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:

3/20/2025

Just curious if any State/County/City agency or legislative body bans smoking outdoors in public parks by statute/ordinance/regulation. Specifically, there is a cigar-smoker (loud, older, possibly un-housed) who often sits on a bench near the NW corner of People's Park about 11am and smokes a cigar that can be smelled by anyone who walks through the park and even across the street at the bagel shop. Just wondering if he could be asked to smoke where other people are not forced to smell it.

Case Date:

1/19/2025

Sidewalks are unwalkable due to snow from 2 weeks ago.

Case Date:

1/17/2025

Thank you for clearing the path within Reverend Butler Park and most of the sidewalks around the park quickly after the snowfall earlier this month. Please finish the job by clearing the snow from the sidewalk on Fairview Street in the northeast corner of the park, from where the park path meets the Fairview sidewalk north to 10th Street. Snow and ice still covered this portion of the sidewalk as of this morning, January 17, more than ten days after the end of the snowfall. Please note Bloomington Municipal Code section 6.07.010(a) "It shall be the duty of every owner of any premises abutting a sidewalk in all parts of the city to remove, or cause to be removed, all snow and ice from the sidewalk to allow safe and reasonable travel on said sidewalk within twenty-four hours after snow or ice has ceased to fall or in any way accumulate."

Case Date:

11/26/2024

walking hazard on the East side of Miller Showers Park where the blacktop is raised up/is uneven.

Case Date:

10/18/2024

There is poop all the way down the big purple slide. Park ridge park.

Case Date:

10/18/2024

There is poop all the way down the big purple slide. Park ridge park.

Case Date:

10/12/2024

Electrical box fallen over.

Case Date:

9/23/2024

I don’t remember what the initiative is called, but someone planted trees and the city stopped mowing a large swath of Butler Park a year or two ago. Predictably, invasive plant species immediately colonized the area once mowing ceased. I understand the sentiment of trying to re-naturalize a space, but it’s counterproductive if we’re just going to create another xenotope. If city staff don’t have the time to maintain the new space and control the invasive plants, then I recommend that mowing be resumed in the meantime.

Case Date:

9/18/2024

Someone keeps vandalizing the drinking fountains at Bloomington Rail Trail entrance off country club by smearing mud or feces on the water spout