Valley Forge Park, PA meetup?

[dmr999]

Hi,

I am new to this list (as of today). My 8 year old Basenji mix male has never met another Basenji before but would love to. Does anyone on this list live close enough to Valley Forge National Historical Park (Pennsylvania) to meet there with our Basenjis for a walk?

[Natalplum]

Me Me Me!! Oh my gosh I'm soooo excited. We've never had a baseenji play date or even met another basenji. We live in Abington. You?

[dmr999]

Val,
I live in Drexel Hill. I chose Valley Forge Park because I thought it'd be easy to reach and is a great place to walk a dog. Is it convenient for you? If so, what day is good for you and Mick to meet? Week day, Week-end? Sunday is often the best day for me to meet, but, if it's not good for you, I can work around that. Let me know what is best for you and Mick. I hope this will all work out!
Donna and Hunter the Basenji-mix

[Natalplum]

Hi Donna!
Do you know if Valley Forge has a fenced in dog park area? If not maybe we can find a dog park in the middle of Willow Grove and Drexel Hill. I think that might be in the area of Conshohocken or Plymouth Meeting. Funny, I work in West Conshohocken. I can look for a dog park in that area. Sunday sounds Great!

[dmr999]

Hi Val,
I am not aware of a fenced-in dog park at Valley Forge.
People have told me about a dog park in Radnor called Harford Park, but I have never been there. That may not be any closer to you, and it may not be fenced in which I know is important for our squirrel-chasing Basenjis! In any case, here is a link to its page: http://www.radnor.com/egov/apps/locations/facilities.egov?path=detail&locId=10
At Valley Forge, I have just walked Hunter on a leash on the paved trail, and he has always loved it. The multi-use trail is for bicyclers, joggers, walkers, and dog walkers. Hunter and I have met many friendly dogs (and people) there on Sundays and other days.
The only "local" fenced-in dog park I've been to is in Lancaster on the campus of Franklin & Marshall College while my niece was a student there. That would be too far for either of us I think. Maybe some are closer. I just do not know of any. Let me know if you find something that looks good.

[Lorraine]

Hello, I havent been on the Basenji chat in awhile. I was excited to see that there are others interested in a Basenji play date in my area. I live in Malvern, PA. I have been meeting with another Basenji owner at a fenced in dog park in West Chester which is convenient to 202 and Rt 100. Perhaps we could plan a play date in the future. Any interest??

[Natalplum]

Hi Lorraine! We would love to meet up. What's the name of the park? Maybe we can get Donna to come as well. I also know of another couple who live in Washington Crossing with 3 Basenjis. It would be fun for all of us to get together. I'll see what I can do. Thanks and welcome back!

[Lorraine]

Val,
The Dog park is part of Lambert Park in West Goshen, PA (a township in West Chester) There are directions to the park online. I can send you the link if you want or you can google it. The other basenji owner that I know is very interested in setting something up in the future. She has a brown and white male named Chase and I have a brindle female named Kaya.

[cbshuman]

Hi Basenji lovers,

I am Lorraine's friend from West Chester, PA. I frequent the dog park she referred to in her post at the corner of Rt 100N (N. Pottstown Pike) and Greenhill Rd in West Goshen Township, just north of the boro of West Chester. I would LOVE to help arrange, or be a participant in a basenji hook up there. As area parks go, it's pretty dismal (the township begrudgingly built it after receiving donations of land from Wawa and grants from the state of PA, and being badgered by dog-owning residents!) - but it is a safe, totally fenced area for our little ones to have the freedom to run wild and associate with other four-legged friends.

At this time of year, the worst time to plan a play date there would be at the end of the day. From around 4pm to dark the park can get really crowded. If we want our basenjis to have the most fun with each other, I would suggest off-hours (late morning or mid-day) if possible. Weekends, obviously tend to be overly busy as well.

To answer some earlier post - the park in Radnor is NOT fenced and, at least for me and my little hunter, would not be a possibility. I am also not aware of a fenced area in Valley Forge Park.

There is a fenced dog park in Phoenixville, PA which might be convenient for folks coming from Montgomery County and Chester County as well. Check out www.reservoirdogspark.com - I have not been there myself, but have heard much good feedback from others who have.

Last one I know of is Reynolds Dog Park (Upper Prov Twnshp, Mont Co) out Rt 422/Oaks exit - fenced - also accessible to Mont Cty folks & Chester Cty folks. www.uprov-montco.org/canalandreynolds.html

Hope something comes of all this interest in planning a get-together!

Cindy Shuman (and Chase Utley, the dog)

[dmr999]

Hi Val, Lorraine, Cindy (and other Basenji lovers?),

If others are able to make it, Hunter (my basenji-mix) and I would love to meet up at the dog park in West Goshen! I can't believe Lorraine brought it up. By coincidence, I just went to this dog park for the first time over the holidays. If I remember correctly, it's not far from West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Five Points Road. (Someone else was driving.) I agree it's not the biggest, most beautiful dog park, but Hunter didn't care. He loved it! The park does have doggie bags, dog toys, and places for us 2-footed dog companions to sit. The humans can even buy hot drinks at the Wawa which is in walking distance.

As Cindy suggested, late morning or mid-day on certain week days are good for Hunter and me. If others cannot make it on week days, then, on weekends, I've heard that early (before 9:30 am.) may not be as crowded, but I don't know if that is too early for everyone to make it. Getting up early on a weekend can be hard! We actually were there later on a Sunday, and there was no one else there but us, but that may have been because it was such a cold day.

Also, I believe this park is closed sometimes for cleaning. Does anyone know when? That could affect what time we plan to meet if we meet up in West Goshen.

Hunter and I are interested! I hope this works out.

[cbshuman]

I am so excited that there is such interest in having our pups meet! I have only seen videos online of basenji gatherings, and it is quite a joy to see them romping & racing together!

I will check out the times that the park is closed for maintenance when I go this afternoon. It has been daily (M-F) from 10-11:30, I believe, but I have heard that will be changing over the winter - less maintenance - more open hours!

I am available to meet up pretty much any week day (weekends as well, though, weekdays will be less crowded). Mid-day is best, before around 3pm when after-schoolers & after-workers start showing up.

here's the link from the township website with directions from all points:
http://www.wgoshen.org/Directions/To_Lambert_Park/to_lambert_park.html

I'll re-post once I've confirmed the maintenance hours.

Chase is looking forward to meeting all your basenjis!

Cindy

[cbshuman]

Hi again,

I just got the correct closing hours for the dog park in West Chester:

closed M-TH 10-11:30am

We could try meeting at 11:30 some week day. There is a bit of increased activity during the lunch hours, but not as much during the winter. Alternatively, we could meet around 1:30-2 ish. First thing in the morning tends to be a bit too cold for my weather-picky boy (who am I kidding?? I'm not too fond of freezing my tush off either!), but we'd be flexible depending on others schedules.

Cindy

[dmr999]

Hunter and I would love to meet basenjis and their companions at Lambert Park at either of Cindy's suggested times -- 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Is anyone interested in meeting next week? We are available to meet any day except Wednesday.
Donna

[Natalplum]

Can we meet Monday? My husband and I just happen to be off that day! YEAH!

[Lorraine]

The best time for me would be on the weekends, in the afternoon ,between 1-4:30 as i work during the week now.

[cbshuman]

Donna & Val,

Monday works for me. Name a time. If we do afternoon, I have to leave around 2:45 to pick up my son at school, so if we want the dogs to hang out a while, I could meet around 1-ish.

I know Lorraine can't do weekdays for now, but hopefully if this works for all, we can make this a regular thing. (meet up on the weekend next time)

Another option is to meet this weekend and try to work it so we can include Kaya and Lorraine...either plan works for me...I'm only 2 miles from this park, and we're there all the time!

Hope to see you soon,
Cindy

[Natalplum]

We can shoot for Monday the 12th at 1:00pm and also Saturday the 17th if that works? Please let me know. My boy b doesn't really travel well but we're willing to do this just to meet other b's. We are so excited.

[dmr999]

Hi Val, Lorraine, Cindy, and any other Basenji lovers,

The only times, in general, when I cannot meet are Saturday afternoons and Wednesdays. This coming weekend I cannot meet on Sunday, but usually Sundays are very good for me.

If you meet this weekend, I won't be able to be there, but I'll be happy your basenjis are getting to meet and have fun together. However, I will be there the next time!

I hope to meet up with you soon.

Donna

[dmr999]

Hi Val & Cindy,

Just looked at your responses more closely. If this Monday, January 12, is good for you, Hunter and I can be there.

If 1 o'clock is a good time, that's fine with me. I don't think leaving by 2:45 p.m. would be a problem, as I don't remember this being a very big park. However, if you want to choose another (earlier? slightly earlier?) time, though, that's also fine with me.

However, as mentioned in my last email, if you choose to get together this weekend so that Lorraine can also be there, I'm good with that too. As mentioned, since I cannot come this weekend, I would join you the next weekend if you all can meet on a Sunday.

Hope we are able to work something out for everyone -- if not for the first meeting, then for the following ones!

Donna

[Lorraine]

I wont be able to make any weekday play dates until spring as I am training for a new position at work. My schedule will be way more flexible in the spring. I'm sorry I cant make the play date on the 12th but I could make it on Sunday 1/18 if anyone is interested (unless weather is snowy or wet) I can be flexible with the time, whatever is convenient for everyone else. I'll wait to hear.

[dmr999]

Hi Val, Cindy, & Lorraine,

Just want to let you all know that I can meet this Monday, January 12, and next Sunday, January 18.

Donna

[cbshuman]

Chase & I will be there too! We'll see you Monday at 1pm. (weather permitting) Looking forward to getting the pups together.

Cindy

[Natalplum]

I actually might be able to do Sunday the 18th too. Can we do morning like 10-11 am?

[Lorraine]

Sun 1/18 between 10-11 works for me

[Natalplum]

Just to confirm we are meeting at Lambert Park correct?

[cbshuman]

Hi Val, Donna, Lorraine & pups,

I'll be at Lambert Park on Monday 1/12 at 1pm and Sunday the 18th at 10.

I'll also bring directions to the other parks in Phoenixville & Oaks - in case we want to make this a regular thing - we can switch up the location (Val I applaud your willingness to drive an hour for a puppy playdate, but maybe one of these other parks will be a bit more centrally located for all!)

See you all next week...Chase can't wait!!

Cindy

[dmr999]

Hi Val, Cindy, and Lorraine,

I'll see you (Val & Cindy) this Monday at 1 p.m. and next Sunday at 10 a.m. (Val, Cindy, & Lorraine). Hunter and I are looking forward to it!

Donna

[cbshuman]

Donna,

It was great to meet you and your sweet Hunter this afternoon. It was nice for Hunter that there wasn't too much doggie activity and he could acclimate himself to the new park. I just wish it had been a bit warmer so Chase didn't get so chilly so soon! Hopefully Sunday will work out for all. I will watch the weather report.....

Val,
We missed you and your two pups!! Donna & I were there until 2:15pm when the dogs (at least Chase - Hunter has a nice warm coat!) began to shiver a bit. Hope everything was o.k. with you, and something just came up. We were worried that you had gotten lost. Hopefully we can meet you on Sunday.

Cindy

[Lorraine]

Donna, Cindy,

Sorry I wasnt able to make it today!! I was thinking about the playdate all day, wanting to be there more than anythng.

I saw that Val didnt make it. Perhaps she got lost???? I hope not!! Finding the entrance to the park isnt always that easy. The first time I was there I parked in the back of the WaWa parking lot and walked down the hill.

Anyway, I still plan on being there Sunday morning and will keep an eye on the weather. If its REALLY cold or wet, we may need to reschedule since Kaya hates the cold/wet too!

Lorraine

[Natalplum]

I'm so sorry guys. I didn't realize I scheduled my annual GYN appointment at 1:20 yesterday. I scheduled it a year ago and complete forgot until they called to confirm.

I would love to meet you guys Sunday. I'm actually working on Saturday so this will work great.

[dmr999]

Hi Cindy, Val, & Lorraine,

First of all, it was really nice meeting Cindy and Chase yesterday at Lambert Park. Chase is just so adorable and sweet! Sorry he got a bit chilly towards the end, but he seemed happy to be there. Hunter came home really happy too, so I think he enjoyed it (though he didn't participate as much as I'd like). Cindy, thank you very much for bringing directions to the Phoenixville and the Upper Providence parks. It would be interesting to try them some time.

We will be there again this coming Sunday morning at 10 (weather permitting).

Val, because it might cause you some confusion, I'd like to mention that there's no sign that says it's "Lambert Park." Cindy mentioned to me that part of a sign was vandalized, so nothing indicates the name anymore. On the windy driveway/road up the hill to the park, you will see a sign that says something like "Henderson High School Athletic Fields," and just beyond that you will see a visual sign indicating a dog park is up ahead. Oddly, at the base of the driveway, there is no sign whatsoever, though there is a little turning lane into the drive. At least that is what I see the way that I come. As Lorraine mentioned, another option is to park in the parking lot of the adjacent Wawa and walk the short distance down to the park.

Hope to see Cindy and Chase again this Sunday and to meet Lorraine, Val, and your companions.

See you soon,
Donna

[cbshuman]

Hi all,

I plan to be there as well on Sunday, but am keeping my eye on the weather. It is supposed to be dangerously cold on Friday, but haven't heard if temps will moderate by Sun.

Val:
If you are coming from the Downingtown exit of the turnpike, and coming south on RT 100, watch for a Wawa at a traffic light (Greenhill RD) - go straight at that light and watch for a median left turn lane immediately past the Wawa. That is the turn into the park and it is not marked (easy to miss) Just drive up the hill past some athletic fields and at the top you will see the small fenced in dog park area.

Hoping for a warming trend!
Cindy

[Lorraine]

Donna, Val, and Cindy,

Looking forward to our meeting this Sunday. We should definately watch the weather. If its too cold we may want to postpone. Kaya hates the cold, but I'm just getting over a respiratory illness so I dont want to over do it. At this point I think Kaya would run around in any weather, she's stir crazy. I KNOW she'll LOVE meeting new friends and seeing Chase.

Lorraine

[Natalplum]

Wish there were an indoor dog park! Let's wait to see if the temps dip or not. Not sure if you read my last thread about Shilagh getting extremely cold very quick. She would certainly not be able to take a long visit at any dog park in these conditions. Hopefully it will warm up. Although I'm enjoying watch the snow fall this morning ;)

[senji]

Hi all. I haven't been on in a while...We have a 5 month old baby, but we also have 3 b's. We are in Narvon PA. Almost in Chester county but actually in Lancaster County. I probably can't do a cold weather meeting with the baby but if anyone plans anything in the spring I'd love to be included....thanks, Stacey

[Natalplum]

Hi Stacey! Welcome back. We would love to meet you and your B's. We can certainly schedule a spring doggie date. Wow, 3 Basenjis. That's amazing. Congrats on your new addition. I'd love to see pics of your furry babies.

[cbshuman]

Hi all (and welcome senji!)

I do have some indoor park info, but it probably won't work out for tomorrow (too short notice)

Yesterday, Chase & I went to check out (and for him to be evaluated as to his "acceptibility") Canine Creature Comforts in Malvern, PA (near corner of Rt 30 & Rt 401). It is primarily a dog daycare place, but on Saturdays for a nominal fee (I think it's $10 or $15 for an hour) you can bring your dog to play in their inside facilities. The good thing is that your dog has to be pre-approved, so all the dogs are assumed to be socialized (that's the evaluation part)and vaccinated. The bad thing is that I wasn't crazy about the facilities or staff. I wouldn't use them on any kind of regular basis for day care. But for an occasional romp with friends when the weather is as inclement as it has been, it would do. There was a huge number of dogs there when we went (these were daycare dogs) and I would assume they get alot of dogs for these Sat sessions. So, I don't know how conducive the space would be for our b's to play together - and there is definitely not enough room to run (in fact, they discourage that pack-running thing! - a favorite activity of my b!) Check out their website, www.caninecreaturecomforts.com

The other place I know of in the area is the place we board our dogs when we travel, Wagsworth Manor in Chester Springs. They also have a Saturday playdate thing, and they have fabulous facilities - both indoor & out. For this place you just have to bring your current vet record with you - no pre-eval needed. But I called them this morning to see if they'd be playing indoors today, and they said they were playing outside! So it's not necessarily an indoor option after all. www.wagsworthmanor.com You have to pull up their calendar to get a brief description of the Sat Stay-and-play. Again it is for one hour, and a small fee.

We ended up going to Lambert Park today. It wasn't too bad. Sunny & no wind - though only 13degrees! There were only 3 other dogs there (nordic breeds, of course!)and Chase was fine but he did begin shivering after about 30 mins....

So we will be there tomorrow morning, if anyone else is interested in braving the cold. If it looks like it may warm up later in the day, we may postpone our visit tothe afternoon - maybe 2pm? If anyone thinks they'll be there, let me know if the afternoon works.

Cindy

[dmr999]

Hi,

Although it probably makes more sense to go to the park tomorrow afternoon, the best time for me to go is tomorrow morning at 10.

If any human or basenji prefers to go later when the temperature rises a little, I certainly understand!

I hope to see you there tomorrow. If not, I hope to catch you the next time.

Stay warm everybody.

Donna

[cbshuman]

I checked the weather. It's supposed to "warm up" into the mid 30's tomorrow afternoon, so I think I'll wait til then to take Chase to Lambert Park. I'll be there at 2 - giving plenty of play time before the "big game"!

Hope to see you then, if not, let's stay in touch and try for another date.

Cindy

[Lorraine]

Cindy, I will try to make it at 2pm. Looking foraward to temps in the 30's.

Lorraine

[cbshuman]

Anyone interested & available to meet this weekend? Weather looks best tomorrow (Fri) or Sat. Also looking like the weather will be good next Fri & Sat. I'm willing to meet at any of the parks we have been considering on this thread (West Chester, Phoenixville or Oaks) Also, if you're interested, Wagsworth does a FREE Saturday stay & play (which just means you stay with your dog while they play - rather than dropping off for day care). Chase had an unexpected "sleepover" there Monday night - brought him there to play just for the afternoon & then couldn't get back because the roads were so bad from that unexpected storm. We missed him, but he LOVES it there - a treat for him & a little break from him for our sweet little (neurotic) border collie!

Cindy