Proposed “Sidney Paw Park”

1. Proposed “Sidney Paw Park” Review of Potential Sites Amanda Glenn: Activities and Recreation Committee Chair

2. Why Are Dog Parks Popular? • Link between open space for dogs & promoting acceptable behavior from dogs goes hand-in-hand • Dogs need to be socialized in an appropriate setting • Need regular outings to reduce boredom and pent-up energy • Access to a park close to home is safest/most effective way to socialize and experience outside world • Not only benefiting dog & owner but neighbors who are affected by unacceptable behavior at home, other park and street users, and authorities responsible for animal management

3. Why Are Dog Parks Popular? Continued • Positive impacts on owners; owning a dog encourages people to exercise & visit their local park • Taking a dog out has also been found to stimulate social interaction with other people • Lastly, balanced approach to accommodating dog owners in public space which achieves higher levels of compliance by dog owners with relevant laws • (If dog owners perceive laws to be unfair, it may elicit a defiant, rather than compliant, response from dog owners – they may ignore the laws in protest; if laws are perceived to be fair, people will more likely voluntarily comply)

4. Why A Dog Park In Sidney? • Presented to City Council in October advising of our plans, budget, and overview of proposed Dog Park • A detailed Dog Park Proposal is included in your packets explaining why Dog Parks are important in communities • North Platte, Alliance, and Scottsbluff have Dog Parks; we believe we can adequately compare to each • Sidney’s Current Leash Laws restrict dogs from running at large (without a leash) • Ordinance 618.17; Ord. 822; Ord. 1487 • Dog Park is a great way to exercise them in a safe environment • How many dogs licensed in Sidney in 2010? (January ‘10 – November ‘10 = 846)

5. Why A Dog Park In Sidney? • Alliance, NE: City Owned and Operated • Started as a volunteer project and donations were collected • Once park was created, it was donated to the City • The City of Alliance does the mowing, spraying of weeds, etc. • Shanna with the Parks and Recreation Dept. advised they have had no issues with dog attacks, citizens are very good about cleaning up after their pet, and it gets used more so than their playground in all types of weather throughout the entire year • 2.73-acre facility; 16th & Box Butte; two double gate entrances, agility course, pet stations in each corner with waste bags

6. Why A Dog Park In Sidney? • Scottsbluff, NE: (Perry Mader) • City of Scottsbluff donated the land for Dog Park • 7 years- no reports of attacks and have had no liability issues • 4-acres; double entry gate; individual play area for small & frail dogs; main play area for dogs who play nicely in a group setting • City’s Parks Dept. maintains the grounds (mostly spraying of weeds on the gravel.) • Started with one person donating money; was then donated to the City • People are constantly donating money to the Park • Will be “sprucing” it up this year, adding shrubs, and agility features

7. Community Survey • 42.2% of Sidney Residents “Supported” the Dog Park • Only 27.2% of Sidney Residents “Opposed” the Dog Park

8. Community Survey • Comments: • “Much needed for dog socialization and off-leash activity.” • “Would like one on both sides of town.” • “Dog Park extremely necessary for more recreational facilities to better Sidney.”

9. Original Budget • Please see packets for overall budget of Dog Park • Relying on donations and fundraisers • The city will not incur any costs on the initial budget, this is simply for A&R use • All we are asking from the City is a land donation

11. Pros and Cons of Each Site • Location “C”- Park Property Near Soccer Fields • Location “B”-Former Wastewater Treatment Site • Location “A”- Former Landfill Area on East Elm Street (North Side) PROS: *Can be seen from Highway 31 *Far enough away from residential area, won’t be a nuisance *Close enough to community activity to be seen and used frequently PROS: *No Homes Near Site *Large Amount of Land CONS: *Far Away From City Activity *Cannot be seen from a main street/highway CONS: *There is not a viable walking path to proposed park. *Dirt mounds would have to be moved PROS: *Close to an established park area *Close to activity CONS: *Citizens living in the area were NOT in favor of a Dog Park behind their homes *Next to established residential site

12. Location “C” • Since Location “C” (Park Property Near Soccer Fields) was an option; letters were sent out to residents (33) with packet of information on the Dog Park. Information was requested, here are the results (19): • All residents (with exception of 2) did NOT want Dog Park located behind their home • Most residents DID want a Dog Park in Sidneybut located elsewhere • Location “C”- 2 Votes • Location “A”- 12 Votes • Location “B”- 10 Votes • No Location Provided- 1 Ballot • No Location Desired- 3 Ballots

13. Comments Added To Ballots For Location “C” • Location C: NO Strongly Opposed • I am in favor of location A: YES • I am in favor or location B: YES: GLADLY! • “Dog owners already abuse the soccer field (not picking up waste). I want less waste!

14. Support • Letters of Support are included in your packet from: • Tommy Millner; President and CEO, Cabela’s Inc. • Ramona Joyce; Tourism Director, Cheyenne County Visitors Center • Mary and John Katos, City of Sidney Residents • Kiersten Richards, Vice President of Wagon Tails Animal Rescue

15. Support – Tommy Millner, President and CEO – Cabela’s Inc. • “…we have many candidates who believe that having this amenity (Dog Park) would persuade their thoughts of moving to our community. Many of those relocating to the area have had amenities such as a dog park in their previous communities and we need to do all we can to create a similar experience for these residents.”

16. Support – Ramona Joyce, Tourism Director – Cheyenne County Visitors Center • “A large number of people travel with their dogs. A park to let them run without a leash would be something they would no doubt make use of. Traveling with dogs can be hard on both the owner and the dog because the dog is confined to the car or a motel room. I’m sure owners would welcome the opportunity to let their dog get some much needed exercise at a safe and clean park just for dogs.”

17. Support – Mary & John Katos – City of Sidney Residents • “My husband and I moved here from a large city several years ago with two Australian Cattle Dogs. We were accustomed to having several dog parks available within an hour’s drive and we took advantage of those parks along with agility work to socialize, train, and wear out our high-energy companions. The lack of a dog park in the area was a big negative when we were considering the move and had our dogs been younger or not as well-trained as they were, where we actually chose to live would have been different.”

18. Council: • All we, as a committee, are asking for at this particular meeting is your thoughts on which location is the most desirable, and that you are supportive for us to continue our efforts moving forward • After a location is determined, we can proceed with further details (i.e. donations, equipment, formal organization, etc.)

19. Thank You for your consideration! • All inquiries can be directed to myself: • Amanda Glenn • Activities and Recreation Chairperson • amanda@cheyennecountychamber.com • 308-254-5851