This petition, supported by the undersigned constituents, is directed to the South Whitehall township council and other interested City Officials. Its goal is to support the designation and construction of an enclosed dog park with transition areas. We, the undersigned constituents of Southwhite Hall township and surrounding areas respectfully urge you to authorize the funding required to establish an off-leash dog park to be created at the location described above. In creating a dog park, we hope to accomplish multiple goals: 1. To establish a fenced in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved canine can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property, or wildlife. 2. To develop a beautiful, well-maintained space, open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions. 3. To view this park as a community project, in partnership with the township, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike. We request the township of South Whitehall to authorize adequate funding to provide appropriate fencing, including a double gated entry to prevent dogs from bolting, emergency & maintenance entry, asphalt, concrete, pathways, or gravel, plant material, water availability, garbage cans, bag stations, benches, human & dog water fountain(s), gate(s), and signage so that this park can be constructed as quickly as possible. The park must comply with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The design of the park will house two separate fenced in sections within one large location. One section would be utilized for large/medium dogs and the other for small and shy dogs. Unfortunately, no off-leash dog parks currently exist in the vicinity of the aforementioned communities. Just as other taxpayers enjoy convenient public swimming pools, jogging trails, golf courses, and playgrounds, dog owners need a place to exercise and enjoy their pets in an off-leash environment. Further, such a park will benefit the greater community in the following ways. 1) Most dogs require exercise that leashes restrictions do not permit. The cardiovascular benefit provided by healthy play with other dogs is great for dogs longevity and weight control. Dogs are social animals whose mental health is improved by interaction with other canines. Happy, healthy dogs are calmer and better behaved, reducing nuisance barking and other annoying behaviors exhibited by unexercised canines. 2) Such a facility would increase general park utilization and build bonds within the human community. 3) Dog park patrons tend to be people who appreciate the park 3and take an "ownership interest" in it. As a result, they keep the area free of criminal activities and other bad elements. 4) Park patrons want to ensure a clean park for all the dogs attending. Feces pick-up and disposal is an integral part of retaining a clean park. A visit to any dog park will verify this observation. Owners watch for and pick up their animals feces, and when a dog defecates, other patrons assume that the dog owner simply did not notice and gently remind the owner to pick up the feces and throw it away. 5) Once the off-leash park is constructed, a core group of community activists including the creators of this petition do commit ourselves to its continued maintenance (e.g. organized, periodic, cleanup efforts). 6) The dog park should be equip with an emergency entrance and be erected with an emergency access entry (gate) designed with a road made of asphalt or concrete and would withstand the weight of a fire truck or rig. The emergency entrance should span 16 to 20 in width to accommodate a fire truck, rig, ambulance, ranger & police, and animal care and control vehicles. This entry way should be accessible from the main street or the main access road leading into the park to the dog park. Again, we would appreciate your consideration in constructing an enclosed off-leash dog park.