Councilman Tom Simplot's
North Central News Column
Man’s Best Friend Could Use Friendly Space
Dogs in urban areas have a tough problem – plenty of cement, but not always enough open space to roam. Dedicated recreation areas for pets and their owners are few and far between.
The city of Phoenix operates more than 200 parks, but only four of them provide areas exclusively for people with dogs. That’s surprising, with so many dog-lovers living in the central Phoenix area. We know they’re around, with their golden retrievers and pugs. But right now, pet owners don’t have anywhere to play Frisbee with their dogs or let them run off their leashes.
That’s why I worked with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for more than a year to plan for a dog park in one of our most popular places, Steele Indian School Park. Thanks to recent approval by the Parks and Recreation Board, the dog park will include almost two acres for off-leash activity at the northeast corner of the park. The area is divided into spaces for large and small dogs and will provide the perfect playground for residents and their pets.
Of course, any project like this comes with some expense. According to city staff estimates, the addition of fencing, waste cans, lights, benches, water fountains, shade structures and other elements will cost approximately $85,000. Because of the budget shortfall, approval of the dog park required that the money comes from private sources.
To reach this goal, I have made a commitment to raise the necessary money, through individual and corporate donations. My office will partner with businesses, residents and community groups to make this happen. This is the kind of amenity that Phoenix needs. Our city is the fifth-largest in the country, and we are developing the arts institutions, business organizations and neighborhood communities that will keep Phoenix moving forward. Additionally, Phoenix also is a great city because it takes the time to support neighborhoods, through parks and useful community space.
Steele Indian School Park is already responsive to visitors’ needs. The park’s 75 acres of open green space provide an active recreation area, with volleyball and basketball courts, fishing and a public amphitheater. But the park could be even more useful to our four-legged friends and the people who care for them. I hope residents and businesspeople see the need for a dog park in downtown Phoenix and join me in working to make this a reality.
Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4, which includes parts of north central Phoenix. If you have questions, comments, suggestions or want to help with the dog park effort, please contact Councilman Simplot’s office at 602-262-7447 or e-mail council.district.4@phoenix.gov .
