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:

5/28/2025

On the B Line trail, the shelter that is between WonderLab and the Hyatt: this is turning into an encampment. I see open drug use while passing by each day. There is increasing trash on the ground, bikes chained to light poles, people arguing, etc. And this is mere feet from a children's museum, not to mention in the middle of downtown. I know it's a public space but these people are claiming it for their own and creating an unsafe situation. Thank you.

Case Date:

8/19/2025

There is a large tree (ash or elm?) across from my house that appears to be rotted out from the inside. My neighbor spoke to a Parks & Recreation employee who shares our concern that it is structurally unsound. I worry that during the next big storm it will fall on one of our houses. Please move it to the top of your list for removal! I know there is another tree in Butler Park about two blocks east on W. 9th that is scheduled for removal. Thank you for listening to our concerns!

Case Date:

8/12/2025

Hi! There’s a really large tree right across the street from our house that is totally rotten out and dead on one side and leaning towards our house. I’m terrified it will fall on us. I talked to a parks employee today who said he also sent an email. Hopefully it can be taken down asap, thank you!

Case Date:

8/12/2025

There is a tall tree in Butler park across the street from our house. We have noticed that it’s rotted out and leaning towards our house. We are concerned that it could come down in a storm and impact our home. We would like to request that this tree be removed. Thank you!

Case Date:

8/27/2025

The Lower Cascades Playground - The Yellow wooden Floors in the Lower Playground are deteriorating pretty badly. They are probably okay for the season, but there are starting to be significant signs of needing repairs and replaced. The Upper Cascades Playground main slide is not structurally sound to carry the weight of a three year old. The sections are splitting from each other.

Case Date:

9/2/2025

Poison hemlock, tree of heaven, Asian bush honeysuckle, and more invasive plants growing along railroad track between mother bears pizza and “MCD machine” building(s)

Case Date:

9/4/2025

On Friday August 29, 2025, my car was hit very hard by an errant golf ball on Kinser Pike. Parks and Recreation needs to be aware of the hazard along Kinser Pike. About a month ago, my husband was riding his bike along the very same stretch of road and had a golf ball come within a foot of hitting him. Kids walk to school on the sidewalk, parents push babies in strollers, and bikers commute along the road bordering Cascades Golf Course. If an errant ball hit a pedestrian or biker at the same force as the one that hit my car, it would cause life-altering and possibly life-ending injuries. There is a lack of netting and insufficient tree line to protect the public road from errant balls along Kinser Pike. Golf courses have the responsibility to protect against errant balls. Please put up netting or improve the tree line along Kinser Pike bordering the Cascades Golf Course.

Case Date:

9/5/2025

Poison ivy in mulched area on upper side of playground. Also, the chimes were installed backwards and do not match the pitch labeling.

Case Date:

9/5/2025

Poison ivy in mulched area on upper side of playground. Also, the chimes were installed backwards and do not match the pitch labeling.