In the spring of 2026, Whitefish City removed the gates at Soroptimist park in the 'city beach' neighborhood. Apparently there was a complaint about dog owners not picking up feces. The gate removal was supposed to deter dog owners from frequenting the park. It did not. 

Our house is adjacent to the park. For the past 15 years, the park has mostly been used as a local gathering spot for dog owners in the neighborhood and children that live within a 6 block radius. The supposed 'dog poo' issue has never been a problem. 

Since the city decided to remove the gates, we do have much more pressing issues. On Sunday the 20th, we woke to a buck tangled in the soccer net. It took a good 10 minutes to cut the net back enough to free him. It was traumatizing for the young buck, but luckily he was freed without breaking a leg and before he was approached by children or dogs.  He is still wearing a crown of nylon soccer netting. A net that we purchased for $85 and installed ourselves (yes, the neighbors are active in maintaining the grounds). We've seen 2 other deer die in the park since the gates were removed. A doe that was caught on the fence trying to leave, and a fawn that couldn't escape a dog and was cornered.

Aside from the above safety concerns for our deer friends (OG Whitefish residents that have been here since the last ice age). The original issue was 'poo management'. We can confirm that the deer poo is 1,000x in volume than any dog feces that an owner didn't catch (again, not an issue).

Let's consider making future decisions with a bit of common sense and foresight. The neighbors who use the park know best. Talk to us. Listen to us.

Let's bring back the gates.