City of Richardson Dog Park

Off-leash dog parks provide a place for dogs to socialize with each other, getting the physical and mental exercise they need to be good companions and good neighbors. In addition, off-leash areas benefit the community in many ways:

dog parks are the answer to dogs running loose in public areas as they provide a tool for enforcing dog control laws
dog parks keep the animals away from children and people who dont like them
they help keep other public spaces free of feces
they promote responsible pet ownership
they promote public health and safety since the dogs who use the park must be licensed and vaccinated
Well socialized and well exercised dogs are less aggressive towards people and other dogs. Dogs are social animals whose mental health is improved by interaction with other canines. Happy, healthy dogs are calmer and better behaved, reducing nuisance barking and other annoying behaviors exhibited by under-exercised canines.
for elderly and disabled people, a dog park is often the only accessible place to bring their companions to socialize
they foster a community feeling -- dog park users get to know each other well and establish bonds
dog parks are desirable neighborhood amenities for newcomers and may entice visitors & new residents
groups of dogs and owners can revitalize little-used areas
a park will draw residents from the surrounding communities into Richardson thereby benefiting local businesses

I support the effort to establish a year round fenced in, off-leash dog park complex where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife. To include, but not be limited to, the following design elements; a fenced shy & small dog enclosure, a larger general population fenced area for large/medium dogs, a fenced discipline area, double entry gates, human & dog water fountains, lights, bag stations and garbage cans. I want to assist with the design of a beautiful, ADA compliant, well-maintained space, water-conservation sensitive of approximately 2 acres and open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions. This park will be a community project, in partnership with the City of Richardson, on property owned and managed by the City, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners, non-dog owners and non-resident canine visitors.