Visiting Hill Street Dog Park in the Kirkendall South area of Hamilton, ON, with my 20-pound dog, there are times when we both feel overwhelmed. My little companion finds some larger dogs intimidating, and recently, I  was injured after being caught off guard by a large fast-running dog. This is not just our story – it's an issue many people face, especially those with smaller dogs or mobility concerns who use this park.

We support either an ADDITION to the existing park, or the west end of the Hill Street Dog Park, which is rarely used and already has an existing entrance and exit. This makes it an ideal spot to establish a separate, fenced-off section exclusively for smaller breeds under 30 pounds. An addition would make use of an unused section of the adjoining park.  Envisioning this area as a sanctuary, where small dogs can play freely without fear of being overrun by larger dogs, is within reach and feasible with minimal changes.

Realistically, the implementation of this project will not require significant resources. A simple chain link fence is all that's needed to create a dedicated space that would vastly improve safety and usability for many community members and their pets. Furthermore, this could transform the underutilized part of the park into a vibrant space full of energy and joy.

Dog parks are meant to be havens for our pets where both dogs and their owners can socialize without worry. In our community, ensuring this requires action so that no pet or person is at risk of injury simply by trying to enjoy the outdoors. It's a small, actionable step toward making our park more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Join us in urging the city council to allocate resources for an addition or for erecting a fence at the park's west end. This petition signifies a collective call for change, for the safety and enjoyment of all park-goers. Please sign this petition to help make Hill Street Dog Park a safer place for our small furry friends and their owners.