Case Date:

3/28/2025

To Whom It May Concern, I’m writing to raise ongoing and serious concerns about safety at Ferguson Dog Park. As a local resident and dog owner, I want to be able to use this public space, but I and many others have avoided it due to recurring problems with aggressive dogs and irresponsible owners. The park has unfortunately gained a reputation for being unsafe, especially in the large dog sections. Despite the park offering one section for small dogs and two for large dogs, the issue lies not in the layout but in the lack of enforcement when it comes to aggressive behavior. On multiple occasions, I’ve encountered people who knowingly bring aggressive, territorial dogs and allow them to instigate fights or intimidate other dogs. One woman even said to me, “Sorry, my dogs are just really aggressive,” without any acknowledgment that such dogs likely should not be in an off-leash public space. While there are signs advising people to report aggressive dogs to Animal Control, this is a reactive measure. It doesn’t prevent the problem, it merely suggests action after something bad happens. That approach is not good enough in a setting where dogs and people are vulnerable to serious injury. I urge the city to consider a more proactive and enforceable approach to managing the park, such as: • Installing surveillance cameras with audio capabilities to capture incidents involving aggressive dogs. This would make it easier to identify repeat offenders and enforce fines, bans, or other penalties. • Requiring owners to register their dogs for park access, with confirmation of vaccinations and agreement to behavioral rules. • Posting clear behavioral guidelines with visible consequences for aggressive or dangerous behavior. • Adding a reporting system with follow-up, so those who witness aggressive behavior can easily report it with time-stamped video or audio reference. • Random patrols or staff check-ins, especially during peak hours. Ferguson Dog Park has the potential to be a tremendous community asset, but right now, many responsible dog owners feel excluded due to fear for their dogs’ safety. I hope the city will take these concerns seriously and implement stronger, preventative measures to ensure a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone. Thank you for your time and attention. I would appreciate a response regarding what actions, if any, are being considered to address these issues. Sincerely, Michael May 8123601499 4260 E Bethel Ln. Bloomington, IN 47408

Case Date:

3/27/2025

There is an encampment that is not continuously used. It was occupied in the spring of 2024 before the removal of the encampments and the bush hogging of the vegetation to increase sight lines along the B line. Then it became active again during the winter, but now it looks unoccupied again. It seems to be active on and off because the debris and the structure that forms a shelter still remains. Can the encampment be removed to prevent future occupancy of this area?

Case Date:

3/27/2025

This car has been parked here since Monday. It appears someone may be living out of it. If the person who owns the vehicle is associated with a nearby home, it would be safer for the car to be parked in that driveway.

Case Date:

3/27/2025

I am writing to bring attention to an issue I am facing as a new homeowner at 909 W Cardinal Ct, Bloomington, IN. There is a runoff in my backyard that originates from a creek in a nearby park. This runoff significantly affects the usability of my property, as I am unable to extend my backyard or fully maintain the lawn beyond my fenced-in area due to flooding. As the homeowner, I am responsible for cleaning and mowing the area on the other side of the fence, but i cannot access this space due to the water accumulation. I have reviewed the blueprint and property lines (LOT 4), and I do not believe there should be a body of water running through my backyard. I am also aware that my neighbors have previously complained about this issue, and I would like to resolve it so that I can fully enjoy and utilize my entire property. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in addressing this matter, as I am paying a substantial mortgage but am unable to fully access my entire property. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Case Date:

3/27/2025

This large branch appears to be broken but is hanging directly above the walking path in Bryan Park. It is located along the path that goes alongside the creek, east of the restroom and near the corner of the fence for the pool.

Case Date:

3/27/2025

The lesser celandine (an invasive plant species) is almost in full bloom along the southern end of the Bloomington B Line Trail. It extends the width of about 3 lots along the trail. I thought it would be good to report since it's spreading quite rapidly. It used to only be around the wooden stairs that the neighbor installed on Bloomington Parks property (see photo). Also there is Japanese Knotweed in the area that is currently a small patch, but can spread quickly. The knotweed has not yet emerged from the ground.

Case Date:

3/27/2025

The trail gravel is eroding in several areas between Country Club and Gordon Pike, exposing the former railroad bed below. It looks like leftover coal. When it gets quite wet after snow melt or heavy rain, it resembles a black mud that is difficult to walk on.

Case Date:

3/27/2025

There's a new encampment with a couple of tents between the Rail Trail and Clear Creek.

Case Date:

3/27/2025

Garbage like plastic sheets (like a tarp), shoes, sandals, and food containers in the retention ponds.

Case Date:

3/27/2025

Is this broadband or sidewalk related? Concrete saws at work all over my neighborhood. That cut and some possibly related cracks running from utility covers to the curb are the first since I had my sidewalk replaced in the mid-1990s. For good reason, I assume.