Dog Park » Policy Statement

Goal

The Stoney Creek Dog Park will provide an avenue for responsible dog owners to enjoy the company of their dogs with other owners and dogs in an outdoor natural off -leash area. The Dog Park will be an asset to Goldsboro and the surrounding area by providing physical, mental, and social benefits to dog owners individually and the community at large. Efforts will be made to promote responsible pet ownership, and assist canine professionals and support groups in this mission. Issues of safety, security, utilization, cost, and maintenance will be addressed. Efforts to educate, involve, and enlist support from the community will be undertaken.

Policies

Registration
A registration process will be in place to account for dog park users and help ensure their understanding and compliance with rules and regulations. Owners and dogs will be registered for an annual membership. A process for limited use (one day/weekend/weekly use) will be available. The registration process will improve accountability of owners and control over park use, and produce some funding for park use. Registration forms will be available at a number of sites and online. Registered dogs will receive a dog tag to be visibly worn at the Dog Park.

Rules and regulations
Dog Park rules and regulations were developed in review of numerous other dog parks’ policies, and were modified with input from local dog professionals.
Rules and regulations will be provided with the registration process, posted on line, and posted at the park. An honor code by users is expected to be the primary mode of enforcement. However, beyond this level, contact with the Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department and Goldsboro Police Department will be available for further or more serious enforcement. An appointed Dog Park Panel will exist that can review dog park infractions and have the ability to withdraw privileges.

Issues

Safety/security
It is understood that, by its nature, the dog park will have some inherent risks for owners and dogs. However, with planning and procedures these may be avoided or limited in their occurrence, and they will be addressed appropriately when issues do arise.
The primary concern is the issue of dog fights. This will be addressed on several levels. The registration process will create some selectivity favoring use by responsible pet owners. Rules and regulations are posted with the registration process and at the park. Education about dog behavior will be available. Self -policing by dog owners is always an important element of dog park management. The dog tags distributed with registration will assist this process. For an incident that requires further attention, Goldsboro Parks and Recreation and the Goldsboro Police Department are available. If there is a repetitive problem with an aggressive dog or irresponsible owner, the situation may be reviewed by the Dog Park Panel. Actions may include the requirement of owner/dog training or suspension/revocation of privileges.

Disease
The actual risk of disease is limited. However, an effort to reduce this further will be made with education of users and establishment of pertinent rules and regulations.

Development
Construction of the Dog Park will take place at an area designated for this purpose at Stoney Creek Park. This area is most compatible with the availability and limitations of the current park property, and the requirements of the Dog Park. The primary feature, by far, involves the fencing and gates. The area will be separated into a large dog area and a small dog area. In addition, water will be provided for dogs and for owners. Waste disposal measures will be easily accessible, and seating will be available. Signage for Dog Park rules and regulations will be visible, along with space for outreach and education. Gate access may be controlled by coded entry. The initial surface will be the current natural surface. As the need arises, wood chips may be added.

Maintenance
The first line of care will be under the attention of active Dog Park users. Cleanup of dog waste by a handler is mandatory. Equipment may be available for additional tasks. Attention to maintenance may also be provided by volunteer work from a Dog Park support group. Goldsboro Parks and Recreation will maintain surveillance over the Dog Park and attend to unmet needs.

Finances
A cost estimate for start up is based on a previously obtained estimate for placement of fencing around the designated area along with the addition of basic required features. A public fund raising campaign is planned to meet this cost, with a goal of raising $40,000.
After construction of the Dog Park, registration fees will be applied towards maintenance needs. Additional funding may come from fund raising events. All effort will be made to defer Dog Park costs from Parks and Recreation.

Liability
The majority of risk is assumed by users of any dog park. At Stoney Creek Dog Park, efforts to limit liability will be in place with the registration process and posting of Dog Park rules and regulations. Avenues for user concerns will be available with a Dog Park Panel, the Stoney Creek Park Alliance, and the City of Goldsboro.