Save the Trout Lake Dog Off-Leash Area!

The off-leash area is heavily used and important to many area residents. Control of dogs by their owners is for the most part excellent. To fence in the dog area seems an unnecessary expenditure and eyesore.

that end of the park is perfect the way it is and is heavily used at all times by dogs and their families. this proposal to shrink the area and enclose it is ridiculous and ill-informed

I will be very disappointed if the off-leash area at Trout Lake is reduced. He is the happiest when he can be off leash and enjoy play time with other dogs. Enclosed spaces are constricting and do not allow dogs to enjoy a run or a walk. I believe reducing the off-leash area will not only discourage healthy play and exercise for our dogs, yet it will also discourage a sense of community.

I utilize the dog off-leash areas in Vancouver every day particularly, the Trout Lake area. Whenever I go there are between 10 to 20 dogs and their owners utilizing it also. The current space is a very good size to allow all of us to move around the area safely, choosing where to stop and throw the ball, depending on the temperament, size and activity of the dogs. My mother, who comes with me, walks my sister's dog who is shy and yet protective. So giving him a little space to run for his ball and swim works perfectly. This park is a part of our daily life. The huge reduction in size would affect our lives dramatically and negatively. I don't believe that many in the area would begrudge us the use of this area, particularly when there are areas around the park for the various activities, such as children's playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, picnicking and walking paths.

I'm trying to sign but it seems to be getting hung up and not getting added to the signatures.

WAY TO GO FOLKS!!! UNITED WE ARE STRONG!!! MAN'S BEST FRIENDS ARE IN URGENT NEED OF FAITHFUL FRIENDS!!! gloria kieler

I will be so utterly disappointed if the Trout Lake dog park is reduced and enclosed as planned. Trout Lake is currently a model of what a park should be, in my opinion. Lots of open space with plenty of room for all user groups to enjoy and share. This trend toward segregating simply doesn't make sense in the context of making Vancouver a more livable city. Small, enclosed dog off-leash zones are unsightly, and as other users have pointed out lead to more, not less, dog-to-dog aggression; dogs within have nowhere to go if they feel threatened. Further, there's the overall social impact. Parents are now forced to make two trips to the park -- one to let the kids play and another to have the dog run (in a stressful, muddy, over crowded and possibly dangerous pen!). I have a dog because I love the companionship and I like to walk. As any dog owner know, walking on leash has its limitations and at times it's important to let the dog run a bit. It's also nice for the human. The last thing I am interested in doing is standing still on a piece of dirt so my dog can be outside and interact with other dogs. Is the city then suggesting I have to leave town to have the type of walk we enjoy and need? In a place that has mounting traffic issues, this makes no sense. I hope someone is listening to the voices of the many dog owner and lovers.

Small enclosed spaces for dogs lead to more problems. If a dog is feeling threatened, there isn't enough space for them to wander away from the dog(s) that they are uncomfortable with. As humans, we certainly don't like or get along with everyone we meet and are not expected to play together in a small room. In order to avoid dog fights and defuse high energy situations, there needs to be the space to do so! Dogs also need to run around and have a place to cool down in the summer. People want dogs to be well-behaved so they can be in public, they need to be exercised and have play opportunities to behave thusly. This park is essential to ensuring happy, well-behaved dogs!

As owners of licensed dogs in the City of Vancouver, we represent a PAYING user-group for this park space. Just as other paying users (such as sports groups) have a right to expect well maintained facilities which suit their needs, so do we have a right to reasonable input into how our shared facilities are developed and managed. There are plenty of alternatives to a fenced gladiator arena style dog park. Thanks.

Let's build community, not seclude it's members! We are all in this together and we all need green space, dog owners and non-dog owners! We need the space we have for our dogs and MUCH MORE! What a great community is found at Trout Lake amongst dog owners, including socialization and exercise: All keys to a healthier and happier city!