How did Richmond Hill get their dog park?

[kirsten]

A few of us who are actively trying to get an off-leash dog park in Stouffville attended the first AGM of the Richmond Hill K9 Klub (RHK9K). The RHK9K is successfully operating an off-leash park as a 1 year pilot project located at Yonge St & Tower Hill Road. The AGM held on April 13th was key in providing information for the Stouffville Dog Owners’ Association; giving a firm focus and direction. Invaluable information came from David, the co-chair, two town Councillors and a representative from the Parks Department who were all in attendance and strongly support the off-leash park in Richmond Hill. www.rhk9klub.ca/

Here’s what we learned:
-With 400 names on their petition and an animal loving councillor on their side, the RHK9K presented their petition to Council.
-During the Parks Department’s feasibility study, the RHK9K worked closely to assist in finding the best location for the park
-Mission Statement was defined including terms such as “to service membership & the dog community at large”, “cooperate with the Town & the community”, and to “work with the town to maintain the park”.
-Coordinated with the OSPCA
-A Constitution was filed with the Town in February of 2009
-Membership is $20/year. Member numbers doubled when the park opened.
-Board consists of 10 people including Sec./Treas, Events Coordinator, 2 chairs, Volunteer Coordinator, Photographer.
-Created a newsletter & upgraded their website to increase public awareness
-Posted an events calendar online and created a Park Volunteer Group
-Engaged sponsors including a Signage company, veterinarians, and a dog business that recently won a Chamber of Commerce award for “Best Business”

With a goal of repeating the above noted successes of the RHK9K, we move forward seeking passionate volunteers and many more signatures!

[Linda]

First of all it wasn’t petition signed by 400 people but RH survey asking resident’s opinion about if city should have Dog Park. 100 were against of such a facility. Only 14 people asked about current location. City didn’t notify residents who are living near proposed location. Current park location is nuisance for neighborhood. 250 signatures we collected under the petition to relocate the park away from residential properties. 150 emails were sent to councilor with the same request. The park is one of the most controversial projects in Richmond Hill. K9 Klub is not capable of dealing with number of issues the park has.