We, the undersigned, would like to petition the Newberg Park and Recreation District to put a new surface in the Newberg Dog Park. The current surface is a hog fuel, a type of bark dust that breaks down rapidly. This creates several problems. During the wet season it does not hold water well, thus creating a muddy surface the deters people from bringing their dogs. During the dry season it creates a very dusty environment. This is inconvenient as it creates continuous clouds of dust when the dogs run around. Plus, the small microfibers of bark irritate the skin and eyes of many of the dogs.

The potential dog health problems related to wood chips are not trivial, as gotopetsamerica.com notes, “Nasal aspergillosis [in dogs] is caused by several species of fungus of the genus Aspergillus. A. fumigatus grows abundantly in rotten vegetation and wood chips, compost, sewage, and moldy hay. Some species live mainly in soil. The fungus produces many small spores which can be inhaled. Some aspergillus species found in moldy feed produce aflatoxins, poisonous compounds that can cause serious injury to the liver if ingested. A local immune dysfunction is suspected in affected animals.”

Different types of surfaces can be found on this website: http://thestantonfoundation.org/canine/dog-parks/guide/surfacing

Another option is decomposed granite: http://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/property-management-strategies-how-to-add-the-perfect-dog-park

We would like to create an environment that is safer and more suitable for our pets. Therefore, we are requesting that the park be filled with grass and/or larger bark chips that will not deteriorate so quickly. Many of us have visited other dog parks such as Sherwood and McMinnville where there are large grassy or wood chipped areas that make for a very pleasurable experience for both dogs and their owners.

Whatever new surface is used, it must be maintained. Having a dog park that causes more harm than good is not an adequate dog park for our community.

Thank you so much for your consideration of this matter.