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!

    Fall Planting Day

    Please join us for our annual Fall planting day!  The fabulous Lower Merion Parks crew will plant trees and shrubs that we have purchased with member donations, while our volunteers weed and plant perennials.  All plantings are designed to enhance park ecology and beauty — as well as lessen the amount of mud we have to contend with.  Bring work gloves and a trowel if you have one (we do have extras if you forget).  Light refreshments will be provided.

    Holiday Lunch

    Join us for a holiday lunch at Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, 60 Greenfield Ave, Ardmore, at 12:00 pm.  Everyone pays their own tab, so you can feel free to order whatever you want, be it a lot or a little.  It’s a great chance to get to know your fellow (human) denizens of the dog park better, and compare notes on our favorite canines!  If you did not get our E-vite email, you can RSVP through the Contact Us page on this website.  Tell us your name and how many people are coming.

    Santa Paws is NOT Coming to Town

    SADLY, SANTA PAWS’S ELVES HAVE CANCELED HIS APPEARANCE DUE TO RAIN AND FOG.  THIS EVENT WAS IN SUPPORT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA SPCA.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE PSPCA ANYWAY, GO TO OUR FRIENDS OF WEST MILL CREEK PARK FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE DONATION LINK. 

    P.S. PSPCA HAS OBTAINED MATCHING FUNDS FOR ALL DONATIONS THROUGH DECEMBER 31 — !

    Knotweed Day 2019

    Japanese Knotweed

    Please join us in the battle against invasive Japanese Knotweed!  Our battle plan consists of cutting down the plant at ground level, loading it onto tarps or into a dumpster provided by the Township.  Long sleeves, long pants and work-ready shoes are a MUST.  Water and Kind bars will be provided.

    Spring Planting Day

    Join us to help plant  perennials at the Park!  Bring work gloves and a trowel if you have one, and come and go as you please.  Water and Kind Bars will be provided.

    Wood Chip Work Day

    Calling all volunteers to help us renew the wood chip path in the Wildlife Garden at the park entrance.  All we need to do is fill wheelbarrows from the wood chip pile near the lower gate and spread them along the path to make a nice, springy, water-absorbing trail.  No gardening knowledge required this time!  Come and go as you please — every barrow-full helps!

    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.