(NOTE: Please do not contribute money to this site. It does not benefit the project, only the website to promote the petition. This is a support-building petition only.)

In the wake of a newly-released assessment of pet-friendliness in our community, which unveiled that Dubuque is far behind other cities in available pet-friendly housing, parks, and other amenities, FIDO and Dubuque residents are calling on the City of Dubuque to act quickly to make this a more welcoming community for pets and pet owners.

FIDO, or Friendly, Intelligent Dog Owners of Dubuque, proposes the creation of a pet-friendly community park in the nearly 10-acre city-owned lot in the Port of Dubuque.

A new, quality dog park here would align with the city council’s 2018 "high priority" goal of becoming a more pet-friendly community and be centrally located for everyone to use.

~~~~~~Watch the video above and sign this petition if you support the creation of a pet-friendly community park in the Port of Dubuque! ~~~~~~~~~~~

To help visualize the park concept, FIDO sought assistance from East Dubuque resident Patrick Winders, who loves animals and supports the effort. The digitally rendered flyover includes a fenced, off-leash dog park area with multiple entrances, separate sections for large and small dogs, splash pad, sand pit, varied topography, shade, waste bags, and other amenities.

In addition to the pet park area, a traditional park is carved out that includes playground equipment for children and a picnic area for visitors, local residents, and employees to enjoy.

A concrete pathway that wraps around the entire complex is also included, with the goal of extending the Riverwalk into the Port. This would follow the railroad tracks and allow walkers, joggers, and bikers to continue beyond the Star Brewery building, to at least 5th Street. Eventually, it could extend along the 3rd Street bridge, creating a full recreational loop in the Port. 

The downtown location is ideal for many reasons. It is much larger than the current pet park, has existing city-owned parking and restrooms nearby, and most importantly, is within walking distance for a high concentration of dog owners, which is important for equity reasons. 

Our goal is that with enough public support, the Dubuque City Council will commit to a quality new dog park in their upcoming goal setting sessions, and that they will also see the value in the Port of Dubuque as the best location due to its high recreational use and accessibility by tourists and locals alike.

No cost estimates have been developed yet, but FIDO is willing to help fundraise a significant amount of whatever the cost might be. 

If Dubuque really wants to attract and retain families, professionals, and workforce, it’s time to take the pet-friendly challenge seriously. 

THANKS FOR SIGNING! 

PS: Donating on this site will NOT support the project, it is a solicitation from Change.org to further advertise the petition on their site. This is not a fundraising effort yet - only a push for community support. FIDO is not soliciting donations in any way. (yet.) Thank you!