Kids and dogs in Evergreen Park,OG. Paul Goldfinger photo
By Moe Demby, staff reporter/photographer @Blogfinger. 2014 re-post.
In early May several Ocean Grove residents proposed opening a dog park in Ocean Grove to the Neptune Township Committee. The prepared proposal suggested that the park be placed in the open grass area at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Inskip Avenues, behind the sewer maintenance building.
Residents volunteered to care for the park and ensure park rules were followed; including monitoring all residents who utilized the park. The proposal suggested methods in which the park would cost the township little out of pocket expense. The Township Committee members were receptive to the idea of a dog run, including Mayor Brantley who stated that Ocean Grove was long overdue for a dog park. The Committee referred the proposal to the Camp Meeting Association for consideration.
About a week later, the same residents presented the proposal to the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association COO J.P. Gradone. Mr. Gradone, a dog owner, was very appreciative of the proposal and stated that he would share the proposal with the CMA board.
On June 14, residents again met with Mr. Gradone to discuss the proposal for an Ocean Grove dog run. Mr. Gradone tinformed residents that after meeting with executive board members, the decision to deny the dog park proposal was unanimous. The reason given by the CMA was, “ It (the dog park) is not compatible with the Camp Meeting Association’s mission.”
It was made clear that the board was firm in its decision; despite the fact that over 175 residents of Ocean Grove backed the concept of a dog park in town. (Blogfinger on-line poll)
If you would like to contact the CMA regarding your disappointment over the decision, below is their contact information:
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association
54 Pitman Avenue- PO Box 248
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Phone: 732-775-0035
Email: information@oceangrove.org
BAHA MEN. “Who Let the Dog’s Out?”
“For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 3:19
I believe that Ocean Grove was founded in a prayer meeting on July 31, 1869, and the land was set aside for the perpetual worship of Jesus Christ. The mission of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is to provide opportunities for spiritual birth, growth, and renewal in a Christian seaside setting.
I guess that Doo Wop, Abba,the Beach Boys and vintage car shows are more in line with how today’s Association interprets their mission. I wonder what Jesus would think.
Lisa,
Thank you for your comments. I understand how some may feel about the importance of a dog park to the community. However, the CMA must look at things like this from a broader perspective, specifically how it coincides with our mission statement.
You have referenced the views of the Methodist Church in Britain on the treatment of animals. The CMA agrees that animals need to be treated in the proper manner. This view of animals is simply a position statement by this particular denomination on the care of animals. It should not be confused with the mission statement of the CMA.
Our mission of Spiritual Growth, Birth, and Renewal is directed towards creating programs, environments, etc. to increase the spiritual growth, birth, and renewal of individuals. Some may interpret that the addition of a dog park would facilitate this. That is fine. Although we are very supportive of the proper care of animals, a dog park does not align with how we interpret our mission. I hope this gives you some clarity on our position.
Sincerely,
J.P. Gradone
Exec. Director/COO
OGCMA
I understand the dog park proposal was denied because “it is not compatible with the Camp Meeting Association’s mission.”
The Ocean Grove CMA website cites its mission as follows:
“The mission of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, rooted in its Methodist heritage, is to provide opportunities for spiritual birth, growth and renewal through worship, education, cultural and recreational activities in a Christian seaside setting.”
From http://www.methodist.org.uk/who-we-are/views-of-the-church/animal-welfare ….
“The Bible records that God’s covenant is not only with men and women, but ‘with every living creature’, and repeats it twice! A human being may be worth many sparrows, but even a sparrow does not die unnoticed (Matthew 10:29-31).
The Christian vision is of a world where the whole of nature is at harmony (Isaiah 11:6-8), and where none is exploited.”
I don’t understand how a dog park is incompatible with the mission of the Camp Meeting Association. Can you please explain?
I strongly urge you to reconsider, as it would benefit everyone.
Thank you.
Lisa Freeland
30 Ocean Pathway 4C
Ocean Grove, NJ
The location at Inskip Avenue was only a suggested location. The CMA was offered several alternative locations. The point wasn’t the location but merely a request asking the CMA to give us a spot to have a dog run. We would have been happy with any grassy strip in town. I really don’t understand how this is a controversial issue and why some of you are so adamantly against it.
I’m not certain what your point is Ms. Salow; we are all aware that the primary mission of the Church is God. But lets remember that dogs are messengers of God; within the Bible dogs are referenced over 40 times.
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea tell you. Every one of these knows that the hand of the Lord has done this. The life of every creature and the breath of all people are in God’s hand.” (NCV)
Thank You, Moe
The reason given by the CMA was, “ It (the dog park) is not compatible with the Camp Meeting Association’s mission.”
What’s dog spelled backwards? Eh?
What exactly is the “mission” that a dog park isn’t compatible with? I’m very disappointed. While walking my dog, I don’t always feel welcome when it comes to the grass strips even though I clean up after my dog. A dog park would have been a great addition to our town of many dogs. I also would have been in earshot and I think it was a great location.
Disappointed, but at all not surprised. Better choice be to would find a tract in Neptune. More space, less population density than OG.
Having a dog park would improve the quality of life for the many dog lovers in town. Dog walkers wouldn’t mind the trip. Dog parks are usually beautiful places that don’t impinge on the lives of those who live nearby.
Poor choice of location all the way over on one side of town.. Not centrally located. Only folks who would have used it would have been those on far south side of town. Also, as ogbess points out, it would have been a nuisance for those nearby it.
Thank you OGCMA, from a dog owner and a resident who lives within earshot of the proposed dog park.