Hello, My name is Donna Carney. I am a Salisbury Beach full-time resident and a dog owner, having lived here for eight years. During this time, I've observed that space is very limited for my dog and others to run and play. Most residents in Salisbury do not have yards, and dogs are not allowed on the beach, which makes it challenging to find appropriate and safe spaces for our beloved pets. Salisbury Beach is a vibrant community where residents cherish both their pets and the outdoors. However, the current amenities do not reflect our needs as dog owners. Turning the existing skate park at Salisbury Beach into a dog park would provide a much-needed solution. This conversion would offer many benefits, including a safe, fenced area where dogs can run freely and socialize. This would improve the quality of life for both dogs and their owners, creating a stronger sense of community. The skate park, while a popular spot, is underutilized and often empty. Transforming this space into a dog park could bring life to the area, turning it into a hub of activity with increased foot traffic, benefiting local businesses. Furthermore, a dog park would reduce incidents of unintentional breaches of beach rules and ensure a peaceful coexistence between dog owners and other beach goers. Evidence from towns similar to Salisbury shows that dog parks foster community interaction, enhance public safety, and promote healthier lifestyles. According to the Trust for Public Land, parks and recreational areas increase property values and bring economic benefits to communities. Cities like Newburyport have successfully integrated dog parks as a part of their community infrastructure, and Salisbury can do the same. I urge local authorities and residents of Salisbury Beach to consider this proposal for a dedicated dog park. By converting the existing skate park, we can create a welcoming environment for dogs and continue to enrich our community. Please sign this petition to support Salisbury Beach's transformation into a more dog-friendly town.