%u201CThe undersigned voting residents of Macomb County, hereby petition Stony Creek Park in creating a fenced-in, off-leash dog park, with beach access at Stony Creek Park with the aim of accomplishing the following goals;

1. To provide county residents with a safe, beautiful, clean, and well-maintained space to enjoy healthy activities with their beloved and well-behaved dogs in a natural environment where dogs can run and swim freely without posing risk or annoyance to people, property, or wildlife.
2. To promote animal and human health, interaction, and relationship.
3. To promote county resident park participation and appreciation.
4. To promote compliance with the leash-law and reduce the incidence of off-leash walking and lake entrance of dogs
5. To assist park in creating and maintaining this dog park and to promote creation of similar facilities by paying a reasonable fee, as determined by the park, by the dog park users.

Unfortunately, no off-leash dog parks currently exist in the vicinity of the aforementioned communities.  Just as other taxpayers enjoy convenient public swimming pools, jogging trails, golf courses, and playgrounds, dog owners need a place to exercise and enjoy their pets in a safe and healthy environment.

Most dogs require regular exercise that leash restrictions do not permit.  The cardiovascular benefit provided by healthy play, running, swimming, and interactions with other dogs and owners will promote longevity, weight control, mental health and develop greater bond.  Happy and healthier dogs are calmer and better behaved, reducing nuisance barking and other misbehaviors, helping the community as a whole.

Watching a dog catch a Frisbee, fetch a ball, or jump off the dock into the water is always an exciting and delightful experience to a child.  It provides an opportunity to build affection and bond with the gentle and loyal animal.  One that he or she should not be deprived of.