[RP TownTalk] Dogs, access and Riversdale Mansion

[Alice Ewen Walker]

It is nice that people used to run their dogs at the mansion unfettered, but
please keep in mind that the grounds have been improved - that is a change
that is worth consideration. If I recall correctly, nearly $500,000 was
donated to create the gardens and improve the grounds at the mansion in the
last few years. The grass is also maintained at a higher level than in the
past. It is so much nicer than it used to be.
Maybe standards are changing regarding dogs at the site, but it seems like a
reasonable expectation given the effort put into the grounds.

- Alice

On Fri, Jun 27, 2008 at 12:11 PM, <bruce.wernek at mindspring.com> wrote:

>  Vern
>
> Ed has allowed dogs to run on the Mansion grounds since he took over the
> management of the facility.  I have spoken to him numerous times while my
> dog was running nearby on the mansion grounds without him mentioning that it
> was a problem.  Apparently, things have changed.
>
> Folks have been running dogs on the mansion grounds for as long as I've
> lived in the Town (~15 years).  By not allowing people to run their dogs,
> fewer people make use of the facility.  Their presence deters vandalism.
>
> I am truly sorry to hear that this has become a problem.  It was a nice
> perk for our dog loving residents.
>
> Bruce
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vernon Archer
> Sent: Jun 27, 2008 8:11 AM
> To: TownTalk
> Subject: [RP TownTalk] Dogs, access and Riversdale Mansion
>
> Friends and neighbors,
>
> I have recently received a complaint from Ed Day, director of Riversdale
> Mansion, about people allowing their dogs to run free on the house grounds.
> Every entrance is clearly posted that dogs need to be leashed and to not
> leave their droppings behind.  Ed informs me that more than one person who
> he recognizes as town residents routinely ignore this posting.
>
> Such actions are not only a violation of the grounds rules at Riversdale,
> but are also a patent violation of our town code and therefore a concern for
> our police and code enforcement officials. I hope a word to the wise will
> suffice, if not the law will be enforced.
>
> Unfortunately this issue comes on the heels of problems last summer with
> vandalism on the grounds and to the structures. We seem to have this problem
> under control now, but please report any suspicious activity you might see
> to the police immediately.
>
> Ed has shown me a number of correspondences from those higher up in Park
> and Planning and involved in historic preservation that the grounds should
> not only be "protected" against dogs visiting under any
> circumstances--except as assistants for the blind--but that as a national
> historic site the grounds should be locked during all hours that the mansion
> is not staffed.
>
> Now, both Ed and I are in agreement that we do not want to see things go
> there, but we the residents of Riverdale Park have a significant role to
> play in protecting this site. If you see someone on the grounds with their
> dogs off a leash, politely direct their attention to the signs requiring a
> leash.  If you see anyone damaging or threatening the facility please call
> the police immediately!
>
> I believe that by acting together as a community we can all continue to
> have easy and ready access to this facility, which I believe you will agree
> with me is a true treasure for our community, our state and our nation.
>
> Before concluding, I would like to state in writing what I've previously
> only said orally for our town's many dog owners.  I will gladly support and
> use the prestige of my office to facilitate the creation of a dog park in
> Riverdale Park.  If a group of dog owners will organize themselves and
> contact me on this matter I will assist you in such a venture.  There is
> substantial Park and Planning area in the town, and I am convinced that
> agency will work with us if an organized effort from dog owners is mounted.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Vern
>
> --
> Vernon Archer, Mayor
> Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland
>
>
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-- 
Alice Ewen Walker
Councilwoman, Ward 1
Town of Riverdale Park
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