Hi everyone, thank you so much for signing and sharing this petition to keep our dog park open. I know it means a lot to all of us. For those of you who can call, I have a number for you, for Bill Delaney, a senior planner at Parks & Rec and in charge of the committee regarding this park: 952-233-9345 In my conversation with Mr. Delaney, he indicated two reasons the park would be closed. First, that the grass would freeze and the dogs would step on it and break it. This is a really unusual worry, since grass is notorious for growing, not for breaking. Second, the closing concern involves snow melt and mud in the park, and dog activity destroying the grass during this time. You’ve all been to the park, and you’ve seen that it’s possibly the best drained park in the state. I would also inquire whether the government intends to shut the park when it rains due to the same concern? There are many more reasons to keep the park open, even in response to simply these concerns, and I urge you to call Mr. Delaney and tell him why the park should be kept open. Let him know why you rely on it! Let him know how much easier and safer it’ll make your life in winter! I hope you enjoy the picture tax I’ve attached. This is Josie, and she wants to play with your dogs at the park all winter long.