As a concerned resident and dog owner,  we deeply see the need for improved facilities at our county dog park that you plan on constructing in 2025.  Your new plan is not user friendly for the seniors in our community who frequent the park. I have dear friends, seniors who depend on oxygen supply, that frequent this park with their canine companions. The lack of suitable seating areas and play zones is not merely inconvenient; it is a deterrent to their well-being. And does not even closely compare to the current one at Beaver Ranch that you plan on closing in favor of this one. 

In its current state regarding your plans our dog park falls desperately short of our needs! . It should not be just a fenced walking area composed of 25 feet by a quarter mile long. We require an inclusive space composed of areas where we can interact with our dogs comfortably and where our senior community members can also rest on benches like the current park, play and connect with their pets.

 We also require a seperate smaller fenced area for small and injured dogs as the current dog park has now.  Some of us have special needs dogs that require a smaller separate space. Again this would be more of a comparable park to what we currently have at the top of Beaver Ranch. 

United States has approximately 90 million dogs as pets, and research shows that interaction between humans and dogs can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). These peaceful interactions are crucial, particularly for our seniors. Compliance with these needs is not a mere luxury; it is a commitment to the physical and emotional health of the citizens and their pets.

Associated with this, I urge the county authorities to consider the benefits of making the new dog park a comparable match to the current dog park at Beaver Ranch being used. Please please reconsider making it an actual park and not just a fenced walking trail.!! We have plenty of trails On the more than 400 acres at Beaver Ranch available for walks.  We need benches and more room!!  Surely with all the acreage at this open space you can provide us with a more elaborate dog park than the one you plan on  currently constructing.  Let us strive to make our county dog park a space that caters to every individual's needs- human and canine alike, particularly those who are seniors and on oxygen aids. And for others with disabilities to interact with their furry companions. And for those dogs who have special needs in a separate play space.  Hence, I ask the citizens to sign this petition and support our cause to enact positive changes to our dog park which will impact the lives of so many in our community.