Dog Park at DuSable Park in Chicago

CC: Mayor Richard M. Daley, Mayor of the City of Chicago
Superintendant Dave Doig, Chicago Park District
Planning Commissioner Chris Hill, Department of Planning & Development
President Michael Scott, Chicago Park District Board Commissioners Office
Lakefront Director Bridget Gainer, Chicago Park District
42nd Ward Alderman, Burt Natarus

This petition, supported by the undersigned, is directed to the Alderman of the 42nd Ward, DuSable Park Managers, DuSable Park decision makers, and other interested City Officials. Its goal is to support the construction of an enclosed dog park on 1 acre of DuSable Park, similar to those constructed at Wiggley Field, as well as Hamlin, Wicker, Margate, Walsh, and Coliseum Parks. Our community has expressed such a need for a dog friendly area.

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 Streeterville and New East Side Vicinities, where numerous people walk their dogs.

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

* There is not a facility in our area (similar to those mentioned above) to accommodate safe, off-leash activity.Chapter VII, Section B10a states: (1) Chicago Park Districts Code requires dogs to be on a leash at all times. This limits the amount of exercise a dog can receive. Many dog owners will be ticketed in order to allow their dogs the chance to run off leash in relative safety.

* Such a facility would resolve the ongoing angst between dog owners, non-owners, police and park authorities regarding dog access to the Ohio Street Beach Park, Olive Park, River Walk Parks, and Navy Pier areas.

* Many dogs need exercise over and above human limitations; leashes limit the dogs space and pace.

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

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

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

* By their mere presences, groups of dog owners (and their dogs) will help deter crime, and frequently act as the eyes and ears for the police.

* Sometimes people are reluctant or afraid to approach or converse with a complete stranger, a dog friendly area brings people together and creates a greater sense of community. Dogs help shy people "break the ice." People's love for dogs often creates an important common ground. This could potentially serve to break down otherwise impenetrable social barriers. Dogs
(and dog friendly areas) are in fact responsible for many lasting friendships between those who might never otherwise have met.

The proposed location for the dog park is an un-utilized area which is DuSable Park and only a portion of the park. Specifically, one acre of the grassy area on the West side of the park. This would leave a majority of the park open for other purposes.

Once constructed, the undersigned dog owners who utilize the dog park 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. Parents are strongly discouraged from bringing toddlers and small children to the pet friendly area.

* 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.

* In addition, we strongly encourage people to refrain from dog grooming and bringing rawhides or food into the dog friendly area because dog fights may result.

AGAIN, WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONSIDERATION IN CONSTURCTING AN ENCLOSED DOG PARK IN DUSABLE PARK. Animals have a special place in many of our hearts and we should all support their need to have a special place that is safe and friendly. Thank-you

Please feel free to write or contact the following people to have your voices heard.

Mayor Richard M. Daley ph (312)-744-3300 fax (312)-744-2324
121 N. LaSalle, Room 507, Chicago, IL 60602 (use registered mail if you want to reach Mayor Daley)

Superintendent Dave Doig ph (312)-747-2657 fax (312)-747-6127
Chicago Park District, 425 E. McFetridge Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Planning Commissioner Chris Hill ph (312)-744-9476 fax (312)-844-2271
Department of Planning & Development, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 1000, Chicago, IL 60602

President Michael Scott ph (312)-747-2644 fax (312)-747-6065
Chicago Park District Board Commissioners Office, 425 E. McFetridge Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Lakefront Director Bridget Gainer ph (312)-747-5074 fax (312)-747-3064
Chicago Park District, 425 E. McFetridge Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 [email protected]

42nd Ward Alderman Burt Natarus ph (312)-744-3062 fax (312)744-1728
121 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60602