Editor:
Re: Relocation of Beach Grove off-leash dog park
I am both disappointed and surprised to read that Delta council has directed staff to undertake the design of an off-leash dog area at Grauer Park to replace the existing off-leash dog area at Beach Grove Park.
I am disappointed because being a resident of Beach Grove and a dog owner, I have appreciated having the Beach Grove off-leash dog area within walking distance from my home. My dog and I can walk to the park, do a few laps, and then walk home, without having to get into the car and drive. The park is a pleasant, natural setting, with gravel paths winding through the trees, as opposed to a fenced enclosure. It appears to be popular and well-used by the community. I have never witnessed or heard of any incidents of dog aggression in the off-leash area.
I am also surprised, as I recall that, when the city designated Beach Grove Park as an off-leash dog area, the Optimist reported city staff received very few, if any, complaints about the off-leash dog area.
What has changed? I expect the difference is that there are so many more dogs now. One only has to look around. These days Beach Grove is full of people—seniors, empty nesters, and families—walking their dogs. I was speaking with a fellow at the Beach Grove off-leash dog area recently who said he had never seen as many puppies in Beach Grove. He had two Springer spaniel puppies with him.
The obvious solution, given the problem is due to the increased number of dogs, is to designate both Grauer Park and Beach Grove Park as off-leash dog areas. This would take some of the pressure of Beach Grove Park.
Rod Ellard
