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A ‘dogs only’ park is in store for four-legged lovers
Topics: dog park, dogs, pets
Posted by editor Wed Apr 25, 2007 09:02:43 PDT
Viewed 1049 times
0 responses 0 comments Dog owners have long been troubled with the lack of a sufficient area for letting their four-legged friends off their leashes to play. While dog parks are popping up all over the state, there is not one in East Kern County.

Beginning with 500 signatures and a letter to the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Parks District in 2004, Susie Atherton, owner of Canine Creek Dog Wash & Boutique, laid out the initial benefits behind a park of this kind in the community. She even thinks the park has the ability to create responsible dog owners.

“There will be no excuse for letting your dog off-leash at a regular park, and law enforcement will have it easier when trying to enforce the leash law,” said Atherton.

Giving dog owners the option of a dog park is not only beneficial to residents. According to Dogfriendly.com., travelling dog owners are more likely to stop in a town where they can let their dogs out to play with other dogs. This would bring increased tourism to community businesses.

Atherton wants to stress how residents who are not dogs owners can benefit from such a place, since socialized dogs are less likely to be problem barkers or dig out of yards.

“I don’t skateboard, but I’m in favor of the skate park, because it gives kids a safe place to go where they will stay out of trouble,” said Atherton.

Other benefits of a dog friendly park include a neutral place for dogs to meet before coming into a family and a comfortable site for obedience training, which currently takes place in local parking lots.

In March of this year, TVRPD confirmed that drawings were complete for a fenced off-leash dog park to be located at the north end of Meadowbrook Park in Golden Hills. The next stage of the process is for the Golden Hills CSD staff to address public liability concerns. As of April 17, with the pending approval of the Golden Hills Community Services District, TVRPD is in the process of organizing a budget.
Once plans are absolutely finalized, Canine Creek plans to help with any additional fundraising or support the dog park needs to become a reality.

“We are being patient, but persistent,” says Atherton.

Sponsors will be needed for benches and picnic tables. According to TVRPD Manager Mike Kelley, the overall cost of the park is estimated to be under $14,000.
The park’s estimated date of completion is planned to coincide with the grand opening of the County of Kern’s pedestrian and bike path, connecting Golden Hills to the city, tentatively scheduled for sometime at the end of summer.

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