Dog Park in Burleson, Texas

Dog Park in Burleson Texas
Petition

"To establish a fenced in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise and socialize with other dogs.
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. To view this park as a community project, in partnership with the City of Burleson, Texas, designed to satisfy the needs of dog owners, pet sitters/dog walkers, and non-dog owners alike."

To: Burleson City Mayor and City Council and Burleson Park Officials

This petition, supported by the undersigned, is directed to the Burleson City Mayor and City Council and the Burleson Park Officials , and other interested City Officials. Its goal is to support the construction of an enclosed 4 to 6 acre dog park in a centralized, convenient location within the city limits of Burleson, Texas.

Burleson 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, such as Fort Woof Dog Park in Fort Worth, Tails 'N Trails Dog Park in Arlington, Village at Bear Creek Dog Park in Euless, Boo Boo's Buddies Dog Park in Southlake, Central Bark in Grand Prairie 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 Burleson, where numerous people walk their dogs.

Therefore, we are asking the City of Burleson to construct a 4 to 6 acre dog park for the following reasons:
+ There is not a facility in our area (similar to those mentioned above) to accommodate safe, “off-leash” activity
+ Such a facility would resolve the ongoing angst between dog owners, non-owners, police and park authorities regarding dog access to other city parks
+ Many dogs need exercise over and above human limitations; leashes limit the dog’s space and pace
+ Socializing dogs is very beneficial to the community, since it makes them social 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
+ This facility would increase opportunities for residents to interact with their neighbors and help create a sense of community.

An ideal location for the dog park should include trees, shaded areas, park benches and shaded tables for human interaction. It should be a grassy area that also includes doggy drinking water fountains and misters for cooling off. Several dog waste station cans should be conveniently located to encourage owners to clean up after their dogs. There should be 1 acre designated for dogs under 35lbs, 3 to 4 acres designated for dogs 35lbs and over.

The Burleson Parks Department will be responsible for the regular maintenence as with any other park. There will be an emergency entrance for Emergency vehicles.

Dog owners understand and will obey the following Rules & Regulations outlined by the City of Burleson:
* 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
* No food, treats or favorite toys to avoid possible fights.
* Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behavior are prohibited
* Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, de-wormed, and wearing ID tags and Rabies tags
* An adult must accompany children under 13; 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
* (additional rules may be added as needed)