STOP the Closing of Centennial Dog Park

We, the petitioners, wish to express our thoughts regarding the proposed Master Plan for Centennial Park. Not only regarding the proposed changes for a new location of the Dog Park, but also an offer of substantial support for the existing one. As a general position, we do not favor moving or modifying the small or large dog parks at Centennial Park in any substantive way.

Please note that since November of 2009, organized and structured volunteer activities designed to maintain and enhance the dog parks have been conducted by patrons of the facilities. Over $2400 in materials have been voluntarily furnished for the parks. And we project more to come (see below). In both June and July, over 45 volunteers worked at Saturday morning events to correct a drainage issue at the Large Dog Park. Stone was laid for a drain system. All twelve old-style park benches were given a fresh coat of paint and broken slats replaced as needed. Boot and shoe cleaning stations are now in place at each entrance. Wood chips have been spread to address erosion issues. In the future, a timely replacement of the straw bales by a wall structure consistent with the current preformed concrete wall along the walkway of the large dog park is a priority.

Maintenance and repairs are made as needed and without exception on a monthly basis by us, the users of these facilities As always, with the prior approval of Metro Park personnel. Projected annual expenditures should initially be in the $10,000 range. Moreover, non-profit corporation status 501(c)(3) is now pending for the volunteer activities. We are always open to suggestions for new projects and we will work with Metro Parks to address any situations as they occur.

Note also, The Nutro Company has designated the Centennial Dog Park as one of only 30 dog parks in America for their Room to Run program, a leading movement to enhance dog parks nationwide. Nutro contributed over twenty employees with three
wheelbarrows, two thousand dollars in material, and a great deal of sweat equity to the aforementioned June volunteer event.

It is unique in Davidson County that large and small dogs are physically separated in a dog park; literally out of sight of each other. The proposed movement of both parks to "Area 14" would not separate these dogs other than by a fence. This is not desirable as it could potentially compromise the safety and well-being of smaller dogs. In addition, as the strong negative reaction by the community to a proposed bridge club/community center in "Area 14" within the past year attests, multiple dog parks in "Area 14" would not in our opinion be met with community acceptance.

The current dog parks are used by hundreds of Nashville residents each day and we really enjoy our Dog Park as it currently exists. We are concerned that the collective voice of the many regular dog park patrons may not have been fully heard throughout the park revitalization plenary process. We feel, working in coordination with Metro Park personnel, we can go a long way in maintaining and enhancing the existing dog parks now and in the future. Thank you.