Petition in Support of Hermon Dog Park

This petition, supported by the undersigned constituents, is directed to Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa of Council District 14 and other interested city officials. We ask you to support the already authorized construction of an enclosed off-leash dog park at Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco.

We, the undersigned parties, respectfully urge you to support the funding previously authorized by Councilmember Nick Pacheco, which was designated to establish Hermon Dog Park. The park would be located at the far north end of Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco (starting at or right under the Avenue 60 grade separation) just off of Via Marisol.

In creating a dog park, we hope to accomplish multiple goals:

1) To establish a fenced in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved canines can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property, or wildlife.

2) To develop a beautiful, well-maintained space, open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions.

3) To view this park as a community project, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike.

We request that you continue to support the previously authorized funding designated to provide appropriate fencing, including a double gated entry to prevent dogs from bolting, an emergency and/or maintenance entry, refurbish the existing sprinkler system and drinking fountain, add a dog water fountain, provide garbage cans, bag stations, benches and signage.

Our reasons for being granted previous authorization for an off-leash dog park still hold true and are as follows:

1) It would improve our dogs quality of life. Leash restrictions disallow the intense aerobic exercise that most dogs require. Dogs who cannot exercise tend to be nervous and destructive. Happy, healthy dogs are calmer and better behaved, reducing nuisance barking and other annoying behaviors exhibited by unexercised canines.

2) It would improve our parks system. Such a facility would increase general park utilization and build bonds within the human community.

3) It would improve license and spay/neuter compliance, and generate revenue. Since dog park patrons would be required to show proof of licensure, park use will increase license compliance and generate revenue for the city. Reduced fee licensure with spay/neuter and an information network about low-cost and free spay/neuter would encourage sterilization, and reduce pet overpopulation in our city.

4) It would improve Hermon Park. Dog park patrons usually take an ownership interest in their beloved dog park. Their vigilance provides many cues to care that improves the park location and the areas around them. Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco has suffered from misuse brought on by isolation and lack of designated purpose. A dog park would remedy this.

5) It would protect the surrounding environment. Currently, dogs run unfettered down the Arroyo Seco River leaving their feces in the water channel itself. They also run loose in the wilderness areas of North East Los Angeles, threatening wildlife, digging, and urinating and defecating indiscriminately. Our dog park would protect the entire Arroyo Seco area by providing an appealing alternative where monitored dogs can engage in positive social behavior.

6) This Off-Leash Dog Park is needed. The nearest Off-Leash Dog Park is Silverlake Park, an overused park approximately 15 miles away. With traffic, this drive takes 20 minutes to a half hour from communities proximal to the Hermon Park location. Many potential dog park patrons simply will not bother.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We trust that you will champion the continuing wishes of your activist animal constituency to create Hermon Dog Park.