Tails & Trails Dog Park Milton WI

GRAND OPENING!!! MAY 14, 2011 10a-1p

2011-03-24T22:52:00.002-05:00

Police K9, demos, random drawings, and more! Watch for updates.

Free Free Free! Fun for the entire family --try out the new playground, walk on the trail around the large dog park, watch any number of demonstrations that are planned.

Want to join us? Have a donation for the drawings? Have a demo you think would be interesting? Tables for display are available...as is space. E-mail me soon because advertising is in the works and May is coming up fast.

We will also need set up, clean-up, and other help putting this on; volunteers welcome.

OH, be sure to thank the many donors and volunteers that made this park possible & now FREE! There will be no charge for the foreseeable future. Donations still welcome, but no annual fee or daily fee.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! This Saturday Oct. 9th at 9am Bring friends, co-workers, and/or family.

2010-10-05T01:39:00.003-05:00

10th Annual City of Milton Parks & Rec native wild flower/grass seed pick. We will meet at 9am this Sat, the 9th, out to Crossridge Park. After picking at Crossridge, we will collect seeds from various areas around town as a group. A family friendly event designed to beautify the green spaces in Milton, provide restored habitat for native wildlife, and reduce or eliminate mowing/maintenance costs otherwise passed on to the taxpayers.

All ages welcome! Great family event! Bring friends, family, and anyone else you can convince to try something new. We will meet at 9am this Sat, the 9th, out to Crossridge Park. After picking at Crossridge, we will collect seeds from various areas around town as a group. We will not be crushing this year. We want to use our time collecting as much seed possible.
Tips on what to wear (note: date for 2010 is Oct. 9th)
http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/Tourism/MiltonParks/TailsnTrailsDogPark/SeedCollection.aspx

More info at
www.miltonmatters.blogspot.com

Great blog site
http://crossridgepark.blogspot.com/

Seed is going to be used to surround the new pond on the Hwy 59 entry on the east side of Milton. It will also line the highway if we can collect enough. We need lots of people, and this truly benefits all people of Milton and then some. We have managed to restore 7 acres and have over $1000 worth of seed in storage ready to plant. This may sound like a lot of seed, but it really isn't. The seed costs hundreds of dollars per pound, but goes a long way. The finished product is a crushed seed that is very small and light. Scout groups, 4-H members, businesses, organizations, or anyone else that wants to join in is welcome!

FREE MOVIE ON GIANT OUTDOOR SCREEN THIS FRIDAY

2010-08-17T00:52:00.004-05:00

***THANK YOU to Milton's very own CARL'S PLACE

Check out his website and see the custom backyard outdoor movie screens he has to offer.

Wether it is a backyard Monday Night Football game with your buddies or a Wii Bowling competition with your children....a screen like this in your backyard would be a hit!

Carl is on Facebook too! Carl is on Facebook too! Carl is on Facebook too!

EAGLE SCOUTS DO GREAT WORK!

2010-08-17T00:49:00.002-05:00

Can you tell what was done by an Eagle Scout? There are 3 items and 2 areas in the park that are the handy work of a number of hard working, dedicated Eagle Scouts. Take a look and see if you can tell what they did.

Check back for the answers, pictures, and more details.

Thanks guys!

Donation bins are in...but the park is still free in 2010

2010-08-17T00:44:00.003-05:00

The next time you take your dog to the Tails n Trails Dog Park, consider placing a contribution in the donation bins that are now located at the park. Any amount you can donate is appreciated. The money received will go toward improvements and maintenance at the park. I would like to offer a special thanks to Print Max for the donation of the signs for the donation bins. The Tails n Trails Dog Park has fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs to play with their owners. All dogs must be licensed by their municipality in order to use the park. Contact City Hall at 608-868-6900 or by e-mail for more information.

We have had numerous people ask for a place to donate. Now you have it! Beginning with the next meeting we will start to discuss any fee structure for 2011 and beyond. Now is your chance to give us your thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Don't be shy. Milton Parks and Rec Meetings are open to the public. The e-mail for the City of Milton or the Milton Dog Park Yahoo email is easy to get to.

Note: The hole or opening at the bottom of this cylinder is not for "dog donations" of the smelly kind! PLEASE do not place used doggy bags in here! It may be funny, but not for those that have to clean it up :)

The dog sink is in!

2010-08-17T00:43:00.001-05:00

Please, NO PARKING in front of the new Substation!

2010-02-10T23:02:00.013-06:00

Please, do not park in/around the the gravel driveway leading to the substation.

Thank you.

___________________________________________________________________

Milton is accepting applications for Milton Parks & Recreation Committee.

Call 608-868-6900 for more info or click here
Milton City Hall Shaw Municipal Building (Upper Level)430 E. High St., Suite 3 Milton, WI 53563Click here for Map & Directions
Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday
Phone: 608-868-6900 FAX: 608-868-6927 E-Mail

___________________________________________________________________
GRAND OPENING:
stay tuned for details on the 2010 event*
*If you would like to be notified, help plan, or donate contact me

___________________________________________________________________

Now is a great time to be considering purchasing a bench, or tree for the dog park (or any park). You can do this in memory of a loved one, as a way of recognizing someone special, or just because you want to better the park you enjoy using. Plaques can be made to match other park signage. As with any donation, an acknowledgement letter from the City of Milton in recognition of your tax deductible* donation can be issued.

*check with your tax advisor/preparer.

Dog sink update...wait, what's a dog sink???

2010-02-10T21:27:00.012-06:00

www.1GlassImpressions.com or www.KleenMasterSinks.com
This clever idea is the work of a local artist. A love for stained glass led Janesville native Richard Snyder to create a sink to wash his glass. A clever friend of his just so happen to see the sink and request he make her one to wash her dog off. Richard crafted a custom sink to give to his friend and thought we may be able to use one too! Late one night in the fall of 2008 I received a call out of the blue. On the other end was Richard. After hearing how the idea came about I was hit with an offer that neither the Committee, nor I had ever considered. Of course I thought it was brilliant. I never guessed we would be hit with something we had not already considered. I could not wait to run it by the Committee.

Like many ideas that I think are great, some need to be thought out a bit more. Leave it to the members of the Committee to think this through for me. What about vandals, what about the sun & damage, what about a drain, what about big dogs? Big dogs?! Vandals?! OK, OK, with that we went over some pro's/con's of the idea. I took the ideas and concerns to Richard and was met with an open mind.

Thankfully Richard is patient! As many of you have seen, anything that involves the government m o v e s l i k e m o l a s s e s ! ! !

Again, thankfully Richard rode this out. Not only that, he was more than willing to work with us to customize this dog sink for our needs. Here is what we came up with:

Ability to accommodate both small dogs and large dogs
UV protected PVC construction
Doubled up sides for strength (and to make a bit more vandal resistant)
Metal legs that will withstand 200+ pounds in the sink!
Holes or some way to attach bolts/chain to the ground (again...vandal proofing)
Clean looking design that 'fits' the park concept
Professional looking in appearance and build.

I think you will find this sink was well thought out and meets the needs of our users. Richard even thought of a modification that allowed not only small dogs to be lifted into the sink, but a version for big dogs on the back side. This allows the large dogs to walk right into the shower-like pan....no lifting! Please feel free to stop by Mr Snyder's web page and drop him an e-mail telling him how you like it. I hope you all find it to be a useful tool to keep your dogs clean. We are always open to ideas, and encourage your input.

A big thank you goes out to Richard Snyder, and his company www.1GlassImpressions.com or www.KleenMasterSinks.com for not only donating such a unique donation, but for allowing us to customize it to our needs.

We are in the back stretch!

2010-02-10T21:09:00.007-06:00

Bubbler is in (obviously shut off for the winter)
Playground is in
Bridge is done
West side of large park cleared and reseeded
Fences up & fully enclosed
Signs being made
Dog sink/shower/bath station completed & ready for install

People are using the park A LOT. There are people there every day, and saying good things about the work that has been done. If you have not been out there yet, or if it has been a while, we encourage you to come for a visit.
Best of all, we have again made it a FREE facility for 2010!

2009-11-17T21:14:00.001-06:00

10/12/09

2009-10-12T21:53:00.004-05:00

What's going on at the dog park you ask?

2009-10-11T11:32:00.006-05:00

All of this is as of 10/10/09! People wanted more open space in the large dog area
....there you go!
The mounds you see in some of the pictures will be flattened and this entire area will be re-shaped a bit. The entire area will also have the trail replaced and be re-seeded.

Keep watching!

Thank you Dave Bendlin

2009-10-11T11:12:00.003-05:00

Dave Bendlin, Environmental Science and Biology Teacher for the Milton School District, has been a key to the success of many conservation projects around the county. Many of those projects are right her in the Milton area. Along with the guidance he has provided the Crossridge & Dog Park Committee, he also has established a prairie in the Tower Hill subdivision as well as the Outdoor Learning Lab Prairie behind the Milton High School.

Shown here is Mr. Bendlin showing volunteers what they should be looking for as well as what to avoid. Seeds collected from this pick will be used in a new prairie Mr. Bendlin is establishing as well as our new project, the Highway 59 entrance to the city on the west side of Milton.

Thank you Dave Bendlin for the 8+ years of sharing your knowledge and time with our group.

Seed Pick 2009

2009-10-11T09:52:00.002-05:00

IT'S A GO! DRESS WARM! SEE YOU AT ROTARY GARDENS 9AM!

2009-10-10T06:43:00.002-05:00

WE WILL BE AT ROTARY GARDENS IN JANESVILLE TILL ABOUT 10:30A. WE WILL THEN GO TO EITHER CROSSRIDGE PARK IN MILTON AND/OR THE HIGH SCHOOL PRAIRIE OFF MUNICIPAL DR.

SEE YOU THERE! DRESS WARM!

DON'T FORGET GLOVES (LEATHER ARE BEST!)

9 videos (last one starts out in dark woods) taking you through the park on the trails. A "dogs eye view" of sorts.

2009-09-24T00:04:00.003-05:00

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A DOG O GO THROUGH THE PARK!! Get out and make a new 4-legged friend or simply take a nice walk to see the park for yourself. A nice blend of nature, outdoor recreation, and great views await you.

They are getting there! Starting to take shape.

2009-09-21T22:11:00.001-05:00

2009-09-21T19:58:00.000-05:00

AmBrook Painting finishes off the wall

2009-09-21T19:16:00.005-05:00

Ambrook Painting Inc., owned by Milton native Shawn Courtney, is chosen to apply the coloring to finish off the Great Wall of Milton. From the looks of it, they did a great job! They can be reached at (608) 758-1234 or ambrook1@sbcglobal.net

Chillin' in the shade

2009-09-21T12:48:00.002-05:00

09/21/09 FYI: Caution sign

2009-09-21T12:02:00.007-05:00

As you can see there are some 2 openings in the park's fence. It is closed off with orange snow fence, but just wanted to let you know so you can keep an eye on your dog in this area until it is reattached to the new wall that was built. The wall will be the new fence on that side. The sign you see here in the picture below is the sign you will see when entering the park. This is temporary and will be removed shortly. I also took pics of the 2 areas that have temporary orange fencing. It appears to be secure, but just FYI so you can keep a close eye on them just to be safe. ***THERE WILL BE A PERMANENT GATE LIKE BARRIER TO KEEP DOGS FROM SNEAKING OUT OF THE PARK VIA THE NEW TUNNEL/CULVERT. This will be installed when construction is done. Until that time it is blocked off w/dog park fencing.

Thank you DAVE'S ACE ...for the new trails!

2009-09-12T23:07:00.006-05:00

Get out to the park to see what a little work and the high wheel mower from Dave's Ace left you. I spent most of the day out to the park with the generously donated brush mower. I cleared overgrown areas and created many trails in the many wooded areas. In fact, I made so many that it is easier to simply tell you to explore them on your own rather than tell you where they are or where they go. :) Enjoy!

Dave's ACE Hardware
430 S John Paul Road
Milton, WI 53563
Phone: (608) 868-2843
http://www.davesace.com

09/09/09 new pre-filter built on northeast corner of Alliant plot

2009-09-10T00:19:00.003-05:00

Night pics of progress on bridge.

2009-09-10T00:08:00.007-05:00

Tops of the poles have to be cut still, but great job thus far!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH, 9am ROTARY GARDENS JANESVILLE

2009-09-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

COME PICK SEEDS WITH US! YOU CAN START YOUR OWN PRAIRIE PLANTINGS, OR HELP US COLLECT SEEDS FOR PLANTING 6-7 ACRES IN THE NEW HIGHWAY 59 CONSTRUCTION AREA. WE ARE GOING TO HOLD OFF ANY MORE PLANTINGS IN THE 2 PARKS TILL CONSTRUCTION IS DONE (YMCA IN CROSSRIDGE AND ALLIANT/ATC IN THE DOG PARK)

EXTENDING THE PLANTINGS OUT ON HWY 59 IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE OF WISCONSIN DOT AND CITY OF MILTON DPW....THAT TRANSLATES INTO A TREMENDOUS SAVINGS IN MOWING AND MAINTENANCE. SO, COME HELP US PICK SEEDS NOW SO THAT YOU CAN SAVE MONEY (TAXES) DOWN THE ROAD.

NEED DIRECTIONS/MAP TO ROTARY GARDENS? CLICK HERE

Plan to join us on October 10th to help collect seeds. This year, we would also like to invite you to join us if you wish to start your own prairie planting.
This is a FREE event.
Saturday October 10th, 2009 at 9am

Seed Collection Instructions:
There will be give in a brief 10-15min presentation prior to seed collection that morning. Also, as you are picking seeds we will try to answer questions.

Seed Collection Suggestions:
Seed collection is fun and easy and for people of all ages! Bring your kids, have your kids bring a friend(s), or organize a small group (Scouts, Brownies, church group) to participate. Small Children are more than welcome, but should be accompanied by an adult. Seed collection is most often done by hand (snapping off seed head) however, some people find scissors/snips helpful. Participants are asked to bring a paper bag, however if one is not available, we will have extras.

Other Suggestions (based on prior years experience):
Wear cloths that are appropriate for walking in tall grasses. Due to both the time of year and time of day it may be a bit chilly to start. It could also be a bit damp because this time of year the grass still has dew on it. Dressing in layers often works well so that you can take off layers as it warms up. Also, be sure to wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet or muddy in the event that those are the conditions.
Most people find garden, or leather (best) gloves a must have. They will keep you a bit warmer and protect your hands from the plants. We will have a few extra pairs in the event you forget, or unable to bring your own.
In the event it is sunny you may want to consider bringing sunscreen.
If you are allergic to plants, we suggest you refrain from seed crushing or spreading. If you are allergic to any kind of insect, bring the appropriate spray or medicine just to be safe!
Bring water to prevent dehydration.
Bring a camera if you want to take pictures!

These events are a great way to get involved in the community. These parks are here to use regardless of where you live, your income, or age. We have tried to create these parks with volunteers and donations. Help us in our efforts to create a pair of parks, and other natural areas in the greater Milton community that cater to a broad range of people...and now dogs too! Plan to join us on October 10th and/or October 17th to build on what we have already started.

PLAYGROUND AREA PROGRESSION

2009-09-08T08:28:00.005-05:00

STARTING WITH THE WINTER OF EARLY 2008 AND PROGRESSING THROUGH WHERE IT IS TODAY, YOU CAN SEE HOW THE LOCATION OF THE PLAYGROUND HAS BEEN CHANGING.

THAT IS WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN COMPLETE. WE WILL ALSO HAVE A PICNIC AREA ADJACENT TO THE PLAYGROUND. SINCE THERE IS TO BE NO FOOD IN THE DOG PARK, IT WILL PROVIDE AN AREA FOR PICNIC TABLES & CONSUMPTION OF FOOD/DRINKS.

In case you have not seen the park in the last week, they have started digging the area out for the playground. The water hookup is in and it will not be long before the freshwater source will be in along with the dog sinks.

THE SINK WILL BE BACK TO BACK. THE LOWER BASIN IS FOR LARGE DOGS AND RESEMBLES A HUMAN SHOWER BASE, WHILE THE SINK IS RAISED FOR LITTLE DOGS TO STAND IN. CLEVER IDEA THAT SHOULD BE VERY USEFUL! A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO MR. RICHARD SNYDER AND www.KleenMasterSinks.com

RICHARD SNYDER OWNER OF www.KleenMasterSinks.com
HAS BUILT THAT SINK CUSTOM FOR OUR PARK! FOR MORE INFO ON HOW YOU CAN PURCHASE A SINK, OR HAVE ONE MADE FOR YOUR HOME/BUSINESS:

http://www.glassartworld.com/M10027/Detail.asp?E=1&P=DWS23

THIS AREA WILL ALSO CONTAIN A BUBBLER/SPIGOT TO PROVIDE FRESH DRINKING WATER FOR THE DOGS. I'LL POST A PICTURE OF THAT WHEN IT IS ORDERED OR A DESIGN IS DECIDED ON.

Update on the Great Wall of Milton & start on the playground

2009-09-03T04:09:00.011-05:00

The Great Wall of Milton (left)& the playground (below) are off to a good start.

A pre-filter basin for filtering sediment prior the culvert that takes the water to the pond.

Milton shows Alaska up with a "bridge to somewhere".

2009-09-02T21:00:00.015-05:00

Here is a consolidation of all previous posts about the bridge. From start to finish, Allen Schafer's Eagle Scout project has looked top notch.

07/24/09

08/08/08

09/30/09
09/02/09 Special thanks to Allen Schafer for building this for his Eagle Scout project. Milton's Mark Langer has assisted Allen in his efforts. Thank you Mark & Allen.

End of August update

2009-08-28T10:57:00.004-05:00

The bridge is being planked and looks great! ATC and Alliant are working on the new stamped concrete retaining wall (The Great Wall of Milton) as well as the storm water filters, culvert, and grading. I have had a few questions regarding the fence in the large park. To set the record straight, the fence is 100% enclosed. The park is still able to be used, and is being used by many dogs/owners daily. If there is going to be any construction in the park the work crews will post it at the entrance.

In case you have not seen the park in the last week, they have started digging the area out for the playground. The water hookup is in and it will not be long before the freshwater source will be in along with the dog sinks.

FYI

2009-08-17T20:00:00.007-05:00

You may see earth moving equipment on the southwest side of the large fenced in area in the near future. The area has been determined to be the best location to re-grade and reshape the land to make up for displaced excess holding capacity due to substation expansion. This is required in order to comply with a Wisconsin DNR regulations. This area will not be filled with water, but would provide additional holding capacity in the event of a major flood. After regrading the area will provide much more open space for the dogs to run. The entire area will remain usable except while work is being done. Those that have been to the park know this area contains large mounds with trees, very sandy soil, and many weeds. This was the result of sand and dirt 'fill' being dumped many years ago. The unnatural hills will be removed, the sandy berms leveled, and brushy-wooded areas removed. The area will then be reseeded and we are working on having some well-established trees replanted in the area.

The City had originally planned on eventually having to dredge the sediment from the pond (Nothing new here; It has always been a cyclical, required maintenance event scheduled about once every 20yrs) to add additional holding capacity, and to better regulate the ebb & flow of water levels from season to season. The dog park group wanted to work to restore some of the native wetland plants in the same fashion we have done with the native prairies out to Crossridge Park. This pond serves as a playground for waterfowl, amphibians, wetland plants, believe it or not fish in the past, and now dogs. As the holding area accumulated sediment, the pond began to take on a shallow dish shape as opposed to the deep bowl it started out as. The water began covering a larger area. When heavy rains came it did not appear to rise as fast as it would appear if it were more concentrated in a deep bowl. Due to the larger surface area exposed to the sun, the water would dry up much faster than if allowed to simply filter back into the ground, hence the pond would dry up in pronounced dry spells. Now, the average water footprint consumes about 3 acres, but in the past few years it has been in the range of 3-5 acres much of the time. Currently, it is maybe 1.5 acres with more than 1/2 of that resembling more of a marsh. In recent times of drought, it dries up completely (great time to dredge!).

Due to the increase in size and regulations, the Wisconsin DNR has determined the area around the pond with it's wetland characteristics to now qualify as a "wetland" by definition. What does that matter? It makes dredging nearly impossible. Permits, processes, studies, and time all make for a financial burden that is beyond the scope of a small town like Milton. Milton still must meet the DNR's strict storm water filtration and capacity requirement for excess water, should there ever been a flooding event exceeding the ponds holding ability. They just can not do that inside the area determined to be the "wetland" (approx. area marked by thin, pale yellow diagonal stripes).

Now you know what the wood stake with pink tape are for and what is going on when you see the land-shaping begin. The entire area will remain usable unless you see it marked off or signs posted. With the exception to the dogs that enjoy the large mounds, most other dogs & owners will enjoy be more open area to let your dogs run! Any questions can be sent to the Milton City Administrator or to the Committee Chairman at miltondogpark@yahoo.com

THE AREA TRACED IN A THICK YELLOW LINE ON THE BOTTOM LEFT(SOUTHWEST)CORNER IS THE AREA YOU MAY SEE EQUIPMENT. IF THE PARK IS UNABLE TO BE USED THERE WILL BE A SIGN SAYING AS MUCH AT THE FRONT GATE. THIS IS UNLIKELY, BUT SHOULD THERE BE A NEED WE WILL LET YOU KNOW. I WILL ALSO POST ON HERE ANY CLOSING SO CHECK BACK OFTEN.

Original map of parkas of 2008

2009-08-17T15:21:00.003-05:00

Wed 8/13/09

2009-08-13T01:49:00.010-05:00

Wed 08/13/09

2009-08-13T01:39:00.007-05:00

Friday 08-07-09

2009-08-07T18:52:00.008-05:00

Gazette photo from Walworth Co edition

2009-08-07T03:10:00.000-05:00

Photo by: Bill Olmsted, http://walworthcountytoday.com/photos/2009/apr/22/16153/

Slideshow of latest work on substation

2009-08-07T02:28:00.008-05:00

IF YOU CAN NOT SEE THIS SLIDESHOW OF PICTURES, JUST GO HERE TO SEE THEM. ENJOY!

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE ON THIS LIST?

2009-08-07T01:18:00.003-05:00

http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/dogpark.aspx

WE ARE WORKING ON THE DONOR BOARD. THERE IS STILL TIME FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO BE SEEN!

THINK WE ARE IN NEED A OF A BENCH SOMEWHERE IN THE PARK? THEY ARE COMING. HOWEVER, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE ONE IN A SPECIAL SPOT IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE; TO COMMEMORATE/DEDICATE; OR TO HAVE A BENCH WITH YOUR BUSINESS NAME ON IT, LET US KNOW SOON! THERE ARE SOME PRIME LOCATIONS WITH YOUR NAME ALL OVER IT! REMEMBER, LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. ROI BUSINESSES? THIS IS THE MOST CONSISTENTLY USED PARK IN MILTON, JUST DRIVE PAST AND SEE, OR LOOK AT THE STATS:

2000+ MYSPACE PAGE VIEWS
THIS BLOG STARTED JUNE 15 AND THROUGH TODAY, AUG 6, HAS HAD 400+ PAGE VIEWS
THE AVERAGE PERSON IS ON THIS BLOG FOR 6 MIN...JUST LIKE YOU READING THIS NOW!
THE CITY WEB PAGE HELPED US COLLECT $35,000+ IN ABOUT ONE YEAR.
OVER 100 PEOPLE HAVE VOLUNTEERED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
785 TIMES ONE OF OUR 14 VIDEOS WATCHED

CONVINCED? JOIN IN ON THE VOLUNTEER BUILT PARK, BUILT OFF THE TAX ROLLS. OTHER IDEAS TO FUND/SPONSOR ARE BUBBLER, TREES, SIGNS, PICNIC AREA, GROUND/FALL PROTECTION FOR UNDER PLAYGROUND, "#2" DOGGIE BAG REFILLS, AGILITY EQUIP. OR CONTACT US FOR MORE IDEAS.

Wait!!!! We are not even done.....check out what I found in a GOOGLE search of Milton Dog Park

2009-08-07T00:31:00.003-05:00

http://www.petwellbeing.com/articles/2009/02/best-dog-park-in-each-state.cfm

May be a stretch since we are not done, but nice nonetheless. While I like the idea someone, somewhere noticed the work that has been done, I have to say there are a number of nice dog parks in the area. None of them are the best in the eyes of many people we have talked to since finding this "best of" page. Each park is unique in its own way. We could be bigger, flatter, with more/less water, or you name it. As we have quickly found, we are never going to be the most ideal in every ones eyes. Some like the water, some hate it. A few want a bigger fenced area, others are happy they even have an area. We consider agility only to find we can go with one of the three sanctioning bodies that regulate size and materials, or just have a set to have fun. No matter what we do it is not perfect, that is where you come in. Seeing how we are a city park, we tend to go with the majority while trying to consider the needs of the minority. With that said, let us know what you like; dislike; desire; and anything else you wish.

We make it easy to contact us...just click on the dog log for an e-mail address, or click below any of the posts to let us & the world know what you think (comment box).

News is traveling and travelers have been coming.

2009-08-06T23:54:00.001-05:00

What a dif a day makes! 8-5-09

2009-08-05T18:27:00.004-05:00

The wall goes higher, and the culvert under the road goes from 2 18" tunnels to a single 10sqft unit.

If only Dorthy and Toto had that back then!

8-4-09

2009-08-05T01:16:00.008-05:00

Pics of the entire construction area (note bridge in background)

2009-08-04T09:11:00.005-05:00

So, you can not get over that way to see the progress? Here you go:

2009-08-04T08:05:00.005-05:00

Here are pics of the wall being built in the park. The white things being attached to the wall are a mold for concrete. They will create a limestone look on the outer surface of the wall in the large dog park. That was something the City of Milton asked for and Alliant & ATC agreed to do.

If you have the chance...

2009-08-03T09:04:00.005-05:00

drive out by the park and see the large retaining wall that is in the process of being constructed. It will have a stamped impression and color resembling a local limestone. The wall will contain the material used to build up the power sub-station and direct water back to a pre-filter. This will help keep sediment out of the pond. It will also be the wall the fence will be re-attached to when they are done. ATC will be doing some landscaping to help the wall blend in a bit more after it is complete. The tunnel under the road will be replaced with a much larger one and there will be a better cover/grate to keep dogs from entering (or for some...exiting) the park.

*****Now is a great time to go out to Crossridge Park (other side of Milton from Dog Park) located off east of Parkview Dr., north of Townline Rd., and west of Hwy26 for a map click here and see the native wild flowers in bloom. The members of this parks committee have worked hard to restore the native grasses and flowers in and around the paved walking trails. Stay tuned for the date of the seed pick this fall. Some will be used to establish areas in/near the dog park.

In case you don't have the chance, here is what you are missing:

CAN YOU RECOGNIZE THESE "BEFORE" PICS

2009-07-29T12:38:00.004-05:00

BIRD DOG TRAINING LAST SPRING

2009-07-29T12:24:00.001-05:00

This is a work in progess.

2009-07-28T13:44:00.002-05:00

Bear with me as I work on adding business web page links. I am trying to make sure I get everyone that has helped the park out by donation or otherwise.

FYI

2009-07-28T13:27:00.003-05:00

http://www.wivestadog.org/

Read the story about Janesville resident making a difference in her community and how that has spread:
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/sep/11/vest-program-takes-bite-out-crime-against-police-d/

Make check payable to Vest-a-Dog and mail to: Donna Morgan, 4459 Rockingham Drive, Janesville, WI 53546
For more information, call (608) 752-3539 or e-mail vestadogwisconsin@yahoo.com.

We hope to have a Police K-9 demo at the grand opening if all goes well.

Dog Sink coming soon! Water is hooked up, and bubbler ordered.

2009-07-28T12:08:00.009-05:00

THE SINK WILL BE BACK TO BACK. THE LOWER BASIN IS FOR LARGE DOGS AND RESEMBLES A HUMAN SHOWER BASE, WHILE THE SINK IS RAISED FOR LITTLE DOGS TO STAND IN. CLEVER IDEA HUH! A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO MR. RICHARD SNYDER AND www.KleenMasterSinks.com

RICHARD SNYDER OWNER OF www.KleenMasterSinks.com
HAS BUILT THAT SINK CUSTOM FOR OUR PARK! FOR MORE INFO ON HOW YOU CAN PURCHASE A SINK, OR HAVE ONE MADE FOR YOUR HOME/BUSINESS.

Let the construction begin! ATC/Alliant expansion is underway.

2009-07-28T02:59:00.004-05:00

Fence is back up so enjoy the park!

Blacktop! Let us know if you want to sponsor a bench in the pines on this trail. (memorial, dedication, other)

2009-07-28T02:18:00.004-05:00

First pics of new construction on ATC/Alliant expansion

2009-07-28T01:46:00.003-05:00

2009-07-27T23:48:00.004-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR DOG TIPS, LOST DOG POSTERS, WORKOUT DOG WALK VIDEO, DOG 1ST AID KITS, RUFF WEAR, AND MUCH MORE!...TELL TUCKER THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DOG PARK

WIN THIS VIDEO OR A 1ST AID KIT FOR DOGS AT OUR GRAND OPENING OR BUY THEM BY CLICKING ON THE PICTURE

AIRFEST '09 Nets us $2400! --Thank You to James Bostwick & all of his volunteers he rounded up.

2009-07-27T23:39:00.005-05:00

Large park fence back up on east side!

2009-07-17T09:10:00.004-05:00

Alliant and ATC will be working on the outside of the fence in the next month or so be aware. They should be on the outside of the dog parks, but be aware there is still bridge building, mowing, and other activities inside the fenced areas at times. It should not be an issue, but again, be aware. YOU are responsible for your dogs, their safety, and the safety of others that come in contact with your dog.

Parking lot & trail have blacktop!

2009-07-17T09:06:00.010-05:00

Public welcome at meetings!

2009-07-15T09:17:00.004-05:00

Milton Crossridge Ad-Hoc Committee meeting is this Monday, 07/20/09, at 6:30pm in the basement of the City Hall & Library building on High St.

We discuss and make decisions on issues relating to the Crossridge Park plan & Tails and Trails Dog Park.

Crossridge Park is on the east side of town and has paved walking trails, restored native prairie plantings, bike jumps, a full size YMCA to be built soon, and much more in the works.

Any questions? Just ask!

Update

2009-06-12T16:21:00.004-05:00

UPDATE

FENCE ON THE EAST SIDE WILL BE MOVED IN A WAYS TILL SOMETIME IN AUG. WHEN ATC & ALLIANT ARE DONE, IT WILL BE MOVED BACK.
PARKING LOT IS IN, PLEASE USE IT. THERE IS A TRAIL FROM THE LOT TO THE BIG PARK. IT WILL BE PAVED SOON. GET OUT THERE AND USE THE PARK!
WORK ON THE BRIDGE IS UNDERWAY, AS IS THE WATER INSTALLATION (BUBBLER, DOG DRINKING WATER, DOG WASH SINK AREA) AND PLAYGROUND WILL BE IN AUGUST. ATC AND ALLIANT WILL BEGIN TRANSFORMING THE AREA BY THE SUB-STATION ON JULY 5TH.

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HELPED WITH AIRFEST!!!! JAMES, THANKS FOR ORGANIZING IT, AGAIN.

NOTICE

2009-05-29T12:28:00.001-05:00

This blog was just started. I will try to add a lot more in the next few days.

Come in, close the gate, take a look around!

2009-05-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

This blog will be another way to connect with people interested in the new Dog Park in Milton WI. Tails & Trails Dog Park and Lawton Pond Conservancy is, for the most part, a non-taxpayer funded park. Volunteers, donations, dedicated City Staff, and some luck has made this park what it is and more importantly what it will be when finished. Stay tuned, tell your friends, and watch as this park continues it's transformation. Thank you to all that have helped to date. The members of this Committee on behalf of the City of Milton, Town of Harmony, and Milton Township welcome you to enjoy this treasure at no cost for all of 2009!

VOTE!

2009-05-29T11:41:00.003-05:00

Welcome! I will be adding more very soon.

2009-05-29T07:33:00.009-05:00