Bone to pick
“City looks at dog parks and bylaws” [April 27] may be the most biased piece I’ve ever read in the Peak. I counted up the quotes: 20 negative ascribed to the dog-park haters and two positive quotes from one dog-park user.
The reporter apparently made little attempt to contact the many regular users of the Townsite dog park. The reporter allowed his story to imply that the existence of Townsite dog park somehow harms children, but offered no proof or counter opinion.
The reporter apparently did not quantify dog feces in the Townsite dog park or elsewhere; there are no “piles of dog poop” in the park. Regular users of the park are the very people who are scrupulous about picking up after dogs, their own and others.
There was no mention of the focus meeting held by Ray Boogaards, city director of parks, recreation and culture, last year on this very issue, attended by about 22 people, 18 of whom were dog-park users.
Boogaards kicked off that meeting by declaring Powell River needs only one dog park. A pair of neighbours to the dog park complained about its existence.
The main results of the meeting, however, were recommendations by the dog-park users, roughly as follows: Powell River should have a proper dog park in each of its districts, each fitted with double gates, shade, a water source, and seating for humans; many locations, both in Townsite and in the rest of Powell River, should be considered as potential dog parks; and the Townsite dog park, official or not, is a success story which should be enhanced by at least one double gate, seating, water, a relocation of one fence and a separate entrance to the kiddie park from the street (the last is now in effect).
Good dog parks enhance community living. Our many seniors appreciate accessible, pleasant places to exercise and socialize their dogs, who are often their life companions.
A Townsite dog park is just a start, but it’s a start we don’t want to lose.
Eva van Loon
Cranberry Street
Quite discouraged
Fencing off a corner of Larry Gouthro park [“City looks at dog parks and bylaws,” April 27] for an official dog park would be a better solution than what is now offered at the old Max Cameron high school.
Parking is poor there, with no shade or water in the summer. The gravel surface is not comfortable for dogs to play, or for elderly people to stand on.
The south-west corner of the park at Manson Avenue and Barnet Street can be fenced off with a patch of grass for playing fetch, and the grove of trees to provide shade. Since the enforced restriction of having a leash on your dog, many of my friends I saw daily for the last seven years have not returned.
Many of us miss the daily multi-generational congregation of dog owners who socialize as our dogs play together and entertain us.
It is a loss to the upkeep of the park without the responsible dog owners who pick up other people’s dirt, including fast-food wrappers, beverage containers and, yes, dog poop.
Powell River is a destination for retirees to move to. Many of my senior friends are quite discouraged by the present rules and I hardly see them any more. I cannot imagine them safely navigating the walking trails close to town, which are frequented by bears and cougars.
Let’s share Larry Gouthro Park with everyone.
Miruh Sanderson
Manson Avenue
