Many dog owners consider spending quality time with their pet to be their foremost leisure activity. The main reason dogs wind up in the shelter system is due to behavior problems, lack of socialization, and lack of exercise. Astonishingly, there are currently NO public areas in Manhattan, Kansas where a dog may legally run or play off-leash!

Section 6-22 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Manhattan was amended in July 2007 to read as follows: "It shall be unlawful for the owner, keeper or harborer of any dog to permit such dog to run at large in the city at any time [except for in a city-designated dog park]." This ordinance severely restricts the amount of exercise that our dogs will be able to receive. Most dogs need exercise over and above human limitations; leashes limit the dogs pace and space.

Our dogs are our companions. They are part of our families, our lives, and our daily walks. Dog parks are not a passing fad; they are being established all across the country every month due to the combined efforts of community groups and local governments. Existing dog parks around the United States have proven themselves to be highly utilized and extremely popular, and offer a wealth of benefits to dogs, dog owners, and the community as a whole.

Manhattan citizens have repeatedly expressed an overwhelming need for a dog-friendly area in our community. Dog owners deserve a place to exercise and enjoy their pets in an off-leash environment as much as parents deserve playgrounds, students deserve parking spaces, and exercisers deserve jogging trails. A great many dog owners are being neglected by the Manhattan parks system right now, and its time to let our voices be heard!

We, THE UNDERSIGNED, understand that a city-designated dog park is "in the works" for Manhattan, Kansas, but we feel it is unreasonable to have to wait for the approval and creation of a new $50,000,000+ recreational facility in order to establish one, long-overdue dog park at an estimated cost of $10,000.

We certainly look forward to that glorious day when our future "perfect" dog park is fully constructed and functional, but we desperately need an open & safe place *NOW* to gather and to bring our dogs. Those in our community who do not wish to interact with dogs have many choices for outdoor recreation that are not available for off-leash dog use. Off-leash dog parks provide a place for dogs to socialize with each other, getting the physical and mental exercise they need to be good companions and good neighbors. In addition, off-leash areas benefit the community in many other ways:

dogs are social animals whose mental health is improved by interaction with other canines, and well-socialized dogs are calmer, better-behaved, and less aggressive towards people and other dogs

puppies and dogs who get sufficient exercise make better neighbors because they are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, destroy property, jump on passers-by, etc.

well-exercised dogs are happier and healthier dogs, and the cardiovascular effect of off-leash exercise is great for the dog's longevity and weight control

dog parks foster a better sense of community among diverse groups of people by providing a place for citizens to gather and establish friendships (and are often responsible for many lasting friendships between those who might never have otherwise met)

dog parks help to keep the animals away from children and people who don't like them

they help keep other public spaces free of dog waste

they promote responsible pet ownership

they promote public health and safety since the dogs who use the park must be licensed and vaccinated

for elderly and disabled people, a dog park is often the only accessible place to exercise their pets and service dogs

the regular presence of dogs and dog owners is likely to discourage loiterers and vagrants, and groups of dog owners have been known to deter crimes by serving as the eyes and ears of the police

dog parks are desirable neighborhood amenities and help new residents & college students feel welcome as common interests and playful dogs "break the ice"

A local dog park would probably even promote tourism by drawing residents from the surrounding communities into Manhattan, thereby increasing revenues to local businesses and to the tax base!

WE, THEREFORE, RESPECTFULLY URGE YOU, THE MANHATTAN PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AND/OR THE CITY COMMISSION, TO AUTHORIZE WILSON FIELD -- LOCATED IN CITY PARK ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF NORTH MANHATTAN AVENUE & FREMONT STREET -- TO BE TEMPORARILY CONVERTED TO AN OFFICIAL DOG PARK, EFFECTIVE SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008. (The proposed location for the temporary dog park is an under-utilized baseball diamond in a neighborhood where there is a demonstrated need for a dog park, and the date was chosen so as to not interfere with the Manhattan High School 9th Grade Baseball team's season, whose last game will be played on that field on May 7, 2008.) Wilson Field is not 100\% ideal, but it is, in fact, perfectly satisfactory, AS IS, with appropriate-height fencing, ample parking, and a nearby water faucet.

This conversion will cost the City and its taxpayers: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! ZERO. ZILCH. NADA.

Furthermore, we, THE UNDERSIGNED, agree to act responsibly by supporting and adhering to the following self-imposed guidelines:

Owners remain personally and legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs. All handlers use the dog park at their own risk. Neither the City of Manhattan nor any of its agents or agencies shall be liable for any injury or damage caused in the dog park.

Handlers must be sixteen (16) years of age or older, and must remain within the fenced area at all times. Handlers must maintain visual contact and have voice control over their dogs at all times.

Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon exiting the field. No spikes or choke collars allowed. Gates to the field must remain closed.

Handlers must collect and bag all solid waste from their dogs.

Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behavior are prohibited.

Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, de-wormed, and wearing current vaccination tags and a pet license.

A child under sixteen (16) years of age may enter the dog park only when accompanied and supervised by an adult. Parents are strongly discouraged from bringing toddlers and small children onto the field.

Puppies under four months old and female dogs in heat are prohibited.

Cooperation between dog owners/handlers is essential.

No food is allowed inside the fenced-in area.

Manhattan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City Commissioners, we would greatly appreciate your kind consideration in PROMPTLY providing a much-needed enclosed, off-leash dog park, albeit temporary, where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife. And please do so without further delay! Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter.