Our local park in Springfield Gardens, Queens, NY, currently does not feature a designated area for our canine friends to play, socialize, and exercise. With an estimated 35% of households in the United States owning at least one dog (American Pet Products Association, 2021), we can deduce that a significant number of our residents are dog owners who would greatly benefit from this amenity.

Benefits to Other Park Users:

It would:

• allow park patrons who might be afraid or allergic to dogs, or parents with small children, to use the park without worrying about an off leash dog approaching them.
• allow space for dedicated pet waste removal.
• allow cyclists/scooters to operate without dog traffic.
• help park sanitation workers be able to work safely without dogs getting in their way. It is unsafe for them to drive their trucks within the park while unleashed dogs are running around.
• improve the quality of life for our pets and foster a sense of community among dog owners.
• increase property values in neighboring areas, as seen in cities like NY and San Francisco, and thus can also contribute to our local economy.

Benefits to Dogs and Dog Owners:

It would:

• ensure our dogs safety and freedom in a controlled environment.
• provide a dedicated community space to continue to grow as a dog parent network, improving our ability to connect and share resources.
• provide a space for dog owners with alternative work schedules, that cannot make it to the park before 9 AM or after 9 PM.
• keep our pets safe from consuming dangerous trash or stepping on broken glass.
• keep the other sections of the park safe for dog walkers whose pets do not do well around other dogs.

Therefore, we urge local authorities to consider constructing a dedicated dog run at Springfield Gardens Park. This initiative would enhance quality of life for dogs, their owners, and our fellow Queens residents who rely on this coveted access to green space.

By signing this petition, you support the creation of a dog-friendly space within our local park in Springfield Gardens. Your signature is a step toward improving the welfare of our community's pets and strengthening our local neighborhood bonds. Please, sign and share this petition with others to help make this dog park a reality.