Letters to City Council: Junction City Dog Park
Sample: Please use or edit this example, as desired.
Dear Junction City Council Members,
I am writing as a resident of Junction City to express my strong support for the development of a dedicated, thoughtfully designed dog park within our community.
While we are fortunate to have several public parks in town, none currently offer a safe and suitable space for dogs to exercise and socialize off-leash. Most parks are either too close to busy roads, lack secure fencing, or are simply not built with dogs in mind. Additionally, with active enforcement of leash laws in all public areas, responsible dog owners have no viable place to allow their pets to run freely, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
I urge the Council to consider allocating a portion of the Parks Department’s budget toward the creation of a purpose-built dog park that meets the needs of both dogs and their owners. This means more than just a small fenced patch of grass—it should include ample space for running, shaded areas, dog-friendly trails, and basic enrichment features such as agility structures or separate areas for small and large dogs. An adequately sized and well-planned dog park would promote safety, reduce conflicts in existing parks, and strengthen our sense of community by offering a social hub for dog owners.
Investing in a high-quality dog park aligns with the city’s values of livability, public health, and recreation. I hope you will take this important step toward making Junction City more welcoming and accommodating for all residents—two- and four-legged alike.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Neighborhood, if desired]
[Optional: Email or Phone Number]
Dear City Council,
Can we do something about the lack of dog-friendliness in Junction City? With dubious busibodies calling the police for dogs playing peacefully in one of the few city parks that are actually safe for dogs (not on a busy street, partially fenced), where are we expected to let our pets exercise and socialize? There are no designated dog parks in town. And I don’t mean some chain link around five-hundred square feet of poorly maintained grass. Somewhere that the hundreds – or thousands – of dogs and their owners, who I see on a regular basis, can play fetch or run with other dogs or walk down a trail and sniff bushes. It could even include some outdoor activities for humans. Walks around the neighborhood don’t cut it when one has to dodge sidewalk hazards and evade old men who scream if you get too close to their overwatered lawns.
Those of us without children, whose pets are our children, are paying into parks and schools, too (we should talk about the school shooting off a cannon in a residential neighborhood. PTSD flashbacks, anyone?). Could we get a little return on our investment, please? There are plenty of multi-acre lots around town that could be easily and inexpensively developed, certainly with help from the community that would make use of such a facility. Harrisburg can do it. Monroe can do it. Somehow, even Bellfountain can do it. Why can’t we?
Also, why are police resources being wasted on responses to such calls? I reported a violation to code enforcement that is not only a safety issue, but an ADA compliance issue, months ago, and nothing has been done. But calling the police for a non-emergency issue? As a former first responder and emergency dispatcher trainer, I’m appalled at some citizens’ use of the limited resources available, even (especially) if they are the instigator of said leash law in the first place. That’s just abuse of the system and this repeated caller, [Name Redacted], should be taught the appropriate use of first responder time and resources.
Thank You in Advance,
T.J.