Grand Rapids, MI — A tragic accident in Garfield Park has left a family mourning the loss of their chihuahua, Poppy, after a wooden chair constructed from a fallen tree trunk toppled onto the dog. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon in the Burton Woods section of the park, when the dog’s owner, Gregory Polson, was visiting with his other dog, Shadow. According to Polson, Shadow had jumped from a makeshift table made of a tree trunk, causing the chair to fall on top of Poppy.
The chair, which is estimated to weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, crushed the chihuahua, and despite Polson’s urgent attempts to save her, including rushing Poppy to BluePearl Pet Hospital, the dog could not be revived. The medical efforts, including an endotracheal intubation and other procedures, were unsuccessful. The veterinary bill totaled $1,087, which has left Polson struggling to cover the costs. The hospital is accepting donations to help defray the medical expenses.
The chair involved in the incident was part of a natural play structure created by the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department several years ago. Built by the city’s forestry division, the structure was made using discarded tree trunks to create a seating area with four chairs and a table. A 2021 social media post from the department had shared the completion of the project, which aimed to enhance the park’s natural environment.
Following the accident, city officials confirmed that the structure was indeed installed by the city. In response, the area has been taped off while the city conducts an investigation into the safety of the installations. A spokesperson for the Parks and Recreation Department expressed condolences to the Polson family, stating, “We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all our parks patrons and deeply regret the Polson family’s loss.”
The structure, which had not been designed to withstand such an incident, was not initially considered a risk by city officials. However, after the tragic event, the city is reviewing safety measures for natural play structures in public parks.
Neighbors in the Garfield Park area have expressed concerns over the park’s safety. The Garfield Park Neighborhood Association had previously advocated for the removal of a fence around the park after a dog nipped a child in the area. While the fence was taken down to address concerns about the park being used as a dog park, some neighbors worry that the open space may create unforeseen risks, especially in light of the recent accident.
Katy Hoffman, Executive Director of the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association, described the incident as “horrible,” adding, “As a dog owner, I would be devastated.” Hoffman emphasized that Garfield Park remains a popular and well-loved space, with features such as a tic-tac-toe board carved into one of the natural tables, drawing families and individuals alike to enjoy the outdoors.
The city has not yet decided on the long-term future of the play structure, though it has promised to conduct regular checks to ensure public safety. As the investigation continues, residents and park-goers are urged to report any unsafe conditions to the city’s 311 service.
This tragic event has raised important questions about the safety of natural play structures and the potential hazards posed by heavy, unanchored objects in public spaces. It also highlights the emotional and financial toll that such accidents can take on pet owners, who often view their animals as family members.
