Portage Park (Pawtage Park Dog Park)

To: the Alderman of Chicago's 38th Ward and Portage Park Officials
This petition, supported by the undersigned, is directed to the Alderman of the 38th Ward in Chicago, Portage Park Managers, and other interested City Officials. Its goal is to support the construction of an enclosed dog park at PortagePark (bordered by Irving Park Road, Central, Long and Berteau), similar to those constructed at Wiggley Field, as well as Hamlin, Wicker, Margate, Walsh, and Coliseum Parks.

Chicago city ordinance mandates dogs be kept on a leash in public areas for the protection of fellow residents, as well as the dogs themselves. As you are aware, several dog parks (listed above) have been constructed over the years to provide safe places for dogs to gather and play legally "off-leash". Unfortunately, there is not one of these dog parks in the vicinity of Portage Park, where numerous people walk their dogs.

Therefore, we are asking the City of Chicago to construct a dog park at Portage Park for the following reasons:

1. There is not a facility in our area (similar to those mentioned above) to accommodate safe, off-leash activity

2. Such a facility would resolve the ongoing angst between dog owners, non-owners, police and park authorities regarding dog access to the park

3. Most dogs need exercise over and above human limitations; leashes limit the dogs space and pace

4. Socializing dogs is very beneficial to the community, since it makes them less skittish and mitigates aggressive behavior when meeting other dogs and people

5. The cardiovascular effect is great for the dog's longevity and weight control, and the overall effect makes most dogs calmer and better behaved

6. Such a facility would increase park utilization and increase interaction among families in the community

The proposed location for the dog park is an under utilized area near the southeast section of the park. Specifically, the grassy area surrounded by an, paved walkway between the Long Street entrance and the Irving Park side entrance.

Once constructed, the undersigned dog owners who utilize the dog park will participate in maintaining it as necessary (e.g. organized, periodic, cleanup efforts). Additionally, such dog owners understand and will obey the Rules & Regulations outlined by the City of Chicago:


Rules & Regulations

* Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs

* Owners must remain within the fenced area at all times

* Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the area. Gates to the area must remain closed

* Owners must clean up after their dogs. Failure to do so can result in a fine up to $500

* Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behavior are prohibited

* Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, de-wormed, licensed and wearing ID tags

* An adult must accompany children under 12; young children must be closely supervised

* Puppies under four months old, and female dogs in heat are prohibited

* Dogs must be watched at all times

* Cooperation between dog owners is essential

Again, we would appreciate your consideration in constructing an enclosed dog park in Portage Park.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned