The Newsleaders
  • Login
  • Register
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Sartell – St. Stephen
    • St. Joseph
    • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Column
    • Editorial
    • Letter to the Editor
  • Community
    • Calendar
    • Citizen Spotlight
    • Criers
    • People
  • Notices
    • Funerals/Visitations
    • Obituary
    • Police Blotter
    • Public Notices
    • Support Groups
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Submissions
  • Archives
    • Sartell-St. Stephen Archive
    • St. Joseph Archive
  • Advertise With Us
    • Print Advertising
    • Digital Advertising
    • 2021 Promotions
    • Pay My Invoice
The Newsleaders
No Result
View All Result

Stearns Bank Welch/Pediatrics
Home Opinion Editorial

Why does dog park raise red flags?

September 24, 2015
in Editorial, Opinion, Print St. Joseph
0
New collaboration tool is helpful resource
0
SHARES
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Several concerns have surfaced from residents neighboring the proposed 5-acre dog park planned near the Wobegon trailhead. The main consensus seems to be “not in my backyard.” Though some valid points have been raised, none seem to be cause for alarm or extreme opposition.

The two residents’ opinions (featured in one of this week’s articles and a letter to the editor) seem rather weak.

The main points they make are as follows:

• Residences bordering the proposed site will not have use of the land.

• Dogs will be present in a wooded area where wildlife live and neighbors go for walks or use ATVs and snowmobiles.

• The assumption a dog park would mean cutting down trees.

• The land is currently being used for drainage.

• Expenses for adding a freshwater source, fencing, adequate lighting, additional parking, stairs and/or a ramp for handicapped accessibility and cleaning would be costly.

• Lack of parking would deter visitors and affect the local economy.

A few of these issues can be addressed as follows: the city land will be available to all residents, not just a few; the noise and movement of ATVs and snowmobiles is no better or worse for wildlife than a few dogs barking at any given time; the land may still be used for drainage; there’s no reason to cut down trees to add a dog park – many dog owners and their dogs go to dog parks to enjoy trees as much as space; and adding a dog park could potentially boost the economy.

St. Joseph is growing and with its growth comes more pet owners. According to humanesociety.org, pet ownership in the United States has more than tripled from the 1970s with 62 percent of American households now owning at least one pet. While some pet owners have yards, some yards may not be adequate or safe for pets. And more and more landlords and property management companies are relaxing rules to allow for pets, though most still require an extra damage deposit to house Fido or Fifi.

The most valid reasons not to create a dog park in the proposed location include pet owner and pet safety, costs and parking issues.

But a little imagination, fundraising and some sweat equity would go a long way toward accomplishing the goal. In the past, St. Joseph residents and businesses have worked together to accomplish what some deemed “nearly impossible” – a new fire hall; beautifying downtown with lighting, benches and flower baskets; and building a Wobegon trailhead center, to name just a few.

Either way residents choose to look at it, voice your opinion during the Park Board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 at City Hall, 25 College Ave. N.

Previous Post

Compassion must be tempered by realism

Next Post

Library-plan dilemma all but inexcusable

Next Post
New collaboration tool is helpful resource

Library-plan dilemma all but inexcusable

Please login to join discussion

murphy granite CentraCare SartellLionsCleanUp

Hiring local
Columnist
writer!
Love to
write??
Senior Linkage SUPPORT FOR
OLDER ADULTS
DURING COVID-19
Senior LinkAge Line connects
older adults and caregivers
to essential services and
supports during the pandemic.
800-333-2433
Whitney Senior Center whitney senior center
wellness workshops
1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud health coaches
for hypertension
Mondays
April 26-June 14
10-11:30 a.m.
In-person at Heritage Hall

Fridays
May 21-July 16
9:30-11 a.m.
In-person at
Whitney Senior Center/Zoom
SistersoftheOrder

Search

No Result
View All Result

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Video students capture real-life business experience
  • COVID cases up, but schools stay open
  • Quilters stitch Bad Habit masterpiece
  • Career Solutions works for job search
  • City of St. Joseph not sitting still

City Links

Sartell
St. Joseph
St. Stephen

School District Links

Sartell-St. Stephen school district
St. Cloud school district

Chamber Links

Sartell Chamber
St. Joseph Chamber

Community

Calendar

Citizen Spotlight

Criers

People

Notices

Funerals/Visitions

Obituary

Police Blotter

Public Notices

Support Groups

About Us

Contact Us

News Tips

Submissions

Advertise With Us

Print Advertising

Digital Advertising

2021 Promotions

Local Advertising Rates

National Advertising Rates

© 2021 Newleaders

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Sartell – St. Stephen
    • St. Joseph
    • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Column
    • Editorial
    • Letter to the Editor
  • Community
    • Calendar
    • Citizen Spotlight
    • Criers
    • People
  • Notices
    • Funerals/Visitations
    • Obituary
    • Police Blotter
    • Public Notices
    • Support Groups
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Submissions
  • Archives
    • Sartell-St. Stephen Archive
    • St. Joseph Archive
  • Advertise With Us
    • Print Advertising
    • Digital Advertising
    • 2021 Promotions
    • Pay My Invoice

© 2021 Newleaders

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In