Editor:
I am writing in response to your online article discussing the proposal to close the off-leash Beach Grove dog park.
This proposal is very upsetting and is based on faulty, frankly ridiculous, logic.
The Beach Grove dog park is not just a space where dogs can chase balls, it represents a community, where like-minded people can socialize and enjoy nature while their dogs safely decompress by sniffing and socializing amongst each other.
I am a senior and I can tell you that taking my dog to the park is a very important part of my life and well-being. It is particularly nice that I can walk to the park from my home, as do many of the other people who form part of that community.
The comment attributed to Coun. Lois Jackson that “parks are for people not dogs” completely misses the point. I like to think that parks are partly for people and partly for nature. Some parks have playgrounds for children to use, others have playing fields for people to play sport, and others are off-leash dog parks for people to enjoy with their dogs.
The justification for this terrible proposal is that people are letting their dogs onto the school grounds, and some are rude. This is completely illogical. The fact that these allegedly rude people take their dogs to the school grounds, where off-leash dogs are not allowed, does not justify punishing the people who take their dogs to the dog park, where off-leash dogs are allowed.
This proposal is going to cause serious dissension in our community, which is unfortunate.
I hope that Delta gives plenty of notice concerning the public consultation process.
I intend to participate as, I am sure, do other dog owners and lovers.
Susan Coristine
