What is R.U.F.F.?

R.U.F.F. is an acronym for Redlands Unleashed Fidos & Friends. R.U.F.F. is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation made up of community-minded volunteers. R.U.F.F. is dedicated to creating a safe, fenced-in space in Redlands in-which dogs and their owners can socialize. We will also help the city with ongoing maintenance support of the off leash dog park area.

R.U.F.F. promotes responsible dog ownership and healthy canine behavior to help strengthen the canine-human bond through socialization, exercise, companionship, learning, and fun. We also seek to provide humane education to the public and assistance to animal related causes

R.U.F.F.'s Board of Directors

Elizabeth Kulbin

President Monica Harris

Treasurer Jeff Sceranka
Secretary Dianne Scerank

Director Karyn Lehmann

Director Richard Feenstra

Vice President Sue Stevenson

 History

The Redlands Dog Park has been "in the works" for quite some time. To follow is a recap of all that has taken place:

9/14/00 – Redlands resident, Samuel H. Freedman, submitted a detailed proposal to the Redlands Parks Commission and the Redlands City Council regarding the establishment of a dog park in Redlands. The Parks Commission unanimously approved the park site, but the project lingered at the council level.

4/6/01 – According to a document from the State of California, the City of Redlands was to be allocated $615,000 from the 2000 Proposition 12 Park Bond Act.

9/4/01 – In anticipation of the funds from the Proposition 12 Park Bond Act allocation to the City of Redlands, a "Wish List" was developed by the Parks & Recreation Commissions recommending a list of capital improvements. Development of a dog park at Ford Park was originally #15 on the list. However, Recreation Commissioner Patty Holohan recommended that the dog park (#15) be swapped with a project at the Community Center for the children (#23). The Council agreed. Ultimately, this move put the dog park too far down the ‘Wish List' to receive funds that were allocated by the bond measure.

4/23/03 – Mr. Freedman again contacted the city regarding the status of the proposed dog park. He also notified the city that, although he would continue to be available for input and suggestions, he was having to move out of state in the near future and would not be able to advocate for the project locally.

10/03 – Having seen an article in the Redlands Daily Facts regarding Mr. Freedman's efforts, Elizabeth Kulbin contacted the city regarding the status of the dog park project. She was informed that the city supported the concept, but did not have the staffing or the funds at that time to see it through.

10/14/04 – Elizabeth Kulbin, with the support of a local service club, made a presentation to the Redlands Parks Commission regarding the possibility of establishing a dog park at Ford Park that would be funded by private donations and maintained via a collective effort by the city, the service club and a dedicated group of volunteers. The Parks Commission voted to support the development of the project.

11/16/04 – The City Council approved the Parks Commission's recommendation to develop a dog park facility in Ford Park.

12/04 - 6/05 – Community meetings were held so that residents could contribute their ideas and suggestions of what they would like to see in Redlands' first dog park.

11/05 – By compiling the ideas and suggestions gathered from the community, Landscape Architect Anna Allissi created a formal design plan for the Redlands Dog Park

3/06 The Redlands Parks Commission approved the formal design plan

6/06 The Rotary Club of Redlands made a contribution, via The Redlands Community Foundation, to the Redlands Dog Park in the amount of $13,000.

4/07 The Rotary Club of Redlands made an additional contribution of $2,000

5/08 – After an extended ‘intermission', we have re-grouped and re-charged and are moving forward to make the Redlands Dog Park a reality! Please join us in this exciting project!

8/10-  We are awaiting final approval of our plans from the City of Redlands. We will annouce the "Ground Barking Ceremony" and begin the construction of the Redlands Dog Park very soon!!  Thank You for generous contributions !!

Please note our new contact information is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you wish to contact us by phone please call PAWS at 909 793-0898