The service members and families of Fort Lee need a dog park! We need a place where we can exercise and socialize our dogs in a clean, safe environment. 

Unfortunately, no off-leash dog parks currently exist in the Fort Lee vicinity. And just as other residents enjoy the convenience of public swimming pools, jogging trails, golf courses, and playgrounds, dog owners need a place to exercise and enjoy their pets in an off-leash environment.

Pinnacle Family Housing, the company that manages on-post housing, has been promising a dog park amenity since 2009 and we have yet to see any progress on this. Please sign this petition and help us encourage them to fulfill their promise.

This petition is not meant to attack nor reflect unfavorably upon Pinnacle or Fort Lee Garrison, but to show that such a facility is in high demand and would greatly benefit the greater community in the following ways:

1) It promotes responsible pet ownership. Most dogs require exercise that leash restrictions do not permit. The physical and mental benefit provided by healthy play with other dogs is integral for dogs longevity and weight control. Dogs are social animals whose mental health is improved by interaction with people and other canines. Happy, healthy dogs are calmer, and more well-behaved, reducing nuisance barking, aggression, and other behavioral problems exhibited by idle and/or non-socialized dogs.

2) It fosters positive community-building and networking opportunities by providing an environment for social interaction for people, as well as their pets. There are many transient families on Fort Lee that would greatly benefit by having the opportunity to connect with new people sharing a common interest, and create a lasting, social network.

3) Dog park patrons tend to be people who appreciate the park and take an 'ownership interest' in it. As a result, they keep the area clean and free of criminal activities and other bad elements.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email fortleedogpark@gmail.com.

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