Dog park pros, cons discussed at meeting
Published on -10/7/2011, 10:18 AM
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By DAWNE LEIKER
In an effort to see a dog park in Hays become a reality, Friends of the Hays Dog Park set out Thursday night to convince city commissioners about the community benefits of developing a place for Fido to freely romp.
"Hays does an amazing job providing recreational activities for humans, and the only thing I think is missing is a dog park," Kim Perez, Hays, told commissioners at their work session.
Friends of the Hays Dog Park was formed about three months ago and has raised $7,000 to date. The group has more than 100 email contacts and 130 Facebook page friends, Perez told commissioners. She said fundraising efforts have been somewhat hampered because individuals are reluctant to donate money until a suitable site for the park, which she estimated will cost between $50,000 to $75,000, has been approved.
After consulting with Parks Director Jeff Boyle about possible locations for a dog park, Perez said her group determined the most appropriate spot would be the area adjacent to and east of Kiwanis Park at 13th Street and Harvest Road.
"There are a variety of reasons it's the best," she said. "Size-wise, it's good. ... It is in a central place in the community where we feel safe.
"It just seems like the perfect location for a dog park."
Residents living near 13th Street and Harvest Road might not share that sentiment, as two individuals representing their neighbors shared with commissioners at the work session.
Kent Werth, who lives directly to the east of the proposed site, said after doing an admittedly quick survey of his neighbors, he found little support for a dog park in the area.
"I think I did find one guy who was not opposed," he said. "We're not opposed to a dog park, but in that proposed spot, I speak for a lot of people out there who prefer that it not be there."
Mayor Barbara Wasinger and Commissioner Troy Hickman said they have received emails and phone calls from individuals questioning location and funding of the dog park.
After discussion, it was suggested a site near the northeast quad of Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex be considered by the group. Organizers will meet with commissioners at the next work session to give their input on that proposed location.
In other business, commissioners heard a report regarding a bid for replacement of Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course back-nine irrigation system. The bid for $404,200 will be voted on next week.
