As clearly demonstrated in the recent Park and Rec public forum, there are many loyal and loving, responsible dog owners in Dickinson. They represent a small sampling of citizens who see a tremendous need and benefit for having a dog park. These are positive, progressive people who care about people and pets. They are committed to caring for animals in our community and work to improve the quality of their lives.
The intent and purpose of the dog park is not to disrupt or deprive anything or anyone. The proposed plan for the existing park does not take anything away from the park or neighborhood. On the contrary, it would create a safe, legal and improved setting for people to enjoy their pets off leash. The proposed plan keeps the existing play area for children, which is separate from the enclosed dog area. All Seasons Park is a 5-plus acre park! There is plenty of room for dogs and their owners, children and their parents and a proposed new basketball court. The vision is to create a wonderful recreational facility where people and pets happily co-exist.
Those who support the dog park are committed to investing private funds in a public park! The only return on investment is to have the convenience and joy of accessing a recreational facility which includes an area for dogs. In addition to $10,000 from Park and Rec, the private funds will provide much needed improvements to a park that many did not even know existed. If approved the park would be greatly enhanced with fencing, trees, benches and more.
There are over 700 dog parks across the United States and the number is rapidly growing. Fargo, Minot, Bismarck and Bowman all have successful and well supported dog parks. Fargo has two parks and a third location is planned. All are located within the city limits where they are easily accessible to the families and dogs that enjoy utilizing them. None of the perceived negative impacts to the neighborhood have come to fruition in our sister cities. I have researched many sources that have first hand experience with dog parks and the positive impact they have on the community. Everywhere I go, people ask me about Oreo's Animal Rescue and especially the dog park. I look forward to the time when we can go to the dog park rather than just talk about it.
Tara L. Couch, Dickinson, president of Oreo's Animal Rescue
