Hays residents banding together to form dog park
By KLINT SPILLER
Many pet owners in the Hays community have started a grassroots movement to lobby for a city dog park.
The dog park would allow dogs to be off their leashes and exercise in an area enclosed by tall fences.
Kim Perez, a history professor at Fort Hays State University, has been spearheading the project, and she said there are approximately 200 people who are supportive and have requested to be added to her email list.
"There are a lot of people that want this," Perez said.
In Hays, dogs are required to be on their leash or under direct control of their owner while away from their residence.
Perez said dogs need a location where they can escape their leash and socialize with other dogs.
"This provides an area for dogs to be off their leash, play with balls, play with other dogs and socialize," Perez said. "It is advantageous for people who have multiple dogs. It allows them to just let their dogs run."
Perez said the group is hoping to have a presentation prepared for the city commission by Sept. 1.
The group still needs to get organized and plan fundraising activities, park specifications and the actual proposal for the city commission.
At the moment, Perez said the group is looking at an area near Kiwanis Park on 17th and Harvest Avenue that is being used to grow alfalfa.
Hays Parks Director Jeff Boyle said he has been in communication with the grassroots group and is planning to help them present to the city commission.
"What I asked them to do is organize the information of what they're wanting and bring it to me," Boyle said. "Then we'll bring it to the city commission."
Perez said the park will cost approximately $35,000 in preliminary expenses, which is expected to pay for the parking lot, fencing, water stations and waste stations.
However, Perez said the group also plans to raise additional funds for shade trees, benches and agility equipment.
So far, the group has raised about $3,000, but Perez said the group just has begun the process of fundraising.
"People can send money to the city clerk's office for the dog park project," Perez said. "We are also talking to people about potential sponsoring of the park. We are also talking about having a big yard sale fundraiser."
Perez said though raising more than $35,000 would seem like a steep task, it could be easy if everyone helped.
"There are a lot of people out there," Perez said. "If they all give a little bit, then they would all benefit from it. It is very doable."
Perez said a dog park not only would benefit dog owners, but it also would be to the advantage of everyone in the community.
According to the group's "Friends for a Hays Dog Park" blog, well-socialized dogs lead to friendlier dogs, which leads to fewer dog attacks.
A dog park also would keep other parks more free of dogs, and it provides a place for the elderly and disabled to take their dogs instead of requiring them to walk their dogs.
The blog also cited the possibility of tempting travelers with pets off Interstate 70 to exercise their dogs, and it said a dog park promotes responsible pet ownership.
"I think commissioners do a really good job of knowing what the community wants and recognizing the needs of the community," Perez said. "I think they will recognize that there is a need and desire in this community for a dog park."
Perez said there will be a meeting at 6:30 p.m. July 26 at the Hays Public Library to better organize the group and discuss fundraising plans.