Don “Red Dog” Gardner, of the Red Dog’s Dog Days, will chat about changes this summer’s exercise program at Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium. Construction near the stadium will affect parking when Dog Days moves outside from Allen Fieldhouse to Memorial Stadium on June 5.

Moderator

Welcome. This is Dennis Anderson, managing editor of the Lawrence Journal-World. Our guest today is Don Gardner, who runs Red Dog’s Dog Days, the community exercise program. Dog Days is preparing for the summer session, which starts Tuesday, June 5, at Memorial Stadium. Welcome, Don.

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

Thanks for inviting me I look forward to chatting about Dog

Days. First I would like to thank the KU Athletic Dept. for letting us use the stadium this summer.

Moderator

Summer is the busiest time for Dog Days. What effect will the construction around Memorial Stadium have on participants?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

We will have to co-operate with the construction company and be carefull going in and out of the stadium. We will be able to park in lots 94 north-east and lot 91 south-east of the stadium.

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

Also we will be able to park in the lot behind J.R.P. The gate to go in the stadium at this time will be gate 31&32.on the North east corner of the stadium.

Moderator

I see the summer hours are 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays from June 5 to June 28; 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 2 to Aug. 9; and 7 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. Saturdays, June 9 through Aug. 4, from the Lied Center parking lot. What other changes can participants expect this year?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

No other changes at this time. All participants are asked to sign a waiver for insurance purposes,

Moderator

Here come questions from our readers.

formerksteacher

Thanks, Red Dog and Bev! How many workouts will it take to earn this year’s coveted Dog Days t-shirt?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

Several. I am not sure but I think it’s 26. Call Beverly, she will love me for that.

Moderator

FYI: Beverly is Don’s wife, who keeps the attendance sheet.

silent_wolf

Is there a designated website for Dog Days and/or an e-mail address where we can send questions? Also, is there a way to be placed on the Dog Days e-mail list?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

The web site is currently not active. Come to Dog Days and Beverly or Catherine can set you up on the E-Mail list.

lori

Is there a minimum fitness level that one should have to participate? What sort of ages do you see in your summer sessions?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

We are open to any one who wants to participate, just use your head and go at your own pace in the beginning.

meburr

How would you recommend starting out for a first timer?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

Show up and continue to show up and stretch on your own before, after and at home.

marshuck

Hey, Red Dog. Have you ever contemplated making Red Dog exclusive to Lawrence High athletes, since it originally began as a summer training program for LHS fall sports? Do you think it’s gotten out of control with all the people?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

Dog Days is for all athletes at all schools, No, the more the better–if we help one person feel better then we are doing a pretty good job.

armyguy

Hello, is there a fee for the program?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

No, but we asked for donations to help purchase the shirts and we and I thank all of the many sponsors.

Moderator

We are running out of time. Any final thoughts?

Don “Red Dog” Gardner

Thanks to all the donors, the leaders and the people that support us. My wish would be to see more and more high school and junior high school students and coaches. Thank you