You asked … about the fountain schedule

Fountain fortress: Why is the fountain fenced off again?

A community member asks, “I’ve heard the fountain was turned on but now it appears shut-off and it is again fenced off. What is its operation schedule?”

We answer: Last week, the Berczy Park contractor took down the fencing and began operating the water-works and testing the lights. However, this was just planned technical work to fine-tune the mechanisms and get this complex system ready for its close-up, that is, the Berczy Park Grand Opening, now being planned for late June.

Not only is there work to be done to refine the power and direction of  the water spray jets, but they may install added safeguards to protect the fountain from damage.

You can expect the fountain to operate sporadically over the coming weeks while they continue testing. If you missed the test operation of the fountain last week, check out these great photos provided courtesy of EstatePhotoArt.com.

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Missed Pet-Lovers Day in May? Join us on Saturday June 3rd

If you missed our first Friends of Berczy Park Pet-lovers Day on May 13, don’t  despair. Join us for our second event described below on Saturday June 3rd. In the meantime, check out these images from our May 13th event courtesy of our amazing photographer Jon from EstatePhotoArt.com.

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If these photos have your tail wagging, stop by the park on Saturday June 3rd for free coffee from Tim Hortons and pet treats from PetValu. And, register for great raffle prizes, including gourmet pet cookies from Northern Biscuit Bakery, and deluxe pet bath and nail trim gift certificates from Park9!

By the way: Got old pet toys, clothes or supplies you don’t need? Bring them to our event and we’ll donate them to Project Jessie, a rescue and adoption program run by the Animal Alliance of Canada.

So, look for our table in the mural garden/pea gravel on-leash pet area, behind the Flatiron Bldg.

• Saturday, June 3, 9:30-11:30 am
• Saturday, July 8, 9:30-11:30am
• Rain dates: The Sunday after, from 9:30-11:30am

Special thanks to our sponsors: Northern Biscuit Bakery, Park 9 Urbandog play care in the Distillery District/37 Parliament St; PetValu, 184 Front St E; and Tim Horton’s at 33 Yonge & 55 Front St E.

Pet-owners, help us care for our park

Now that Berczy Park has re-opened with a green space, on-leash pet area behind the Flatiron Bldg, and safe night lighting, it’s a great place to walk your pet.

Here are tips to keep our park clean, safe and enjoyable for all:

• Be our ‘eyes and ears’ in the park:
  • Report crime right away (For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies like possible illegal activity or vandalism, call 51 Division at 416-808-2222.)
  • Report park damage or unsanitary conditions. Call 3-1-1 and email berczypark@gmail.com , or tweet @friendsofberczy.
• Always ‘poop and scoop.’ If you see others breaking this City by-law, politely offer them a clean-up baggie. If they refuse, avoid a confrontation, but remind them that City by-law officers will issue a $240 fine for breaking the rule.
• Carefully supervise your pet and ensure their behaviour doesn’t disturb other pets or people.
• 

  Ask first before introducing your dog to a stranger.

  Ask first. When you see another pet, ask their owner, “Is it okay for our pets to say ‘Hello’?” And ask the pet owner before offering a treat.

• If you see a hazard to your pet’s health, like food or bones, put it in a garbage bin so it won’t endanger other dogs.
• Annoyed with the litter in the park? Help us solve the problem – Why not pick up one piece of litter during your pet walk and feel good that you are part of the solution!
• Avoid spots: Let Spot use our special ‘spot’: Pets are welcome across the park, but encourage your dog to ‘go’ in the gravel mural garden (behind Flatiron Bldg) to reduce pet spots on the grass where people sit and children play.
• 

  Dogs gone wild: Please keep dogs out of the new fountain so it doesn’t break down.

  The fountain is NOT a splash pad, swimming or bathing place for pets:  Pet hair, dirt and soap suds will damage the fountain mechanisms and lead to costly repairs. Please keep your dog out of the fountain and inform others if  their dogs enter the waters.

• And, post your own tips here on our blog, on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/BerczyPark/ or tweet @FriendsofBerczy

You asked … about park furniture

Friends of Berczy Park volunteers installed furniture funded by members and local business donors in past summers.

A community member asks, “I miss the bright green tables and chairs that occupied Berczy Park in the past. Can’t we get more seating options in the new park?”

We answer: Don’t worry, the new park design includes moveable furniture, including metal tables and chairs like you see in many top parks and public plazas around the world, or like those on the typical Starbucks patio.

Our park designer was inspired in part by the bright green furniture installed by Friends of Berczy Park during past summers, including bistro sets several years ago and Muskoka chairs installed during the 2015 Pan Am Games, purchased with donations from our members, local businesses and the St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA.

The new permanent, moveable furniture should arrive by late June for everyone to enjoy the warmer weather around the fountain.