I am a resident and dog owner in Newbridge, Kildare, and I am writing to express the need for a dedicated dog park in our area. Currently, the closest dog park is in Corkagh Park, Dublin, which is not practical for daily visits. I've met many other dog owners while going on walks in Newbridge and they all expressed that they'd be interested in a closer dog park where they can safely let their dog off-lease to play and exercise in a safe, enclosed area. 

From the RSPCA's knowledgebase 

"Off-leash dog parks offer many physical and mental benefits for dogs and people including the opportunity to exercise, socialise, and enjoy fresh air, training, and play."

Some owners prefer to let their dogs off-lead while walking around the park but this requires firstly, having trained your dog with good recall and been properly socialised so this enclosed dog park gives owners a place to do this recall and socialised training in a safe place. 

Therefore, we propose the establishment of a local dog park in close proximity to Newbridge and Naas. The requirements are some suitable sized green area equipped with clean, running water, a waste bin, a fully enclosed play area and a double gate for the safety of entry and exit to the park. Having two sections to separate large and small dogs would also be a benefit.

Benefits of a Dog Park in Our Community:

• Community Well-being: A dog park would serve as a community hub, fostering social interaction among residents and promoting a sense of community.
• Safe Environment: Providing an enclosed area for dogs to exercise off-lead will reduce risks associated with roadside training and interactions with other park users.
• Enhanced Dog Behavior: Regular socialization in a controlled setting can improve dogs' behaviour, reducing potential issues in other public spaces.
• Health and Well-being: Dogs need regular physical activity for their health, and a local dog park would provide a convenient and safe place for exercise.
• Enhanced Park Use: The addition of a dog park would make the designated park a more versatile and attractive destination for all residents, potentially increasing park usage and community engagement.

We believe that a dog park would be a valuable addition to our community, benefiting both dogs and their owners. We respectfully urge the local government and relevant authorities to consider this proposal and take the necessary steps to establish a dog park

Please support this initiative by signing our petition. Together, we can create a safer and happier environment for our dogs and their owners.

If you'd like to join the discussion on this, you can join this WhatsApp group kindly hosted by Chris Pender

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Ronan Byrne