Ruskin dog park temporarily closed
[Update: We've spokenwith park owner Hal Otts, who said he plans to follow code enforcement's orders to improve the park so it can re-open. He said the complaint came from an activist for the handicapped, who said the park wasn't accessible to those in wheelchairs. Otts said he's willing to make the necessary changes, but it's been unclear what those would be, he said. He hopes to find out at the July 17 hearing. If it's expensive, he'll hold a fundraiser.]
RUSKIN -- Ott's Off Leash Dog Park in Ruskin has temporarily closed, and a sign posted at the park states that it will remain so until code enforcement issues are settled.
According to code enforcement officials, someone reported that there weren't any handicapped parking spots. Code enforcement investigated and found that the private park did not have a site plan, which establishes issues like parking before construction. It should have been filed with the Planning and Growth Management department, said John Ferdon, of code enforcement.
The park, a the corner of Southeast 21st Street and Southeast Third Avenue is owned by local veterinarian Hal Ott, who also founded the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), a no-kill shelter, in 2000. The park opened in 2004.
The code enforcement hearing is scheduled for July 17.
Jessica Vander Velde, Times staff writer
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This is total crap
Posted by: Rod Munch | July 15, 2009 at 02:45 PM
There is a spot for handicapped parking already so what the hell is the problem? This park needs everyone's support as Hillsborough County's dog parks suck big time!!! Fight the man!!
Posted by: Rod Munch | July 15, 2009 at 02:49 PM
This is an outrage! The Dr. is providing a service that the county cannot afford and now he is caught up in it's bureaucracy. This is costing the good Dr. his time and money all for the benefit of the local community. He has provided a nice place for the local residence to enjoy time with their dogs and meet others in the area.Now he is being attacked for his generosity. This is government at it's worst and there is moreof this to come.
Posted by: Judy Shillady | July 15, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Here is another example of how county government is punishing the ones who are doing good for mankind and animals and rewarding the ones who have nothing to do but ruin what is great for hundreds. I have begged for a dog park in Apollo Beach and yet nothing. Of Course my taxes go up up up yet a dog park is not in the mix. Using Dr Ott's park is our only options. It is a pleasure because it is a wonderful place to meet others who have a kinship with you for animals. The Park is wonderfully kept and the dogs all love it so much. The Doctor gives and gives and what does the county do they slap him with more dollars out of his pocket. Come on now why can't the county afford to fix the parking space for the handicap and give us back our park. The county certainly is not fixing a dog park for any of us the TAX PAYERS anywhere else.
I am really upset that this activist for the handicapped said the park wasn't accessible to those in wheelchairs. The parking lot is not that large for one thing. There are spots at Wall mart for handicap that are further out than what they would have to go at the dog park. In addition there have been folks in wheel chairs there so what is the hassle???
I feel total disgust with Hillsbourgh County. Raise our taxes and ruin something that serve hundreds.
Posted by: Ida Klinger | July 16, 2009 at 11:23 AM
This is another case of 1 person ruining everything for the rest of the population! This is a beautiful clean PRIVATE park. Not a county run dirt pit. There is a small field for parking and you'd be hard pressed to be more than 2 spaces away from either gate. This isn't a commerical operation or a tax supported park. This is a park provided out of the kindness of Dr. Ott's heart and the $$$ of his wallet. Now that the county has their hooks into it, they will probably require paved lighted parking, public toilets and an on site manager! I'd sure like to know who complained. I don't blame Dr.Ott for closing the park, but I sure miss it. We don't have any other off leash option here in the South Shore area. The yahoos in Tampa have no desire to do anything for the South Shore area. They want to keep all the tax money in Tampa.
Posted by: Pam | July 19, 2009 at 10:30 AM
This county is getting worse and worse
Posted by: Angry McAngrins | July 21, 2009 at 05:18 PM
I am a 16 year old who loves to take my dog to this park. There is no park in the area of apollo beach and otts is the best park around. Everyone there has been helpful giving advice on raising a bigger dog. It shouldnt be closed for such silly reasons. Its not that hard to go 20 feet.
Posted by: Mary | September 02, 2009 at 12:58 PM