The latest from Gail on the Canine Country Club

For the introduction of the “Canine Country Club” at Noble Creek Park in Beaumont, CA, Gail collaborated with Pat Hughes. Among Hughes’ many talents is her graphic artistry.

We needed to create a fun, enticing way to get people to read the rules of the dog park. We used visuals of two dogs.  “Romeo” and “Sandy” conversed while spelling out the boring but mandatory laws of the land.

We also created a revenue source for the park with break out signs to be affixed to the fencing throughout the park. The dogs would gently speak about a rule. We left room for sponsorships. Not only did we cover the rules in a friendly manner, sponsorships help defray the cost of park maintenance.

November 7, 2008

Howling good time at new dog park at Noble Creek in Beaumont

BY TRACI KRATZER

Record Gazette

It was a dog-gone good day at Noble Creek Park as more than 200 four-legged friends and their owners celebrated the grand opening of the Canine Country Club in Beaumont.

The new dog park, the first in the San Gorgonio Pass, opened last Saturday and was well received by everyone who took part in the opening day celebrations.

“Dog parks are exciting phenomenon's that are taking over the region,” said Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, who brought his dog Bruin to the event.

Assemblyman Paul Cook presented Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District Chairman Dan Hughes and board member Gabriel Salinas with a proclamation and said instead of giving the park the seal of approval he was giving it a “paw of approval.”

The park district opened the dog park after several months of planning, said park district General Manager Mickey Valdivia. Although entrance to the dog park is free and open to all residents of the Pass area, not just Beaumont residents, Valdivia has said the district is going to “have to insist on some standards to make certain that everyone; dogs and humans have a safe and fun time.”

The new dog park is divided into two lushly landscaped fenced play areas; one for small dogs less than 25 lbs., and the other for larger dogs. Both areas are equipped with dog-waste bag dispensers.

Dogs must remain on a leash until they are within the park and owners will need to keep a close eye on their pets while they are inside the park. The park will be open from dawn to dusk daily.

“This is a really good addition to the city. We needed a dog park,” said Jennifer Garcia, of Beaumont, who brought her dog Scrubs to the opening. “It's really nice to see this in the city.”

Garcia said she use to drive out to Loma Linda to visit that dog park but is glad she will have somewhere closer to let her dog play.

Gary Wally, of Banning, brought his three-year-old dog Nelly, to experience the park.

“I walk her everyday but this is her first time interacting with so many dogs. We don't see many on our walks,” Wally said.

Even Banning Mayor Brenda Salas enjoyed the dog park with her dog and said she will be a frequent guest on the weekends.

There were several activities that took place during the opening day celebration including a costume contest for dogs. The winners included a pumpkin patch farmer (first prize), a knight, princess and dragon (second prize) and a skunk (third prize). Several vendors, like Petco, were also on hand to sell dog-related goods.

There will be more added to the park in the coming months including memorial plaques, rosebushes and pavers, all of which are for sale. The items will be located in a memorial garden and observation area that overlooks the dog play areas. That part of the park has not been completed.

“This is an excellent addition to the city,” said Beaumont Mayor Brian DeForge. “It is something that brings the community together."