Partner Petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-the-scanlon-creek-bark-park

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1628424628364057

We, the undersigned residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury and surrounding communities, strongly oppose the permanent closure of the Scanlon Creek Bark Park and urge the LSRCA to find an alternative solution.

The Bark Park Is the Heart of Our Community

This is not simply a place for dogs to run. The Scanlon Creek Bark Park is a daily gathering place that serves our community in ways that cannot be replaced by asking residents to drive to Innisfil, Barrie, Aurora, or Beeton.

Community members -- including seniors, families, and individuals living alone -- visit the park every single day, often multiple times. For many, it is their primary source of social connection and physical activity. The park provides:

• A safe social space where neighbours meet, friendships are formed, and community bonds are built daily
• Safe, off-leash exercise for urban dogs who have no other outlet for socialization and physical activity -- critical for their health and behaviour
• A safe walking environment especially important for seniors and those who benefit from a secure, fenced, well-maintained outdoor space
• Mental health and wellbeing benefits for owners and dogs alike, through regular fresh air, movement, and human connection
• Suggesting that residents travel 30–60 minutes to the nearest alternative is not a reasonable or equitable solution. 

The Road Access Problem Has Solutions

We understand that road expansion along Yonge Street has changed traffic conditions near the park entrance. However, closing the park permanently is not the only option -- it is simply the easiest one.

Has the LSRCA genuinely explored alternatives such as:

• Relocating the Bark Park entrance to the 9th Line (the main conservation area entrance)?
• Adding signage, traffic controls, or turning lanes at the Yonge Street entrance?
• Working with York Region or the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury to improve road access?
• Temporarily closing while a safer access solution is developed?

We Call on the LSRCA to:

• Pause the closure and engage meaningfully with the community
• Commission a proper traffic and safety review with alternative access options explored
• Commit to preserving an off-leash area within Scanlon Creek Conservation Area

Closing this park doesn't solve a safety problem -- it creates a community crisis. We urge you to work with us, not against us.