Seminole Heights Residents Hear City's Plans for Henry and Ola Dog Park

Seminole Heights residents heard preliminary plans from City of Tampa officials on Wednesday about the addition of a dog park at Henry and Ola Park, which could become a reality if an estimated $39,821 can be raised for the project.

The bulk of the funds - which would cover items such as fencing, fountains and park signage - would have to be raised on the grassroots level by local residents and business owners.

"This is something we thought might be feasible at the Henry and Ola site," said Heather Wolf-Erickson, manager with the city's parks and recreation department. "(It's) definitely not set in stone."

About two dozen residents gathered at the Seminole Garden Center, 5800 Central Avenue, for a public workshop to find out what steps should be taken to bring a dog park to Henry and Ola, where residents gather to walk their dogs on Saturday mornings.

During the meeting, residents heard a presentation from Wolf-Erickson and Karen Cashon, landscape architect in the city's parks and recreation department, that entailed how many dog parks are in the Tampa Bay area, and how to move forward with plans to create one in Seminole Heights.

Cashon said a four-foot high black vinyl fence would be recommended for the dog park, and that clean-up at the site would increase if the dog park became a reality.

"Maintenance has increased when you have a dog park," Cashon said. "It would get a daily walk through ... it would get increased maintenance, which would ideally minimize any runoff pollution."

Wolf-Erickson said most of the dog park feedback she's heard has been supportive, but told the crowd that a letter was sent to the mayor's office in opposition to the park. Some residents against the idea said a dog park was unfair for residents who don't own dogs, or that it would cater to the special interests of a minority group of pet owners in Seminole Heights.

Equipment donations for the dog park could come from corporations or small business owners, said Wolf-Erickson.

She also suggested the possibility of erecting the dog park at 300 W. Henry Avenue first, and waiting to provide extras.

"You get your dog park up," she said, "and then add amenities over time."

Resident Mauricio Rosas, a supporter of the park and Seminole Heights resident, provided the meeting's attendees with envelopes for dog park donations.

"In the event that something were to happen, I would have to return that money back to you," he said. "As far as getting together, we need as many volunteers as possible."

The next step? Collecting pledges from local businesses to raise the funds.

What do you think about a dog park at Henry and Ola? Would you and your pet use it? Tell us in the comments.

Also, check out a video of Karen Cashon discussing dog parks in Tampa Bay.

Previous coverage:

• Public Workshop Scheduled for May 15 on Henry and Ola Dog Park