plants!  ** Plant some trees in the centermost area, near the little wetland (feeder stream) area between the wooden walkway ad the path next to Mill Creek. ** Mitigate standing water issue on rainy days.  ** Install drains to carry water into Mill Creek ** Maybe river stones down middle where it’s so muddy and holds water. **

Our response:  We heartily endorse your planting suggestions!  One of our top priorities is to continue our ongoing program to plant native trees, shrubs, and perennials.  Native plants not only reduce mud by drinking up excess water, but provide a host of other benefits including enhancing water quality in the stream, reducing flooding, and providing wildlife habitat.  Be aware that our park is in a floodplain and to a certain extent periodic flooding/wet spots are natural and ecologically beneficial.  We are seeking a balance between park user comfort and ecological benefits, so a completely dry park is not actually a goal. 

In re drains:  our park has three existing drains and, for the reasons explained above, we do not plan to advocate for more at this time.   

In re river stones:  we are advised that river stones piled on top of the muddy central area would quickly become buried in more dirt as leaves and other organic matter decompose on top of them, and they have limited ability to absorb water.  Native plants and trees with deep roots, on the other hand, will actively absorb water, and also filter and clean the water before it enters Mill Creek.

Trail Quality Concerns

Member Comments:   **Can gravel be covered with wood chips?  My dog avoids walking on large gravel chunks whenever she can – yes, I know she’s fussy.**

Our response:  With respect to covering the lumpy parts of the gravel trail with wood chips, we ran the idea past the Township.  In their experience the wood chips are too light and will quickly wash away in our flood-prone park, so they don’t recommend this solution.

Other Ecological Concerns

Member comments: ** General cleanup and invasive plants (vines) removal. **

Our response:  Definitely this is part of our mission, and normally we have volunteer days for this work.  Due to the pandemic, we have held no events in 2020 other than our annual October Planting day (labor courtesy of the Township Crew and socially distanced Boy Scouts from Troop 176—a big THANK YOU to both!).  We are hoping to resume member volunteer days when the pandemic permits.  If regular volunteer days are not an option by Spring, we may call for individual volunteers to work solo.  You will need to sign a waiver form and receive training.

Park Hygiene

Member comments:  ** Enforce (?) clean-up by all pet owners (add signs?) ** At least one trash bin in the back of the park.**

Our response:

In re clean-up, good suggestion.  We will work on signs to be placed on the pickup bag poles.

With respect to the additional trash bin, we sympathize but are not currently recommending this.  Given that we have three trash receptacles already, we feel that adding another detracts from our goal to preserve the natural atmosphere of the park as well as adding to the burden on the township maintenance crew.  For now, please just carry the bag around to the receptacles nearer the park entrance.  (It’s a long way for a busy park crew member to drag a heavy, stinky trash can on foot!)

Suggestion for Next Year’s Annual Meeting

Member comments:  What about an open meeting or talk on dog intelligence, training, owner’s expectation – from behavioral doctor at Penn Vet?

Our response:  Great idea—we alternate ecology-centered and dog-centered topics at our annual meetings, and we are due for a dog-centric talk at the next meeting, whenever that can occur.

Volunteering

A couple of people indicated their willingness to volunteer on the survey form.

Our response:  Thanks for volunteering!  We expect to be in touch with all who are willing to volunteer in Spring 2021.

General Comments

Member comments:   ** You’re doing a very nice job! **  You are all – terrific! ** Beautiful job on Park.  Thank you!  ** Love the Park! **  Even though I don’t have a dog, I’d like to support the park ** Love our Park! ** I’ve never been more grateful for our park in my life!” ** Thanks for all you do – park looks great! ** Great park, thanks for your work. ** The park looks great!  Stay well—**

Our response:  Thanks for all the encouraging words – the positive feedback is very energizing to our Steering Committee!!!

2020 Donations

FOUR PAWS ($150 and over)

Peter & Ellen Briggs

Fred Fisher

Anne Hamilton

Bobby & Randie Harmelin

Beth & David Mark

Marsha Perelman

Ellen Reese & Gary Stein

Maria Spagnuolo

Anthony Vale

THREE PAWS ($100-$149)

Judy & Yair Argon

Janice Asher

The Cassimatis Family

Harold Feldman & Annie Steinberg

Richard Hamilton

Pam Hamilton & Steve Levy

Karen Hinckley

Alan & Julie Hochman

Michael Hoessly

Joan Logue

Craig Oliner

Sheila Romirowsky

Kay Sude

Jill & Eric Sussman

TWO PAWS ($50-$99)

Judy & Art Axelrod

Charna Axelrod

Iain & Mary Black

Kirk & Stephanie Brandon

Randy Esposito & Fotini Debonera

The Farrell Family

Linda & Bob Pitt

Jay & Marya Margolis

Helene & Kent Walker

The Wassmansdorf Family

ONE PAW (up to $49)

Katya Grischuk

Christine & David Hartzell

Hank & Barbara Holmes

June Lauer

HONORARY or IN MEMORIAM GIFTS

In honor of Jake Alpert

2019 Donations

FOUR PAWS ($150 or more)
Peter and Ellen Briggs
Marsha Perelman
Maria and Ken Pollack
Ellen Reese and Gary Stein
Barbara, Dan, Katy & Sam Yody
THREE PAWS ($100 to $149)
Diana and Lawrence  Alpert 
Yair and Judy Argon
Jill Cooper
Gary and Linda Dorey-Stein
Karen and Joan Garbeil
Richard Hamilton
Karen Hinckley
Michael and Selina Hoessly
Nora and Barry Kramer
Beth and David Mark
Karl and Dori Middleman
Craig Oliner
Shelly  Phillips
Kay Sude
John Bryan III and Nancy Winkler
TWO PAWS ($50 to $99)
Judy and Art Axelrod
Mary and Iain Black
Glenn and Jennifer Cooper
Mary  Field
Robby and Judy Freeman
Susan Lichtman
Jay and Marya Margolis
Marjorie Paul
Linda Pitt
Craig and Cary Sellers
Helene Feinberg Walker
Rick and Karen Wilson
ONE PAW (up to $49)
Lars Pace and Michelle Detwiler
David and Christine Hartzell
Hank and Barbara Holmes
June Lauer
Mary Anne Sheldon
Judith Thompson

2019 Survey Results Are In!

This year, member comments centered on trail improvement, mud issues, planting, hygiene and preservation of the grassy areas.   Here are all the comments we received and our response:

Q#1:  What projects do you think should be undertaken for the future?

Trail improvement:  â€œRemoving large pieces of gravel and finding more paw friendly alternatives”

Our response:  We will continue to work with the Township on trail issues.   With respect to the large less comfortable stones on the path at the far side of the park, the Township has found that trying to finish off paths using the fine gravel works on level paths but does not work on slopes, where gullies develop.  We are exploring viable alternatives.  Meanwhile, we have found that for humans, shoes with thicker soles help—and the dogs are free to go where they please!

Mud Problem/Planting Plans: â€œCenter area of mucky water—plant?” ** “Less mud!” ** “Putting down stones or mulch to get rid of the mud.” ** “Mud control in far end of park near boardwalk” ** “Continue the good work on flooding & planting.” **

Our response:  One of our top priorities is to continue ongoing planting efforts to reduce mud, replace tree cover, and enhance the wildlife habitat.  We plan to continue our planting program, expanding to the area around the blue Dog Park sign as well as in the wildlife garden, riparian areas, and the boggy areas.  We will seek out expert ecological advice on use of mulch and stones/gravel to reduce mud.

Hygiene/Grass Preservation: ** “Protection of the grassy areas.”  ** “Small signs advising people to stay on the path except for poop pick-up.  I’m thinking of a few signs along pathway such as “keep off the grass” signs you see around town.  I believe many people come to the park who do not belong to our association and may or may not adhere to our rules and may or may not have off-leash permits for their dogs.  I’ve heard people say they think they don’t need to clean up poop when it’s up on the hill or in the middle of the meadow.  They do!  But a little signage might reinforce rules to non-members and casual drop-in visitors.”

Our response:  Good suggestions, which will be considered.  FYI we consider the addition of signage something of a balancing act.  The up side of signage is that it may influence behavior in a good direction; the down side is that signage tends to undermine one of our main missions which is to preserve the natural atmosphere of the park.  Our experience with park signage to date suggests that its effectiveness is less that one would hope.

Amenities: “Dog water fountain and rinsing station” ** “trash can deeper in the park”

Our response: As always, when it comes to park amenities we try to balance member need, the cost and maintenance burden on the township, and our goal of maintaining the wild, “walk in the woods” feel of our park. At this time, our thinking is a more minimalist approach on such conveniences best fulfills our mission.

Q#2:  Any other comments or thoughts you would like us to consider?

“Although I don’t have a dog, I support the park’s promotion of and use of native plants.” ** “Love the park and love the improvements, including the respite garden and memorial trunk.” ** “It’s a wonderful park!” ** “Thank you!” ** “Keep up the great work!” ** “Keep up the good work—well done on improving the park!”  ** “Thanks for running the park.” ** ”Thanks for all you do!!” ** “Thank you for creating and maintaining a lovely respite for humans and hounds!” ** “We absolutely love the creek! Thank You.

Our response:  Thanks for the positive feedback—it keeps us energized!

2018 Volunteers

In 2018 we held a total of 7 official work days – three dedicated to planting and maintenance, and 4 to cutting down our ever-persistent crop of invasive Japanese Knotweed.  Many, many thanks to our 14 wonderful volunteers, Judy Argon, Karen Barsotti, Ellen Briggs, Helen Chen, Art Gold, Karen Hinckley, Gary Kingaffer, June Lauer, Orsi Lazar, Linda Pitt, Ellen Reese, Mary Ann Sheldon, Christel Urmenhazi, and Helene Feinberg Walker who donated a total of 84 hours to our ongoing efforts to keep our park green and growing!  We should also note that, in addition to our official work days, ad hoc volunteers donated many additional but uncounted hours to general upkeep and maintenance (mostly weeding and invasive removal).   An additional thank you to you unsung heroes!  And last but not least, Matt Berk, Rich Cutshall, and Gary Stein have consistently been there to help with skilled projects such as gate latch repairs and affixing signage

2017 Volunteers

Some of the volunteers at October 2017 work day

In 2017

In 2017, our volunteers once again surpassed expectation.  During the year, we held 10 formal pre-announced work days.  Our work included:

  • Wildlife and Respite Garden maintenance 
  • Control of  Japanese Knotweed, an invasive plant that threatens the park’s ecological health
  • Planting new native shrubs in the low lying areas of the park in an effort to reduce mud

Seventeen of our members participated in these work days.  Including additional help from several young people fulfilling community service requirements, we logged a total of 134 volunteer work hours for the year!   Thanks a million to member volunteers Judy and Yair Argon, Ellen Briggs, Paula Burns, David and Tal Coren, Rich Cutshall, Michelle Detwiler, Pinkie Hamilton, Karen Hinckley, Tessa Lamont Siegel, June Lauer, Max Perelman, Linda Pitt, Ellen Reese, Cary Sellers, and Elaine Stern for all their hard work.  We also had a number of non-official work days so our actual volunteer work hours probably total around 160.

Holiday Lunch Menu Choice and Directions

Our holiday lunch will take place on Wednesday, December 5, at 12:30 pm at the A La Maison restaurant, 53 W. Lancaster Ave, Ardmore PA.

If you’d like to attend our holiday lunch, choose one EntrĂ©e per person. Send your choice, along with your check for $35 per person payable to Friends of WMC Park, to Ellen Reese, Treasurer, 727 Stradone Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004:

Entrees (choose one per person):

  1. Quiche du Jour (Chef’s Choice)
  2. Grilled Shorty – Signature Burgundy Braised Black Angus Short Rib Pieces & Gruyere Cheese Grilled on Toasted Brioche
  3. Traditional Croque Madame Or Croque Monsieur Open Faced Sandwich
  4. Cheese Omelet
  5. Poulet Maison – Pan Seared Boneless, Skinless Pounded Chicken Breast Served With BĂ©chamel
  6. Crepe du Jour – Selection of Two (2) Traditional French Crepes (Chef’s Choice)

The lunch will also include soft drink, choice of Salade Maison or special house French fries, and a dessert.

 

Dog Aggression

Trouble in Paradise?   Tips from Friends of West Mill Creek Park on how to handle dog aggression at the park

If you have an issue with an aggressive dog at the park . . .

  • As a first step, try a polite and civil conversation with the owner of the dog you are concerned about. Sometimes a creative solution can be found.  For instance, we had one situation that was resolved when the owner agreed to keep the dog muzzled while at the park.  Or, if the problem is not severe, the owners could try a mutual agreement to keep on opposite sides of the park, or to visit the park at different times.
  • If that does not work, especially if there is an injury to you or your dog, the next step is to notify Lower Merion Animal Control at 610-649-1000. Animal Control will send an officer to take your statement.  (Note:  The Lower Merion Department of Parks & Recreation administers the Off Leash Permit program, but they cannot take action absent a police report.)
  • After you have given a statement to the police, you can proceed to notify Donna Heller, Director of the L.M. Department of Parks & Recreation, at dheller@lowermerion.org , or (610) 645-6220.  Parks & Rec will review the situation and, if circumstances warrant, may revoke the off leash permit of the offending dog.
  • In all cases where there has been an injury to a person or dog, it is a good idea to document that with photos and/or a visit to the doctor or vet (as the case may be).

If you are the owner of a dog that may have injured another dog or person at the park . . .

  • After the dogs are safely separated, best practice is to contact the other owner, ask whether owner and dog are ok, and where appropriate offer to pay for any damage caused. This can be very hard because both you and the other owner may be upset, but apologies or expressions of concern go a long way to ease tensions and promote a civil atmosphere at the park.
  • Just because you have an incident does not mean your dog’s off leash permit can or should be revoked.  Accidents happen.  But remember .  .  .  NOT ALL DOGS ARE SUITABLE FOR OFF LEASH DOG PARKS. A dog may be a fine dog and a beloved family member, but still not a good candidate for off leash privileges in a public park.

Role of Friends of West Mill Creek Park

To keep our dog park a friendly and welcoming place, concerns about habitually aggressive dogs must be addressed.  Our policy is to rely on the police and township to referee disputes over dog aggression.

  • Our organization is not trained or equipped to arbitrate disputes among dog park visitors. Our role in this area is strictly limited to providing educational information to help people resolve issues as amicably as possible through the proper channels.
  • We cooperate with any inquiries about aggressive dog incidents from the police or the Lower Merion Department of Parks and Recreation.

See also our companion brochure, “Etiquette:  10 Tips for a Great Dog Park Experience,” for some really good general guidelines on avoiding common dog park problems.  Copies are usually available in the kiosk, and it is also available under the “Gettin’ Along” tab on our website.

2018 Donations

FOUR PAWS ($150 or more)

Peter & Ellen Briggs

Anne Hamilton

Beth & David Mark

THREE PAWS (($100 to $149)

Judy & Yair Argon

Jay Bryan & Nancy Winkler

John & Jessica Cassimatis

Linda & Gary Dorey-Stein

Richard Hamilton

Karen Hinckley

Michael Hoessly

Joan Logue

Ellen Reese & Gary Stein

Eileen Rosenau

Kay Sude

Sherry & Lewis Wexler

Karen Zimmerman & David Preefer

TWO PAWS ($50 to $99)

Arthur & Judy Axelrod

John & Barbara Barr

Iain & Mary Black

Karen & Joan Garbeil

Jill Cooper

Hazel Murphy

Jay & Marya Margolis

Jill & Eric Sussman

Christel Urmenyhazi

Mark & Sonya Wassmansdorf

Rick & Karen Wilson

ONE PAW (up to $49)

Janice Asher

Amy Cohen & Tom Waniewski

Michelle Detwiler & Lars Pace

Mary Field

Helene Walker

Survey Results Are In!

2017 Friends of West Mill Creek Park Survey Results

  1. What projects do you think should be undertaken in the future?

MUD

Member survey comments:  “Try to keep the park from having “mud pits” near boardwalk and between bench and entrance to creek.” ** “Get rid of the mud!”  ** “More planting in center area to prevent “mudholes”—and would love more shrubbery to attract birds.”

Our response:  Our number one priority is trying to address the mud in a way that benefits both ecological and practical concerns. 

We have begun our campaign to reduce mud in an ecologically friendly way begun by planting bog-tolerant shrubs around the mud hole near the long boardwalk.  If the shrubs grow and flourish, they should keep the dogs out of the water. We intend to keep on planting with the goal of providing food and cover to wildlife while keeping our dogs cleaner.   Please note that we are moving ahead with this project in small increments rather than a mass planting effort all at once because these are difficult planting conditions and we expect to learn a lot by trial and error. 

We hope you will understand that our park is in a floodplain, and part of its important ecological function is to absorb and filter storm water before it reaches the creek.  Also, the seasonal pools of standing water are necessary to the reproduction of park amphibians, which in turn help control insect populations.  Therefore, diverting all storm water directly into Mill Creek so that the park is always dry underfoot is not one of our goals; rather, we will try to strike a happy medium between ecological and practical concerns.

TRAILS

Member survey comments:  “The stone pathways are not holding up.  The wooden walkway is much better.  Either extend the wooden walkway all the way round or add stone/metal/plastic frames for the gravel portion and add more gravel.”  ** “Finish covering larger stones on path with small stones to protect dogs’ paws.”

Our Response:  Parks & Rec tells us that extending the wooden walkway around the park is not practicable because of the high groundwater levels.  Containing the gravel by adding frames is not a viable solution either.  Because of the high volume of water runoff that flows over the park, the gravel moves, either burying the frame and making it useless, or leaving the frame projecting out of the ground which creates a tripping hazard.  Similarly, finishing off the rocky part of the path is not an option.  Parks & Rec has tried to do this kind of project in the past.  They have found that the fine finishing gravel (which works pretty well on the flat parts of the path) isn’t effective on the sloping paths.  It gets carved into gullies and then ultimately washes away.

SEATING

Member survey comments:  “A bench down near beach spot past the weed penitentiary area.  A lot of people come down there to let dogs swim – maybe 2 rustic log-type benches.  There is plenty of room.”

Our response:  Great idea!  We are currently discussing this with Parks & Rec.

PARKING

Member survey comment:   “Marking of parking spaces in the lot to maximize the number of cars.”

Our response:  Great idea!  We are currently discussing this with Parks & Rec.

SAFETY FENCING

Member survey comments:  “I would like more money spent on enclosing the area.  My dogs are ok but friends won’t come because they do not feel the property is secure.” **  “We have heard there’s a hole in stone wall that dogs can get through.  Can this get checked out and repaired?”

Our response:   We are very supportive of all reasonable measures to improve safety.  We are currently looking at the possibility of some additional fencing and/or the planting of shrub hedges in areas of particular concern.  However, it is important for everyone to understand that it not possible to enclose the park completely.  Fencing cannot be installed either across the stream or in the area where the stream may flood while carrying debris.   West Mill Creek Park is suitable only for those dogs whose owners can trust them off leash.  A completely fenced area is available at Rolling Hill Park for dogs with less reliable recall skills. 

As far as a hole in the stone wall, we aren’t aware of one, though there was an opening between the fence and stone wall that has been dealt with by the independent efforts of one of our members.

WATER QUALITY

Member survey comment:   “Periodic checks of creek’s toxicity.”

Our response:  We spoke to the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Lower Merion Conservancy about this concern.  The Lower Merion Conservancy monitors water quality in our stream monthly for indications of ecological stream health such as levels of dissolved oxygen and number of macro invertebrates living in the stream.  The state department of natural resources also monitors for stream health from time to time.  Tom Clark, Conservation Coordinator at the Lower Merion Conservancy, offered the opinion that the stream, while polluted from the point of view of ecological stream health, is not necessarily detrimental to dog health.  He also noted that if we observe a “fish kill” (numerous fish floating on the surface) that is an indication of toxicity that definitely would be of concern for canine health. Finally, he noted that pollution levels are highest during and just after storms with lots of runoff entering the creek.

Mill Creek water is not safe for human consumption.  No one we talked to is aware of any particular test for toxicity to dogs, but many of our canine dog park regulars have been drinking the water for their entire lifetimes with no apparent ill effects.   If you are concerned, we suggest discussing this issue with your veterinarian. 

To keep our stream (and all waterways in Lower Merion) as clean as possible, remember that chemical lawn fertilizers, pesticides, pollutants from cars, de-icing salt and yes, dog poop, are the most significant sources of stream pollution in our area.  Dispose of all dog poop in the trash, and use chemical fertilizers, pesticides,  and de-icing salt as little as possible (none at all would be great!)

Member survey comment:  “Some people do not clean up after their dogs.  I’ve heard people say – “It’s not on the path” – but they need to clean up anywhere in the park including sides and middle.”

Our response:  You are so right!  Dog poop is a major source of stream pollution and threatens the health of people and animals that use the stream.  We hope all West Mill Creekers will take a look at our “Poop FAQs” sheet that is available on our website under the “Gettin’ Along” tab and in brochure form in the park kiosk.  It answers a lot of the questions people have asked us in the past on this issue so please take a look!

AESTHETICS

Member survey comment: “Irises along the edge of the stream.” 

Our response:  Irises would be lovely!  We are discussing feasibility with the member who suggested this. 

  1. Any other comments or thoughts you would like us to consider?

Member comments:  “Love the way the Respite Garden has filled out!  Love the improved walking area—reduced mud and mud puddles.” **“You are doing a wonderful job!” ** “The Park looks beautiful!” ** “Thanks for all you do!”  **“Thank you and our leadership for helping make the dog park a memorable part of our lives.” ** “You are doing a great job!!” ** “Thank you for everything you do for the park and for building community in our area!”  ** “ No dog but I love the dog park.  You have done an awesome job!”

Our response:  Positive feedback is extremely encouraging and energizing to all on the Steering Committee.  We thank all those volunteers and contributors who have helped make this happen and we also thank our survey respondents for the supportive comments on our efforts—we really appreciate it!

THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED FOR RESPONDING TO OUR 2017 SURVEY!