4 Establishing a Dog Park How to Build a Dog Park inYour Community By now you’ve recognized the need for a dog park in your area, and you’re eager to see one established. But how do you get started? The following are some strategies for a successful campaign: The First Steps . . . Start with a core group of committed dog park activists. Talk with a half dozen other individuals who are concerned about the lack of off-leash spaces. These may be people you already know, or you may want to put a notice in the local paper. This group may form a park association and will be responsible for meeting with public officials, making presentations, maintaining the park and defusing any problems that arise. Hold a public meeting. Once the core group is in place, a larger community meeting will help you get the word out to supporters and solicit input and suggestions. Contact other dog owners, dog-related clubs, veterinarians, and humane society and animal control officials to gather interest and support. Do so by posting, mailing, or distributing notices in areas such as neighborhood bulletin boards, pet supply stores, animals hospitals, and shelters. Encourage people to write letters of support to public officials and the media, and to make presentations to community groups whose backing would be valuable. Educate your fellow dog owners on the need to be responsible. The owner who neglects to pick up after his dog or who allows an aggressive or unsocialized dog to run loose can do a lot of damage to your cause and undermine your chances of success. Write a clear mission statement that details the need and purpose of the park, stressing the benefits to dog owners, their canine companions, and the greater community. The Redwood City [California] Responsible Dog Owners’ statement says it all: “To establish a fenced-in, offleash dog park where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife. To
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