The residents of William Hancox Avenue are greatly troubled by the draft masterplan concept for the improvements of Bob Acton Park, which was revealed during the Park Consultation on August 10, 2023. This concept includes an off-leash dog area positioned directly across from houses #22 to #36 on William Hancox Avenue. We object to introducing an off-leash dog area within Bob Acton Park, and we find the notion of having the off-leash dog area facing our residences on William Hancox Avenue particularly concerning.

Our key concerns include:

1. Noise Pollution: Barking dogs can cause disruptive noise and disturbances for houses facing the park. The current proposed location, right in front of #22 to #36, will specifically impact these residents. It's important to note that any off-leash area in Bob Acton Park will create noise problems for those living adjacent to the park.

2. Use of the Park by Residents: The area designated for the off-leash dog area is actively used by residents throughout the year as a recreational space, especially by those living in #22 to #36, who directly face this part of the park. This is due to the smaller sizes of back/front yards for those who live on William Hancox Avenue.

3. Limited Space: Bob Acton Park is compact and the draft plan aims to accommodate various activities such as picnicking, sports, and relaxation. Introducing an off-leash dog area of this size could lead to overcrowding and conflicts among different user groups, potentially diminishing the overall park experience.

4. Existing Off-Leash Dog Areas: Given the close proximity of several existing off-leash dog areas (Norwood, Cassells), it would be financially prudent to prioritize expanding or improving these existing facilities before considering new infrastructure.

5. Safety Concerns: Allowing unleashed dogs near other park-goers raises the risk of accidents or conflicts. This has been an ongoing issue in the park, where enforcement of leashing dogs has not been monitored, and the proposed off-leash dog area is likely to worsen the problem, not decrease it, as there will be an increase of unleashed dogs in the vicinity, also due to the city's limited enforcement resources.

6. Environmental Considerations: The designated off-leash area, as currently proposed, features a discernible slope downwards towards the houses on William Hancox Avenue, rather than being flat. This topographical feature could potentially lead to consequences affecting both the natural water movement patterns and waste management aspects, which would negatively affect the residents of William Hancox Avenue.

We strongly believe that there are alternative locations that can meet the needs of dog owners without negatively affecting the rights and well-being of nearby residents. We urge the planning team to reconsider their proposal and explore more suitable options for an off-leash dog area outside of Bob Acton Park.