Payson City Dog Park
Payson City Dog Park
Why this petition matters
After surveys conducted by the City of Payson for suggestions and input on growth they would like to see brought to the city, a dog park was largely requested. The city has since began to discuss options for locations, financials, and continued desire for a city funded dog park. As of right now the elected officials have proposed to build a dog park on existing city land as a possible way to help keep costs for the park low. The current proposed location is Hollow Park. This park is located at 400 E. 800 S. and covers just over 16 acres. There is already an established playground and paved trail throughout the park that then connects to the bike trail traveling north along Peteetneet Creek. Based on the proposal they city would designate approximately .5 acre of the park to build a dog park. This park would include waste stations, an agility/play area, and open-alternating grass areas. The desired location is approximately 100 yards from the main road (800 S.) and in the middle of the park with trees and shrubbery surrounding to help limit any nearby residences of disturbances and allow continued privacy. This location will also allow the remaining southern end of the park to stay undisturbed and natural for those who enjoy viewing natural vegetation, birds and other wildlife.
With the growth of Payson being projected to drastically increase over the next several years the need for a dog park will only continue to be requested. Lot sizes with sufficient yard space will continue to decrease and high density housing will continue to increase. This reflects greatly on the need for appropriate and ample space for dogs to receive the exercise needed to be happy. Building a large and interactive dog park will not only provide dogs the space they need, but it will also provide owners the chance to build friendships with others and strengthen community bonds. Another wonderful benefit of a dog park is the attraction it will draw for local businesses. The more revenue we bring to local businesses, the better the city will thrive.
What about the existing wildlife? I believe that by providing a proper place to exercise dogs you will actually experience less wildlife disturbance as people will be visiting the dog park and will most likely avoid the remainder of the park. It will so help eliminate the need people feel to let them off leash in the park because they then have an off-leash designated area for the exercise. If they chose to walk the path they are more likely to follow the leash rules as they will understand the respect they need to show others.
I live in a neighboring home and I'm concerned about the noise: In a study released by UC Davis entitiled, Guidelines for Establishment and Maintenance of Successful Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas, "Our research revealed no correlation approaching significance between the increase in noise level at dog parks during times of heavy use and ranking of park success.(Hart, pg.3)" It's important to understand that dog parks are typically a place where dogs run and play so they are not as much of a nuisance as the dog next door who barks all day long.
What about sanitation or Will there be an overwhelming smell of dog in the area? In the same UC Davis study, Dr. Hart explains, "Clearly almost all users of dog parks are conscientious about picking up after their dogs. We did find a correlation between the number of signs reminding users to pick up after their dogs and a lower fecal count. The posting of signs highlighting the rule of picking up feces appeared to be more important than the number of refuse cans available – as long as the cans were accessible and not overflowing.(Hart, pg.4)" If we properly budget to provide adequate waste stations and doggy bags then dog waste will be limited as those who are there to use the park are typically aware of their dogs and plan to be responsible owners. As far as sanitation goes, the picnic and play areas will be virtually free of pets as they will be going to and from the dog park and not to those areas. We can design to keep them separate to help limit any exposure to those high traffic locations.
In the end it's important that ALL express their support or concerns to help the city determine the best location and need for a city dog park. I encourage all to send feedback to the city and do your due diligence in seeking all information necessary to develop a well rounded opinion. This petition is designed to show to the city that there is a desire for a dog park to be built in Payson, either in the Hollow Creek location or another location as seen fit by both city officials and it's residents.
Citations & Studies:
2. https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2018/november/dog-parks/