Rapid response
September 8, 2009
By Administrator
Rapid Response went to the dogs, so to speak, this week to find out how people are feeling about where dogs should and shouldn’t be allowed in Issaquah.
What do you think about the city having a dog park?
There already is one in Issaquah Highlands and with 20,000 acres of open space surrounding us it’s not like we need a dedicated park for dogs.
Ken Konigsmark, Issaquah
I think we should have a place for dogs to run free. On other streets, they should be on leash.
Barbara Extract, Issaquah
If I had a dog, I would probably want one.
Geoff Carson
Dog owners should have some place to go where their pets will not bother others who do not appreciate their presence. This will also keep the dog poo on dog owners’ shoes only.
Max Pillie, Sammamish
I think a dog park is a good compromise idea between those who would let dogs run loose and those who would have them always on a leash. The real issues are control of aggressive dogs and cleanup after all dogs.
Hank Thomas, Issaquah
Not if it costs more. There are tons of trails and wooded areas for dog owners to take their pets. Perhaps apportioning current areas as “dog friendly” would be helpful.
Mark Bowers, Issaquah
That would be OK if those dogs that used it, their owners would pay for the upkeep. There are a number of Issaquah taxpayers who may not believe that with the dire straights of the city’s finances, a dog park is really the best way to use the cities funds.
Ken Sessler, Issaquah
We already have a dog park in the Issaquah Highlands. A dog park down in the valley would be nice, but where? Maybe we should do another bond for citizens to fund a special dog park, or maybe just dog owners should fund that.
Michele Forkner, Issaquah
Issaquah really, really needs a good off leash dog park! (Not a mud hole, but shade and one that’s interesting to dogs and people.)
Connie Marsh, Issaquah
I would applaud the city either setting up additional dog parks or relaxing the no-dog policy some. The city has encouraged large amounts of compact dwellings, such as apartment houses and condominiums, but refuses to provide places for people with four-legged buddies to be able to go to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors around Issaquah with their buddies.
Nancy Ward, Issaquah
Good idea, but utilize some of our “passive parks” or open space for this use. The city owns a lot of passive park and open space land — if the public really knew about it all, they would demand that more of it get used. Some of it is on the Issaquah Creek and would be a good swimming option for dog owners that want a swimming hole for their dogs. King County (Marymoor) does this on the slough and yes, the dogs get along fine with the fish. Do not take an active park out of use for dogs. We do not have enough active parks.
Matthew Balkman, Issaquah
Yes, “downtown” Issaquah definitely needs an off-leash dog park!
Carol Baumann, Issaquah
It’s a no-brainer for a city that has so many dog owners. It would not only give dogs a safe, fun place to romp, but it would build community among dog owners across the city.
Lynn Juniel, Issaquah
What do you think about dogs being banned from Timberlake Park?
It’s necessary, unfortunately, when owners fail to control their dogs properly. This is a huge problem up on the Tradition Lake Plateau, too. Despite clear signage over 50 percent of the people refuse to obey the rule to keep their dogs on leashes.
Ken Konigsmark, Issaquah
It’s a real shame. If people kept their dogs on leash, they wouldn’t have bothered the residents there and we could still walk through with dogs. Isn’t that a simple solution? Dogs allowed, but serious penalty for dogs off leash.
Barbara Extract, Issaquah
I see Timberlake Park as a nice stroll through the woods down to the lake. If I had a dog, I would take it for a walk in Timberlake Park, on a leash, with a pooper scooper. The city should enforce leash laws, not ban dogs.
David Bangs, Issaquah
If it is the feeling of the majority of the neighbors, then it’s OK. If it’s a city decision based on a few random incidents, shame on them.
Geoff Carson, Issaquah
The dog owners who had let their pets run free and out of control have spoiled it for all dog owners. It’s that simple.
Max Pillie, Sammamish
“Grrrr….woof woof….grrrrr!”
Paul Stewart, Issaquah
I don’t think it is a good idea to ban a dog from any park — they need to exercise just like people. Keep them under appropriate control and clean up after them.
Hank Thomas, Issaquah
If the dog waste or behavior (largely the responsibility of the owner) has degraded the quality of the experience in the park, it is a good thing.
Mark Bowers, Issaquah
Apparently, there were a number of dogs that abused the “privilege” of using the park. I feel sorry for the dogs that are raised in the confines of a city. Dogs need to be on a farm, where they are free to roam at their will.
Ken Sessler, Issaquah
City parks are there to offer respite and a natural setting for humans to enjoy. Dog owners assume that everyone loves dogs and especially theirs. There are those of us who do not like pets, dogs or otherwise, for whatever reasons. I resent that I am supposed to accommodate folks who feel the rules don’t apply to them. I have personally seen dogs take a poop on the pitching mound of Memorial Field and owners get upset when I pointed out to them that no dogs are allowed and for that particular reason! I will walk on the Pickering Trail and dogs are off-leash and come up to me and sniff my crotch and invade my personal space! Signs clearly are posted “no dogs off leash” and yet when I point that out to the dog owner, he gets all indignant and huffy! Why is that?
Michele Forkner, Issaquah
Poor public policy to make decisions without possibility of public input. Un-elected staff should not be making policy.
Fred Nystrom, Issaquah
Too radical by the Parks Department. Dog owners need to be responsible, but enforce responsibility; don’t just ban dogs.
Connie Marsh, Issaquah
I find the sudden no dogs allowed policy at Timber Lake Park appalling. There may be a few instances of neglectful pet owners not cleaning up after their dogs or controlling their dogs, but the majority of dog owners visiting the park do manage their dog(s) and clean up after them. If banning was always based on just a few neglectful people, our parks would be completely empty, as there are equally as many people with children that neglect to control their children who do hurt others and annoy others and they neglect to clean up after their children. Dog owners pay the taxes for the parks, too; parks need to be opened for use by everyone.
Nancy Ward, Issaquah
Do not ban dogs from Timberlake Park. We have leash laws. Remind people of them, expect that they will obey and enforce as necessary. If you can fine for traffic and parking violations, surely we can find a way to fine (enforce) a leash law. How about utilizing some of the regulars at the park and empower them to write leash law violations? The irony is that if we can’t enforce a leash law, how will the banning of dogs be enforced?
Matthew Balkman, Issaquah
It’s a regrettable situation, but people forget that not everyone loves dogs. Behavior that dog lovers find normal can be unsettling to others.
Lynn Juniel, Issaquah
Have an opinion? Share it with the community. Send an e-mail to editor@isspress.com with your name and city in the body of the e-mail, and Rapid Response in the subject line to join the conversation.
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