Deisel (L) and Chico, OG friends, frolic at the Asbury Park after-hours north end dog beach. June, 2015, Michael Goldfinger photos.
Once again summer has hit the beautiful beach town of Ocean Grove, and once again, the town provides no recreational area for residents and their furry companions. Ocean Grove is generally considered to be “dog friendly.” Many Grovers have canine members of their families. There is a sizable dog population in town.
In early May of 2014, I and several other Ocean Grove residents provided a very detailed plan for the formation of an OG K-9 club that would virtually cost the town zero dollars. We provided various locations which would have little impact on residents in the area. We had volunteers who were prepared to maintain the location and enforce park rules. The Neptune Township Committee thought the park was a brilliant idea. A Blogfinger poll of OG residents found that 52% of residents polled wanted a park. All the Dog Park Planning Committee needed was approval from the OG Camp Meeting Association.
The idea and plans were soon presented to the CMA. We left the meeting feeling extremely upbeat, thinking we had presented a very good case for why a dog park would benefit the residents of Ocean Grove.
Who wouldn’t want a location where the people of this small beach front community could gather every day of the year, engage in small talk, and make new friends? Turns out the OGCMA didn’t. We were told that the park didn’t meet the “mission of the Association.”
Asbury Park off-hours north beach for dogs. Owners are very careful to police the area. June, 2015. MG photos.
Soon after, we again approached the OGCMA with an alternate idea. Let’s pull a page from Asbury Park. They allow dogs to play on their most northern beach during the hours that the beach is closed. Dog owners there are extremely respectful and aware that they share this beach with swimmers. The beach is almost always kept clean from dog waste, and there haven’t been any incidents resulting in complaints.
So we suggested that dogs be allowed on the most northern beach in Ocean Grove, after beach hours. This would be the location behind the white building that borders Asbury Park. Even during beach hours, this small stretch of beach is hardly utilized by swimmers. So how could that be a bad idea? Well, once again the CMA turned us down.
We hoped that they would listen to us, since we all are Ocean Grovers. We understand that the foundation of this town is built around CMA beliefs, but, times are changing, and residents deserve to be heard and met half way. The blanket statement, “it doesn’t meet our mission,” is extremely vague and an easy out.
So once again, we raise the question regarding a location where dogs can safely play in Ocean Grove:
Previously we suggested the open grassy area on the south side of town near the intersection of Pennsylvania and Inskip Avenues. Next we proposed the North Beach, which would require nothing but responsible dog owners.
Now here is yet another location (shown in photograph)—-The corner of Broadway and Fletcher Lake (Central) Avenue.
Chico checks out the suggested location by Fletcher Lake at Broadway. MG photo.
That corner already has a fenced in playground, tennis court and shuffle board area. Behind all those locations lays a big grassy strip, perfect for a dog run. One side is already fenced in and the other side is water. The only thing needed is fencing on the north and south side. The tennis court and playground would provide a buffer, and residents who didn’t want a park wouldn’t see it back there
If anyone has any suggestions on how we can move this concept forward, please comment or contact me directly. I am still committed to this project and believe that a dog park would only add to the pleasures of living in this town.
Thank you,
Michael Goldfinger for the proposed OG K-9 Club
Contact Michael Goldfinger via Blogfinger@verizon.net
Ocean Grove, NJ, June 9, 2015
PATTI SMITH with VINCE GIORDANO AND THE NIGHTHAWKS (From Boardwalk Empire)
I don’t think the location you suggested in photo is a good idea. It is located right where the children’s park is located. Fireman’s Park might make a great location for a dog park.
I am an enthusiastic supporter of an Ocean Grove dog park. From Pegi Costantino, President of the Ocean Grove Woman’s Club.
Joe,
None of those ties up CMA land long term. I wish they did have a dog park, but it is their land, if they don’t want the insurance and clean up expense, then they don’t have to do it.
Clearly a giant craft sale, a car show, and a chocolate festival advance the mission of “spiritual growth, birth and renewal (TM)”
Maybe if we get the Gannons to build it it will happen.
Several years ago Cindy Stiles, owner of the Ocean Grove Pet Boutique , attempted to start a dog park in OG. She actually had a petition with 300 signatures of Grover’s. She was also met with negative results.
The Camp Meeting Association owns the land.
Unfortunately, it has a very narrow definition of a “community.” It operates in many ways as in days of old with 100’s of tents and inhabitants only showing up for summer days.
It historically denied access to certain potential homeowners not in sync with its mission. (Fortunately that has changed.)
When you look at our landlord, it (CMA) does not recognize the contemporary needs or aspirations of a 21st century community–running the range from dog parks to appropriate recreational development of the North End.
I’m puzzled. I can understand objections to proposals that conflict with the mission statement but I am at a loss to understand why a proposal that at worst has no impact on the mission statement and at best would promote community and good will would be rejected. Why disallow something that benefits the residents? Do tennis courts or playgrounds advance the mission statement? Aren’t they allowed? How about a car show on Main Avenue?
Disallowing a dog park sounds like a rather arbitrary decision. I should be careful in my comments. The next thing that will happen is that playgrounds and tennis courts will be disallowed.
We need to organize….this is ridiculous….let’s start a petition.
A year ago, I had the exchange below with the CMA. I still don’t understand their objection.
—–Original Message—–
From: information
To: lisajoanf
Sent: Wed, Jun 18, 2014 10:11 am
Subject: OG Dog Park Proposal
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
From: Lisa Freeland [mailto:lisajoanf@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2014 3:27 PM
To: information@oceangrove.org
Cc: blogfinger@verizon.net
Subject: OG Dog Park Proposal
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
Editor’s Note: Ordinarily we don’t get into theology on Blogfinger, however, in this instance, the CMA did offer a theologically based explanation for their decision regarding a secular vision for the town—ie a dog park. So we will allow Lisa’s comment since it is on point and attacks no one. Paul @Blogfinger