Petition for a Dog Park at the Ford Site in Highland Park
- by: Mindy Johnson
- recipient: Mayor Melvin Carter; Councilmember Chris Tolbert; Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hahm; Parks and Recreation Commissioner (Highland) John Mountain; Ryan Companies Mike Ryan, Market Leader, Ryan Companies North Region, Saint Paul, MN
UPDATE: Looks like a dog park is now in consideration for the master plans for the Ford site. However, this plan has NOT yet been approved by the city. Support is still needed. Please sign this petition and comment.
Here's an article online about the new plans
https://finance-commerce.com/2018/10/housing-dominates-ryans-ford-site-plan/
Thanks to all who signed the petition here so far.
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Why is there a need for a dog park?
Highland Park currently does not have a dog park in walking distance for owners to exercise their pets off leash. There are many dog owners in the Highland Park neighborhood of all ages, some who are physically disabled or who do not drive or own a vehicle. Even those who do drive should not have to leave the neighborhood to properly exercise their dog, especially in the winter when road conditions can be bad.
Highland Park is a very dog friendly neighborhood,and there is definitely a need for a dog park. There is plenty of space available at the Ford site to build one.
There are not any plans to include a dog park in this new development. The idea has been suggested, but has fallen on deaf ears. The new Ford Site development should not just be about maximizing revenue, but about listening to the feedback and needs of people residing in and near this area. A dog park is very much needed as a means of exercise and general well being of not only pets, yet also their owners. A dog park would benefit the community as a whole.
What are some of the benefits of a dog park for owners and their pets?
According to WebMD.com and ASPCA, the benefits of a dog park include (but not limited to):
-Physical and mental exercise for dogs
-Opportunities to maintain social skills: It helps dogs learn communication skills needed to prevent developing aggression problems amongst other dogs
-Fun for pet parents: Opportunities for pet owners to socialize and create a sense of community
What are the benefits for the Highland Park neighborhood as a whole?
According to humanesociety.org:
How does the community benefit? A dog park increases public health. Toileting and marking behavior that is stimulated by exercise or the presence of other dogs is contained in dog parks.
A fenced dog park prevents injuries that befall dogs running loose and because the dogs are better behaved and controlled, there should be less dog-related problems elsewhere in the park or the community at large. By their presence, groups of dog owners and their dogs may help deter crime.
A dog park makes it easier for a city to enforce its leash law since owners who have access to a dog park have no excuse for letting their dogs run loose. Since behavioral problems are often cited by dog owners who relinquish their dogs, dog parks may alleviate overpopulation at shelters.
If you live in or near Highland, please show your support for a dog park at the Ford Site by signing this petition. It'll take more than a petition to make it happen, but this is a good place to start.
Paws to the wall!
Read about the master plan here:
https://www.twincities.com/2018/10/10/redevelopment-plans-for-st-pauls-former-ford-site-unveiled/
I was reading about pop-up dog parks, and I love this idea and thought other dog owners in Highland would, too. A pop-up dog park is only a temporary solution, but it sounds like a great way for residents and their furry friends to meet up, have fun, and gather support for a permanent dog park in the area.
Here's an article and video about a pop-up dog park in Sioux Falls, SD
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/pop-up-dog-park-coming-to-downtown-sioux-falls/1343905851
One of the most important parts of getting a dog park established in the community is knowing how to go about. Here is a link on How to Build a Dog Park as suggested by the American Kennel Club.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/start-your-own-dog-park/
If residents of Highland Park and surrounding areas drive to an off leash dog park elsewhere, they may end up having to go to a dog park in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis parks charge $60 first dog and $35 each additional dog for an annual non-resident permit. Daily fees are $5 per dog. If Highland residents pay these permit fees to Minneapolis, it does not help build our neighborhood.
Permit info:
https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/dog_parks/
Myth:
It's too expensive.
Reality:
Untrue. Aside from initial start-up costs to pay for fencing, signage, and amenities such as trash cans, it costs little to maintain the areas...beyond trash removal, occasional mowing or snow removal. ... a modest increase in dog licensing fees would pay for any maintenance costs [and]... would lead to more dog registrations and increased revenue for the city.
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