Sue and I are writing in full support of the new park at 20th Street and Dartmouth Ave. in Historic Kenwood. Please notice I didn't say "dog" park as it will be used as a park by people. Only one reason will be to bring their dogs. Please see our reasons for support below:
1. This park will be used by the neighborhood as a place to picnic and recreate with their families, only some of which will have dogs. In these economic times, a family needs such a place to go where the costs can be minimized.
2. If you've been to Crescent Lake or North Shore parks, as we have to go there now, you know there is a need for more parks that have a place for dogs to run free. The sod has had to be replaced at North Shore and Crescent Lake's can become a sand pit. There is a need to relieve some of the overuse at those parks.
3. The money for this park is coming from a fund that is set up just for uses like this. It will relieve tax dollars from the general fund that is currently being used to mow/maintain this area.
4. This park will be big enough to be more than just a dog park. There will be plenty of room to expand the possible uses in the future(recycling, playground equipment, basketball courts, etc.).
5. Yes, this “people park” will cost more than other dog parks. That's because it is being created as a brand new park. Instead of just fencing of a small portion of an existing park, the city will be creating a whole new park needing lighting, parking, fencing, benches, irrigation, signage, etc.. One cannot really compare the two.
6. Lastly, you will be creating something wonderful out of something that has been a problem in our city for some time. This area has been a place of illegal dumping and as living space for the homeless.
This is money well spent and will be a win/win for the city and our neighborhood.
Thank you for reading,
Sue and Bill Heyen
