Dear Editor:
Contrary to some recent assertions, everyone except dog-owning Summerland residents has long been the priority when it comes to recreation amenities.
There are many acres of large sports fields and expensive facilities dedicated to the needs of other recreational users, even if such groups are much smaller in size than the number of dog owners.
While other communities recognize and meet our unique needs, Summerland has lagged behind for over a decade and is only now taking steps to catch up. The dog park has taken a once severely underused space and made it a popular and well-loved place where socialization, exercise, and community connections are happening.
With over 730 signatures (and counting) on our hand-signed petition, there is a clear proven demand and a substantial positive response to this dog park.
Peach Orchard Park was already off-leash during the off-season since 2008 with remarkably few issues. Claims that park safety is compromised now that a fence separates the dog section defies logic. The field in question is a frequently soggy grass field in a developed city park, not a sensitive wetland.
At just one acre in size, the dog park is the lesser portion of the park, as there is still 1.3 acres of shared greenspace. Additionally, park areas of the gazebo, playground, water park, and beach all remain untouched and separated from the dog park.
The great part about a dog park is that you don’t need to own a dog to enjoy it. I have also on several occasions encountered families with children coming to the park who do not have dogs, but come to meet and pet all the dogs.
Access to recreational spaces should strive to be more inclusive, and the provision of a large, safe, fenced dog park for residents accomplishes exactly that.
Like many of you, many of us also play sports, barbeque, and have family reunions. We also hike, bike, picnic, and enjoy the many parks and beaches as others do. We have recreational needs that may be in common with yours and some that might be different, but we are all part of the same community.
Robert Hacking
Summerland Dog Owners Association
Summerland