I have lived in the Edgewood neighborhood of Atlanta for years and watched it blossom into a vibrant community. Yet, there lacks a space for our canine friends to roam freely and interact. Implementing a Skiptown dog park in our neighborhood would not only give our pets the joy of a communal space, but bring much-needed foot traffic and vitality to our beloved community.

Dog parks offer innumerable benefits. They improve the quality of life for pets and pet owners, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging responsible pet ownership. Also, businesses thrive when walkability is increased and localized. According to the American Planning Association, "dog parks can, and often do provide benefits for those other than dogs: they can be a boon to businesses, improve neighborhood quality, and strengthen community bonds" (APA Journal, 2013).

With an estimated 44% of U.S. households owning a dog (American Pet Products Association, 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey), the demand for more dog-friendly spaces, such as Skiptown, is growing. Atlanta is a city that loves its pets, and Edgewood should reflect that love by being home to such a valuable resource.

We are not just advocating for the opening of a dog park. We are advocating for increased community engagement, healthier pets, and the growth of local businesses. Therefore, we appeal to local authorities, city planning commissions, neighborhood representatives, and all those who value community growth, to support us in this endeavor to bring Skiptown Dog Park to Edgewood. Please sign this petition to ensure our neighborhood continues to grow and thrive as a community that supports all residents, even the four-legged ones.