Sun City resident proposes dog park

SUN CITY – Carole Gillham of Neighborhood 21 loves dogs. She’s a Canine Companion for Independence volunteer puppy raiser. She finds a dog’s companionship not only valuable but emotionally and physically healthy. And knowing that there are many Sun City residents who share her feelings, Gillham has an idea for a dog park in Sun City, a place “where people can socialize and dogs can socialize as well,” she said.

Equipped with “abundant research that verifies the emotional and physical benefits companion animals bring to our lives,” and standing on the grounds that “a dog park would provide a safe and sanitary area in which to exercise and toilet our dogs and … offer residents with common interests the opportunity to socialize and participate in events that would enhance their relationships with their dogs,” according to letter Gillham sent to the Sun Day, she, along with other Sun City residents, intend to present this idea to the board of directors at an upcoming meeting, and she hopes for a positive outcome, as opposed to past attempts.

Gillham initially presented the idea of a dog park to the board several months ago. However, the board rejected the idea. A follow-up letter was then sent to the board by another dog park supporter, and the board again rejected the idea based on lack of maintenance and care (chiefly in regards to who would pick up after the dogs) and liability concerns.

In regards to maintenance, Gillham said of the board’s reason, “…that’s kind of silly because we clean up when we walk them.”

(Photo provided)

She also argues that having a dog park would aid Sun City sanitation and help prevent dogs from going to the bathroom on personal property.

A proposed location for the dog park remains unknown. However, it was previously discussed and suggested that there’s an unused area by the gardens (this is unconfirmed by the Sun Day) that could suffice, but the location has not been researched or presented to the board or considered by Gillham or dog park supporters officially. She added that the dog park can be rather small and will not need a lot of room to be effective.

Gillham also noted that there is a successfully-operated dog park in one of the Arizona-based Sun Cities, which she is further researching as a model for one in Huntley.

Gillham now seeks the aid of Sun City residents who believe a dog park is favorable and other dog park supporters and asks that they contact her so she can document that interest for her upcoming presentation to the board in hopes that if enough resident interest is expressed, it may help in the board’s consideration.

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