Director Cruea – June 2006

DOG PARK: Responses to my April article overwhelmingly support a dog park in Aquia Harbour. Of all the issues I have asked for feedback on, none have garnered more responses than this. I feel that a dog park will bring residents together and create a greater sense of community, which you all should know by now is the reason I am here. I am happy to know I am not alone!

Residents of the Harbour had many reasons for wanting the park. Those who contacted me mentioned several reasons, among them: Although there are plenty of parks and paths to walk their dogs, there is a huge difference between walking a dog and letting them run, play, exercise and socialize. The closest dog park it seems is all the way down in Fredericksburg. Many Harbour residents own dogs, this type of amenity would benefit a significant percentage of residents, not just a few select people. Residents want a place where they can socialize their pups and also themselves with fellow dog owners. Enclosed play areas prevent off-leash dogs from infringing on the rights of other residents such as runners, tots, and those who may be fearful of dogs. There are also many reasons that non dog owners should/could support this park as well. An exercised dog makes a better next door neighbor than an under-exercised dog and they are less likely to bark. Not to mention, if you have a tot who wants a dog, you could always bring them to the dog park to watch all the dogs play….and perhaps……put off purchasing a dog for just a wee bit longer!

At this point, I plan to ask my fellow Directors to form a “Dog Park Committee”. This group of residents will be responsible for presenting us with a “Road Map to Aquia Pooch Park”. This will include but not be limited to: location, design, cost, possibility of volunteer labor, materials and establish reasonable health and safety rules for the dog park. Please continue to contact me about this issue if you have any thoughts.

JULY 4^th. I need ideas for the Aquia July 4^th Celebration. What would bring you out to join in the festivities? Pony rides for tots? A dunk tank for (insert name)? A pancake breakfast? A moon bounce for adults? Ok, fine….for the kids? A movie on an outdoor screen later in the evening?

ADULT ROMANCE: I knew that would get your attention. I would like to plan a few evenings this summer and show an adult movie on an outdoor screen………so that couples can meet under the stars with a basket of wine and cheese in hand, no cheerios, no juice boxes….and relax in their lawn chairs to watch a movie. Adult movie meaning, Casablanca………or maybe CaddyShack…..anything without cartoons! Imagine that……..a date night without leaving the Harbour. Thoughts? R.Cruea@verizon.net or 703-408-4587.