11 When you’re ready, request a hearing with city government to discuss your proposal. Have two or three carefully selected, knowledgeable and articulate members of your group present your plan, clearly expressing its many benefits to the community and calmly addressing any concerns. Be prepared to deal with a range of concerns, including the risk of dog fights, dog bites, noise level, parking and traffic needs, liability issues, and maintenance. Explain why some of these are nonissues – the park’s dogs, for example, will be well-socialized and therefore less likely to fight, bite, and cause accidents in the community. Have a plan to address legitimate issues, like traffic and noise. Be patient and flexible. Dealing with city government is rarely a quick process, but don’t give up! Follow through with continued letters and e-mails, and be willing to work toward compromise. Sausalito, California In early 1991, the City of Sausalito passed a law requiring dogs to be leashed at all times within the city limits. After receiving a citation and fine for walking her dog Remington without a leash, one owner led a citizen group that worked with the city council, the parks and recreation department and the Marin Humane Society to establish a dedicated enclosed area where the dogs of Sausalito could be off leash. During that summer volunteers raised funds to fence a 1.3 acre area in the Martin Luther King School area, located on the north side of Sausalito, to be used as a dedicated dog park. In November 1991, the “Remington Dog Park” was officially opened with a gala ribbon cutting attended by city council members, local citizens, and their dog companions. Although the city provides utilities, including water, electricity, and garbage removal, the park has been maintained by its users since the opening. Regularly scheduled work parties cut the grass as well as maintain and improve the grounds. Improvements to the park in excess of $36,000 to date have been made through donations solely from park users. In addition to original fencing the park now has lighting, a storage shed, a riding lawnmower, picnic tables, benches, a dog drinking-water area, and a “scooper” cleaning station. The park is the home of champion show dogs as well as mixed breeds. Dog owners have adopted over 30 “rescue” dogs. Many owners now have two dogs as a result of this program. Having received the highest rating of “4 Paws” in The California Dog Lover’s Companion, the Sausalito Dog Park is now used by over 300 dogs per day. From sunup to sundown, dogs of all ages, sizes, and types can be seen romping in the park, chasing a never ending supply of tennis balls, simply lying at their masters’ feet under a picnic table or on top of the picnic table demanding face-to-face attention. (See also www.dogpark-sausalito.com.) SUCCESS STORY #3
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkzMzk=