Support a Dog Park Within Mildura

PETITION.

This petition, supported by the undersigned, is directed to the Mayor, Mildura Rural City Council and Park Officials of Mildura, Victoria. Its goal is to support the construction of an enclosed, off-leash dog park in a centralized, convenient location within the Mildura area. A full proposal is currently being developed that will be presented to the Mayor, Council and Park officials along with this petition.

This park would be a designated area where residents and their well-behaved canine citizens can exercise and have fun in a clean, safe environment. We want to create a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who will be willing to uphold the park’s rules and restrictions. This park will be designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike.

In many cities, dog parks are very common. The large number and success of dog parks all over the country demonstrate that when a group of concerned and responsible dog owners work together for a leash-free dog park, not only can this concept work but it can thrive and enrich the community.

Research shows that property values near dog parks increases, sometimes significantly. For example, in one San Francisco neighbourhood, property values rose approximately 900% within five years of the construction of a dog park (and that’s not a type-o!) Consider this: parks increase the liveability of a city and provide for a better sense of community. The more parks a city has, and the more variety of parks a city has, the higher its property values tend to be. Moreover, research shows a great reduction in crime in neighbourhoods with dog parks. Who would want to commit a crime with fifteen dogs and their owners watching?

Therefore, we are asking the Council of Mildura to allow the construction of a dog park for the following reasons:

- There is not a current public dog park in our area to accommodate safe, off-leash dog activities.

- Such a park would allow families with dogs to spend more quality time with their pets.

-Having such a park located in the rear of the Mildura Hockey Club, which is currently unused, would promote better use of this land area.

- Such a park would reduce angst between dog owners, non-owners, police and park authorities regarding dog access to other city parks.

- This park would increase opportunities for residents to interact with their neighbours and help create a sense of community.

- Many dogs need exercise above and beyond human limitations; furthermore, many dog owners do not have a yard where their dogs can spend time outside, and leashes greatly limit the dog’s space and pace.

- Socializing dogs is very beneficial to the community, since it makes them less skittish and can mitigate aggressive behaviour when meeting other dogs and people.

- Regular exercise is great for any dog's longevity and weight control, and the overall effect of regular exercise makes most dogs calmer and better behaved.

Please help us create a dedicated space that allows our residents to exercise their canine family members and themselves as well as benefit the community as a whole!