Complete Listing of Williams Park Dog Off-Leash Proposal Survey Comments. Exhibit E

Transcription

1 Complete Listing of Williams Park Dog Off-Leash Proposal Survey Comments Exhibit E

2 BOISE PARKS & RECREATION OFF-LEASH PROPOSAL 2013 SURVEY COMMENTS* WILLIAMS PARK 1. Good idea! Manitou has been very popular since implementation there. Dog owners have been the only ones to use the parks in the winter months. Off leash dogs have been at Williams regardless of legality anyway Additional hours would even be great, but opening the parks to off leash has been wonderful. Hope everyone is responsible - and thanks. 3. Good idea! Have a large dog who loves to run. 4. A bag dispenser near the bathrooms - trash can located closer to field would help with waste removal. 5. With conditions. Dogs must be within 30 feet of the owner (like foothills regulation) and poop-scooping must be 100%. Randomly scattered dog poop is not compatible with kids (or anyone) use of the park. IF poop scooping is not done with diligence, off-leash use must be cancelled. 6. Is there an impact study? What is the number of dogs expected and noice/barking/expected based on comparable dog parks? 7. Install waste bag stations and additional trash cans. 8. People are more likely to clean up after their dogs in the eve. When people are watching Already much illegal off-leash use. 2. Increasing off-leash use will increase dog traffic to the park which is already irritating because dog owners let their dogs poop in my front yard and don't pick it up. Legal off-leash would increase this aggravation. I am a dog owner. 10. Often time people (many 20+) are playing sports during the 4 p.m. - Sunset time offered. This could be distracting and disruptive. 11. It s a great idea Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 1 of 20

3 12. Place another poop bag receptacle next to the large open area to encourage dog owners to pick up waste. Thank you. 13. This park already has offenders leaving dogs off leash chasing ducks and swimming in the water there. I visit it daily and have seen this many times. I am not in favor of including this park. It is discouraging that this has become a common practice now in Boise's parks. A person can walk their dog in their neighborhood and yard. Why our public parks that are mainly for people? 14. Parks should be for everyone. Responsible dog owners should have this option. This would mean many local area residents could walk their dogs nearby, instead of having to drive to other dog parks. Strongly support! 15. Park was never intended to be a destination park. 16. Before enticing more dogs/owners to the park you need to control those already using it. The neighborhood around this park sees many people go down the streets to and from the park with their dogs off-leash! Can you enforce that rule first? 17. Great as long as the owners pick up the dog poop. 18. The sweeties love to run with their owners present. Having such an outlet improves a dog's disposition relationship between dog and its human(s) and vice versa. Humans not picking up after their dogs should have a high fine, or be required to pick up after everyone the next. 19. How many parks does Boise really need for off-leash use? Williams is unique in its presence within neighborhoods. We don't need dogs and their owners always accessing the park. 20. I do not own a dog but I support this only if there is better enforcement of picking up after your dog. Whenever I have gone to dog parks there is lots of dog poop everywhere. 21. Awesome! 22. No 23. Just be sure to pick up the poop. 24. It's a family park Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 2 of 20

4 25. As long as dogs are trained and owners clean up after their dogs. 26. I think it would be a great location for a partial off-leash park for dogs. We currently drive our dog to Manitou, but could walk him to Williams. 27. As long as owners of the dogs clean up after them we support dogs being allowed. They are members of the family and should be allowed. 28. The hours proposed are the exact hours I would walk my dog (on a leash), or my grandchildren play there. My dog (on a leash) was attacked in the park by a dog off leash, and my son's dog (on a leash) was seriously attacked by a pit bull who was off leash. Both of these dogs had owners within 20 feet of the attack! Off leash dogs are dangerous to those that want to use the park for recreation, and they leave their poop all over the place. This is a neighborhood park and we neighbors would like to still use it! Who can even eat at the picnic areas when dogs are snatching food from small children's hands? Just a thought - right now there are soccer practices and rugby games in the only open field. Would you cancel these?? What a shame to see honest, healthy recreation cancelled!!!!! I say "Save our neighborhood parks for those who would like a nice place to go and enjoy a walk and nature!" 29. I am a 23 year resident of Londoner Commons and my back yard opens onto Williams Park. In addition to the many reasons my neighbors have already listed apposing this dog park idea, my biggest concern relates to parking and safety, particularly for the many small children who use the park and the residents attempting to leave and enter their driveways. Although there are public parking lots off Williams and Provident, these areas are not easily visible so the majority of the people using the area park on S. Londoner Way and access the park by pathways or by cutting through residents yards. Londoner Way is an elongated S-shaped street, curvy with limited visibility as it is, so once you add lots of extra cars, the visibility is really problematic. There is also a tree line center island on Londoner Way that complicates things by making the street especially narrow. I have had numerous close calls entering and leaving my home due to inability to see cars coming around the corner, and I especially am concerned about small children crossing between the parked cars and owners handling their dogs will create an additional distraction. I am most opposed to the proposed evening hours. In the evenings, this park is used by many soccer teams for practice, baseball players working on pitching and batting, neighborhood lacrosse and rugby and football games, spontaneous volley ball matches, and many church groups use the park for young adult athletic activities during the week. In the spring, there are few days that I do not look out my window and see families flying kites or playing Frisbee, as well as countless kids running back and forth to the playgrounds and tennis courts. Londoner Commons is unique because so many homes open directly onto the park so I hope you will consider the comments of those of us living directly on the park when you make your final decision Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 3 of 20

5 Already a dog park nearby at Manitou. No need for two in such close proximity. 2. Hard enough traffic flow - too many cars will congest area further. 31. Who will monitor the fecal matter? Will there be someone to enforce the pick-up of dog waste? 32. Excellent idea. We need more off dog leash places. 33. This is the first time in my life that I do not have a dog - however, as an opinion, an area off to one side or across the back-gated and fenced for seniors and very small dogs to avoid run-ins with large dogs or pit bulls. 34. I love pets! petspage.com 35. This park is designed for children. Dogs need to be under control for public safety. 36. Great idea! Boise needs more dog parks! 37. We use the park for walks with our baby and have had trouble at other parks with dogs off-leash (with people not respecting our space and dogs touching/scaring our baby). 38. I strongly oppose off-leash anywhere in Boise Parks. Not everyone LOVES dogs. Some dogs kill. Many owners are irresponsible. We'd see more dog waste, more dog bites, less child friendly environments. This isn't NYC. People can drive 5 mins to get to open space in the desert or foothills. Pls RE-ThINK the policy push in this area. Thx. 39. I live approx. 100 yards from Williams Park. I don't take my dog there, but would welcome the opportunity. I hope a solution for all users can be found. Thank you. 40. There is no way to enforce the rules and this privilege will be abused. 41. I would prefer evenings, but allowing mornings as well would be great! Eventually, all day would be even better if it is only a portion of the park. 42. People don't clean up -it. Will turn into "dog poop" park Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 4 of 20

6 43. Great idea! We would love that! 44. I think this would be a very good thing. 45. I have two giant schnauzers and think this is a wonderful idea for the neighborhood. I wish that area was contained so we didn't have to worry about vehicles. 46. Without fenced in areas for dogs, times of use will essentially make all of the park less enjoyable and useable for individuals and families without dogs. Consider fenced areas as other cities do. 47. We live of Boise Ave and use the park to run our dog. 48. I suggest active enforcement of dog walkers picking up poop. Establish and post monetary fines. Make the fines as high as your secret police enforcement of off leash walking. 49. For people concerned about dog poo littering the park: solution: fine dog owners who do not pick up after their dogs. Thank you Boise City for not being so restrictive. 50. Our park is a neighborhood park. We do not want it to be a destination park for dog owners. We back up to the park. We feel this will lower our home's property value. Other dog parks are overrun by dogs and in poor condition. This will interfere with soccer practice, lacrosse practice and young children that play at the park. 51. Numerous homes border the park that have no fences, lots of small kids play in the park. 52. I think children tend to utilize the park during the day during the summer. 53. Thank you for considering off leash at Williams Park. 54. I love the idea! Thanks. 55. More off leash parks are great! 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 5 of 20

7 56. Williams Park is a gem! It's a true neighborhood park. It has something for everyone - I have never had a bad experience with dogs there. But I was saddened that they "fined" two old worn out labs for chasing a ball-this household pays taxes! It's for their health! 57. The field where the dogs run is a soccer field. I am concerned that the dog owners will not pick up the animals waste when they run on the open field. If you can enforce waste pickup then I am for it. 58. Awesome idea! 59. Definite need for off leash, this is necessary for dogs who need exercise. 60. Put in sand volleyball court at Ivywild Park. 61. I actually don't have a dog but am a dog/dog family lover. :) 62. I highly agree with off leash hours so our neighborhood dogs have a slot in the day to run, play Frisbee and play. Please give our dogs these off leash hours. 63. With rare exceptions, no one plays in the park currently. I visit the park every day to run my dogs and dog use is by far the dominant use and will remain so. Thank you for considering this. 64. I'm 65 and have arthritis. It is hard to walk my dog far enough for her to get as much exercise as she needs. It would be wonderful for us to have an off leash area close so she can run and chase her ball. This would be wonderful. 65. I think all dogs should be on a leash because it is like everyone carrying a gun on their side and we wouldn't know what to do. 66. Evenings 7pm would work, but this park is used often from 4-7 for children's soccer and other programs. 67. Thank you. 68. I have been knocked down by two different dogs that were loose. I've had a kitten killed by a loose dog. My husband has to pick up poop outside our fence. We bought our house to live next to Williams Park-not a dog park! 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 6 of 20

8 69. Thank you for supporting responsible dog owners! 70. I would love more off leash hours! 71. Manage their dogs. Clean up poop. 72. I love this idea! 73. Williams Park is supposed to be a neighborhood/family park. I do not think dogs visiting the park should be allowed off leash as this would make it unsafe for children using the park. We are dog owners who feel it is very unfortunate that some dog owners just do not get the fact that not everyone loves their dogs, especially when they jump on people. It is even annoying to us when we visit the park with our leashed dog to have another dog jump on us or our dog. There are plenty of dog parks, Ridge to River and BLM trails that allow dogs off leash if under control for dog owners to enjoy. If hourly off-leash time is allowed, it should be at times when there is the least family use such at 8-10 p.m. or sunrise to 8 a.m. and not the wide time spans you are proposing. Please keep Williams Park a family park! 74. Not a dog lover myself, but I realize many are. Yes, why shouldn't tax paying folks be able to take their dog for a run in a local park? Hopefully they will pick up after them! I see that as the biggest problem. But that's a problem on or off a leash. Thank you for the chance to express my opinion. 75. Would appreciate if these times are NOT during scheduled children sports leagues, etc. That would make off leash difficult. Thank you. 76. Make people clean up poop. 77. Long overdue! 78. Keep dogs leashed. 79. Great idea! 80. Dog poop! 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 7 of 20

9 81. NO NO NO 82. Pickup poop, manage dogs. 83. Please consider Ivywild Park. Thanks. 84. This park already had a problem with dogs using this as an outhouse. This park is consistently used for picnics and by children. Unleashed dogs will not be a good mix. Yes I am a dog owner. 85. Dogs need exercise and recreation too. People have lots of choices-bike lanes, greenbelt, hiking and walking trails, all parks, foothills, etc. Let's give our best friends just one "free running" area. 86. Off leash dogs are loud, aggressive and leave deposits. Their owners won't believe they can do any wrong. The park will be unusable by anyone else. We use the park every day. 87. It would be a shame to not let people exercise their dogs in the park. We have good people and responsible dog owners in this neighborhood. 88. People walk their dogs without a leash anyway there. 89. My husband and I support this trial period as long as dogs don't inconvenience people with kids or joggers and that the park stays clean and free from dog poop. Will we have another chance to comment after 1 year? 90. Everyone's dog is always off leash anyway, and they're always good about cleaning up. We've been going to Williams Park for 4 years and we've never seen poo. 91. This is fantastic! Manitou Park is becoming way too crowded. 92. All day, there is a fence around everyone house and no one is ever in the park. 93. There are too many dogs in Boise to do this. Stupid idea! 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 8 of 20

10 94. I'm very opposed to this. I live on the park and don't want my backyard turning into a dog park so much. I asked several neighbors that want to talk to a lawyer at this point. 95. I definitely think my neighbors should have the opportunity to exercise their dogs in the mornings. There are very few people in the park that time of the day and this will be good use for the park during these hours. 96. This is a bad idea! This will cause a financial impact to taxpayers for maintenance, etc. We do not believe people with dogs will obey any hours of restriction. 97. Recommends 8 am instead of sunset. I am right on park's perimeter- (nice), but not so nice if dogs are barking at 6:30 am sunrise, May June July. 98. I think that off leash hours should exist in all Boise Parks. We are a dog-centric town that loves the outdoors. Tickets should be given to poorly behaved dogs owners only. 99. We feel evenings should be for families and kids Dogs should be off leash all the time With the conditions that cleanup law enforced evenings and afternoons. Soccer and rugby players should not have to play on fields where owners have not tended to their dog mess Who is going to clean up the crap? They may cause a problem with little children also. You might put yourself in position of a lawsuit I would love to see this at Williams Park. I take my dog there every day for walks and to have off leash hours would be AWESOME! 104. This park has a great large open area for running dogs-we see many folks doing so in spite of leash regs there. This park is sparsely used other than playground and tennis courts This park is frequently used for soccer team practices around 6-7 p.m. So off leash dogs would cause a problem in the evenings. Wouldn't be a problem in the mornings Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 9 of 20

11 106. I would prefer evenings to start after dinner hours, like 7 p.m Try it! 108. None Strongly support! We have to drive-across to the dog park now Great idea-we need more off leash dog parks and this is a perfect addition This has worked out so great in other parks I think. It would be super for Williams Park Would like to see same hours at all neighborhood parks to spread the impact Pet owners need to pick up pet feces Post all hours at each entrance The morning and evening times for off leash dogs will satisfy most pet owners who work conventional hours. Appropriate pet waste pickup and disposal must be located at all access points. I am a dog owner and pet waste on the playing field upsets me. I also would like more off leash friendly areas for me and my fetching mutt We have noticed that this has been an off leash park because of the choices of the dog owners. Cleaning up after their pets is our greatest concern Signs posted "CONTROLLED DOG OFF LEASH" 118. If dog owners want their dogs off leash, they can go to a dog park. There are too many liabilities that come with dogs off leash and children or any public for that matter. GO TO A DOG PARK!! 119. Neighborhood folks use Williams Park frequently and exercise their dogs off leash all the time! They use ball throwers-and let them run. Owners don't like to be told to put their dogs on a leash! 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 10 of 20

12 120. That is what parks are for! 121. This is the best idea ever! 122. There are many young families enjoying the park and sometimes owners will let their dog get too close to the children. Also, schools use the park for P.E. etc Kill the geese and ducks in the parks. Dog Off leash will only put more dog poo on the grass. The geese have the parks not the people Thanks-great idea Unless soccer games are happening in the evenings. Williams Park is a great off leash option because it is a closed off from any busy streets and having dogs there would cut down on goose grazing and goose poop I am so excited about this possibility. We have been going to Manitou and it works great. We frequently walk through Williams Park and no one uses it. Thanks! 127. I'm all for a park with no leash law. Just as long as they pick up after their dog. Wish you would make a law for cat owners to take care of their cat poop. A leash law for cats! 128. I already see so many dog owners with unleashed dogs at these times including myself. I have never encountered a problem. Many people who use this park are very responsible dog owners. Think these off leash hours would be great!! 129. Or all the time off leash. That is a park that we quit going to because of the leash issues. It would be nice to use that park again! 130. Other Dog Off Leash parks seem to be working Morning temperatures would be better for the dogs (not so hot) and evenings are when most family events would be using the park We support leash off at all hours Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 11 of 20

13 133. Children have soccer practice in this park! Oppose vehemently! Dogs already run off leash in Williams Park. Dog owners already don't supervise or cleanup after their dogs. There is dog poop all over that park already. Why sanction it. Why not enforce the existing laws? I have yet to see a responsible dog owner. Boise already has a park just for dogs!! 134. There is already poop left behind by dogs in park. I don't want to make it any easier. Or advertise to a larger audience of dog owners to come and stress our park's grass. Also there is soccer, lacrosse, baseball, ultimate Frisbee, rugby, pickup football played most evenings (not all at once) Might as well have off leash at Baggley Park too. It happens already anyway The park is included in a very residential neighborhood and I believe making it an off leash park would disrupt the peacefulness of the neighborhood. There are two parking lots which only allow 7-10 cars maximum so the streets would be cluttered with cars. Also allowing the park to be off leash would defeat the purpose of having a park for children of the neighborhood because they wouldn't be allowed in park while the dogs roam free. This park is used as a practice field for several sports (soccer, LAX, and rugby) having dogs around would cause chaos. All of the fences surrounding the park are rod iron fences, thus smaller dogs could potentially enter private property and impose on other animals territory which could cause problems. Manitou park, which is an off leash park, is less than one mile away from Williams park. I don t see a reason why there needs to be two off leash parks within a mile radius of each other Exempt pit bull dogs! 138. Great idea! 139. Thanks so much Fantastic idea! 141. There are enough people running their dogs off leashes. All they need is more incentive. I don't take my kids there in the evenings for this reason This would be a wonderful thing. Thank you for considering this Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 12 of 20

14 143. Great idea! I don't have dogs myself but I think there is a need for this. :) 144. This would be fantastic! With two dogs and two kids we would enjoy an "open" play time where they could really get their energy out without having to go across town. Thank you I work from home. The barking would disrupt by conference calls. We also like to sleep in on the weekends and go to bed around 9:00 pm at night. Do not want my home value to drop and I live where the dogs would run Excellent idea! 147. Dog owners won't clean up after their dogs. Dogs will run into neighbors back yards that don't have fence Quality of life issue. Boise taxpayers should have abundant pet recreational opportunities. Much more than currently allowed Should keep the geese away If I had to choose one, we would want evening hours more! What a wonderful idea!! 151. The dogs would love to be off leash. There is hardly anyone there at these hours Too many children use the park from the YMCA, Little Scholars day care, etc. The parking lots are too small to accommodate traffic. There is a stream used heavily by wildlife and we don't need dogs chasing animals. It is a horrible idea to have a dog park here. People don't clean up their messes now This is fantastic! Love adding off leash hours to our parks Many people such as myself train our dogs to be well behaved off leash and giving people the opportunity to execute their training should be allowed Soccer teams play/practice here! Rugby teams practice here. Small children enjoy the park, they would be frightened. Thank you. Vote no We are five blocks away-walk our dogs at the park, leashed and would like to be able to have them off leash. Thanks Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 13 of 20

15 157. I oppose evenings when many walkers are out and children are playing. Thank you People take their dogs there without leashes-let's make it legal Owners don t pick up the dog poop! 160. Think it is a great idea long overdue much needed Bad idea, not the right park for this I prefer to have parks that are exclusive to dogs. Trying to mix off leash with traditional park is not in the best interest of the community A fine for not picking up after your dog should be more than a ticket for dog off leash Don't offer just am or just pm. MWF-am. TTSS-pm. Mix the hrs up. I would like to have a few hours in the AM and a few hours at night-6 to 8 am and 6 to sunset so kids are not around as much Would support park being off leash all day Consider another spot dog park where there would be no pedestrians only dog owners and their dogs. Thank you This is a wonderful idea. I fully support it 100% It is one of the safest parks in Boise to exercise a dog-feels enclosed. Nowhere else to that in SE Boise. A family friendly neighborhood should be dog friendly as well Keep all dogs in Boise on a leash at all times Finally! So many people have wonderful dogs in this area I was once bitten by a stray dog long ago. I had to go through the entire rabies series. To this day I find loose dogs a threat Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 14 of 20

16 172. All day would be best I don't use Williams Park. Please do not open new areas in foothills to off leash. Love Military Reserve and I deal with dogs there Strongly support off-leash program Do owners "clean-up" or do kids play soccer in the "poop?" 176. ALL DAY! 177. The layout of the park facilitates separation of dogs and other patrons using other facilities such as tennis, bball and the playground. Lots of good dogs and responsible owners in this park living nearby Manitou is within approximately one half mile and offers off leash privileges. Williams is a community with small children which appears a potential conflict with off leash dogs. The park is used extensively for soccer, rugby and lacrosse practices and games. What interrupt this healthy traditional use of the park? Parking around Williams is currently limited and stressed. Why create more traffic and street congestion win a quiet neighborhood with many small children? 179. ALL city parks should be off leash! Instead of picking on the decent rule following dog owners, why don't you go after those who do not clean up after their dogs. I am tired of having to navigate around poop left by inconsiderate irresponsible dog owners who get no tickets/fines, but I cannot let my well trained, well behaved, non-aggressive dog off leash without being harassed by "The doggie gestapo". Start slapping $ fines on those who do not scoop when their dog poops, and leave the dog owners who are just letting their dogs get some exercise alone Some thoughts: - It will ruin the grass as evidenced by the present state of the grass as it is with dogs on-leash. - Our fences are not a barrier to small dogs and I do not want little dogs in my yard chewing up garden, defecating etc. -The dogs that currently border the park will bark incessantly with many other dogs in park - they already do make a ton of noise but I put up with it. I can't imagine what it will be like with advertising for off leash. - Williams Park already has rugby, ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, soccer, impromptu Frisbee golf, church picnics, birthdays, batting practice, - Our kids will no longer have the open area during those times. - I have to drive my sons to Simplot for soccer games and Baseball practice as it is, I see no reason dog owners don't drive their dogs the few miles to one of the many dog parks that already exist. In other words a new park is not necessary. - The 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 15 of 20

17 park already has dogs. And they are already off-leash. - And yes, there have been dog bites and poop left over a lot. There have been all the things that happen with the fear of off-leash without the law in place. Why make it official? - Perhaps increasing the patrol will increase the parks department funding... and not have to use the funding to "monitor" the progress of the trial period. A win-win. - This increase will reduce the dog fights and bites that already exist. - The park is surrounded by many families with little kids who will no longer be allowed in the park during those times, which is the perfect times to enjoy the park after school, better temperature etc Williams Park is used by so many folks who let their kids play there. This park was one of the deciding factors in purchasing our house, which is within a half-block of the park. I fear that this designation will reduce the usefulness of the park by preventing small children from playing there at certain hours, and thereby reducing property values in the area as well. The overall value of the park will be decreased. Please do not allow off-leash hours at Williams Park Proposed off-leash use will conflict with current uses of the park. In the late afternoons and early evenings, a variety of youth sports teams and clubs (soccer, lacrosse, rugby, baseball), use the park for practices. On the weekends the park is used for games by many of these groups. During the morning hours, the park is used by walkers and runners -- whose use will be inhibited by the presence of dogs running freely. The park also is surrounded by homes, which by virtue of CCR's, have wrought iron fences that are. Many dogs could and likely will jump those fences. The only answer would be for the subdivision to allow 6 foot fences, which would be an expense homeowners would have to pay to mitigate the dog off-leash use of the park. This also could result in a hodge-podge look -- which would detract from the neighborhood look that the CCR's were designed to create. The City of Boise approved these CCRs when the subdivision was created; now it's proposing a use that is inconsistent with those rules and regulations. The presence of dogs in the park will lead to noise and disturb those who live next the park and who do not rise at sunrise. And, the dog's excrement will certainly make the park a less attractive place for everyone who uses the park. Also, it's my understanding that another city park is nearby that allows off-leash use -- why do we need 2 within a mile of each? I also question whether there is enough parking at Williams Park for the individuals that will come to the park for off-leash use. And if there is enough parking -- which is very limited -- that would belie the so-called need to make Williams Park available for off leash dog use. Williams Park is surrounded by a neighborhood, it's relatively small as far as parks go, and given its current and long-standing use by the youth of our community who are striving to be fit, I cannot for the life of me understand why Williams Park is even being considered for an off-leash dog program This would be a great addition to our community. Many of my neighbors have dogs and we used to meet in the park with our dogs. Our dogs would play and we would visit. We can't do that now. I know it will be a trial for a year and I hope that the city will give us a chance to show it can work Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 16 of 20

18 184. Inconsistent with present use of the park; in particular with use of the park for practices of soccer, rugby, lacrosse and occasional games of touch football and volleyball. It will prove impossible to restrain dogs from going into the small creek (irrigation channel) that runs thru the park and will probably be off limits to dogs I oppose the proposal to turn Williams Park into a "dog park". We already have a dog park in SE Boise with Manitou Park. There is not a need for another one separated by approximately 1 mile. Williams Park is currently used almost every day of the week for girls and boys soccer practice, boy s lacrosse practice, rugby practice and games, area school field trips, etc. If Williams Park became a dog park, it would not be compatible with the current majority of use. Due to the rules of a dog park, this will preclude most of the kids practices as well as school field trips. At present, many users are benefiting from the Park. If it becomes a dog park, it will become a park mainly used by only one user group. At the end of the day, I see turning Williams Park into a dog park as having a negative impact on the multiple users that currently use the space We do not support the dog park. We believe it will negatively affect the park and the home values of the owners surrounding the park. We like dogs and enjoy the dogs that come to the park currently, but we don't want to see an increase in dogs. We would like the park to be a place for neighborhood families to relax and recreate. Off leash dogs will interfere with the peaceful atmosphere that currently exists at the park I strongly oppose turning Williams Park into an off-leash area. This is a mixed-use park, with playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, BBQ areas, footpaths, and an active breeding area for waterfowl. Unlike Morris Park, Williams does not lend itself to off-leash usage. In Morris Park, for example, there is a large fenced-in area specifically designed and intended for "dogs-gonewild" activities. Williams Park is too small for this. There is a group of people who let their dogs run off-leash in Williams Park now, and their activities already impinges the rights of others who wish to use the park. I myself have walked in the park (with and without my own dogs), and this off-leash pack has jumped us on several occasions. I'm sure these same dogs have at times also "visited" young children and folks trying to enjoy their BBQ activities. If Parks & Recreation does proceed with this, then I suggest that the only fair course of action would be to provide a fenced-off area, as in Morris Park. This area should logically start south of the breeding area (towards the houses) and segregate the open field completely (using the same double-gate system as in Morris Park) from the breeding and activity area north of the irrigation canal. I must repeat, however, that Williams Park is too small for this. Further, the separate off-leash area at Morris Park has been prepared with special ground cover to facilitate dog excrement cleanup. I've been to Morris with my own dogs, and it works well. However, using the same approach at Williams Park will create a terrible eyesore, since the remaining non-dog areas would be so small. I would very likely stop using Williams Park. It's a beautiful park now, but off-leash activities would ruin it. Finally, the proposed off-leash times are unfair to those who work for a living and wish to use the park. Mornings and evenings (the proposed off-leash choices) are the only periods working people can enjoy the park - that is, before and after work. So, this is another aspect of the dog-use concept that 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 17 of 20

19 is poorly thought out. It penalizes people who work, and thus it doesn't treat all people fairly. Finally, people in these parts barely control their dogs as it is - they have a thing against "big government" telling them what to do. I'm sure you've heard it before. These folks often let their dogs run off-leash now, both in the park and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Dog owners (and I'm one too) always think they've got full control of their dogs when they're off-leash. They don't. As soon as the dog sees something it wants, like another dog, a child, or a hamburger, it's running towards it. So, if anything, I'd want you to make leash law enforcement in the parks and city even stronger, not weaker. If I must share Williams Park with free-running dogs, even if the dogs are legally allowed off-leash, people must understand that they still have to control their dogs. If I'm walking on the footpath, enjoying a BBQ, or using the park facilities, and an off-leash dog runs aggressively up to me, I will take whatever action is necessary to protect myself. I have a right not be accosted. For all of these reasons, and many more I don't have time to list (such as ingress and egress through neighborhoods which would be abused - unlike Morris Park), I strongly urge the city not to make Williams Park a leash-free zone. The park is too small, and the repercussions have not been carefully considered. As a responsible dog owner, taxpayer, and long-time resident in this area, I vote no. Thank you This is a horrible idea. I live right at the entrance to Williams Park and have to put up with all the indiscretions of people who use that facility; including dogs running off leash, poop on the sidewalks, grass, etc. You don't enforce any rules, so what makes you think people are going to abide by them? I have called the police many times on pit bulls running wild. In Williams Park we have the YMCA bring busloads of children to play. We have a Little Scholars day care center just down the street and they walk upwards of 25 youngsters to play in the park. We do not need dogs running amuck with little children at the facility. We have a tot playground area where many young mothers bring their little ones to play. Dogs can be dangerous. We don't need them in Williams Park besides all the urination and defecation that goes on. There is inadequate parking with only 12 spaces at the main entrance. That lot gets full continually and then people park illegally on E Provident Drive. I frequently call the police to ticket those people. The small cul de sac that also functions as a turnaround has been blocked by illegal parkers. It is a bad situation all the way around. Adding off leash dogs will just make the situation worse. Please do not let Williams Park go to the dogs. We have soccer and Lacrosse teams practice on the field in the park. That activity is usually in the evening. They fill up the parking lot. We do not needs dogs interfering with these sports activities. This idea is a bad one. I witness it every day since my property borders the East side of the park and one of my decks overlooks the parking lot. Expansion such as you are proposing will add nothing but problems to the demeanor of the park. Please stop this process. I will be out of town June 27 so will not be able to present information at any meeting on that date. I will testify at the July 18th meeting if this goes that far The subdivision is not capable of handling the increased car traffic during the hours offered for off leash. There are streets with islands that restrict traffic and make it difficult for just the residents to navigate. 2. The hours suggested violate the Boise quiet hours. If the park was open before 8 am and after 10 pm, this would violate current standards. 3. Bringing new pets to the area would cause undo harm to the current habitat. The park enjoys waterways and other natural habitat that increased traffic by 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 18 of 20

20 dogs would injure. There might need to be a study done by the EPA to determine the impact of increased traffic. This study would need to be completed before a new off leash dog park could be approved. The natural habit of the area would affected by feces and other contaminants brought by increased dog populations. The effect of increased E-Coli brings added stress to the natural inhabitants. The residents of William Park area would immediately petition the EPA for a study to determine the impact of allowing a dog park for the above stated purposes. 4. The waterway running through Williams Park is under the SPCC rules, and as such needs appropriate scrutiny. Having an off leash dog park may violate the SPCC rules I just bought my house this year and I do not want my property values to go down because of a dog park when I bought my house this was a leashed park why is this changing I do not want a dog park near my house I'm very opposed to this 192. All but two people around the park are opposed I live in East Boise and would love to see an additional park closer to home for my Yorkie and I to visit. My dog loves to socialize, I am willing to clean up after our visits and to bring extra disposal bags if necessary. Please consider making Williams an off leash park. Thank you Off leash hours are a great way to get to know your neighbors and keep Boise dogs happy and healthy. I completely support this. One suggestion: if there will be softball practice, or any other sports team practicing during off leash hours, it would be beneficial if the schedule was posted so dogs and dog owners would know when they can't show up. Again, great idea! 195. This is quiet residential park that cannot support additional traffic by publicizing it a "dog park." The houses around the park are close, and totally surround the proposed dog area. This provides the peaceful environment that the neighborhood enjoys. This all changes if Williams Park has off leash hours. Also, the afternoon hours would be in direct conflict with the many evening soccer, lacrosse, rugby practices I'm a dog owner. I oppose the proposal, but suggest morning hours if my voice is not the majority. My opinion is based on the following reasons: I have lived in the Londoner Commons subdivision for 12 years and have served on the board for 6. I think that allowing dogs off leash is a poor proposal. This has been a quiet neighborhood park for 25 years because of the original intent by the donor (a neighbor adjacent to the park) of the property to create a neighborhood park. The park is used by many families, sports (lacrosse, soccer, rugby). Dogs (including mine), would create a nuisance for these sports teams and families making practice or casual enjoyment during evening hours nearly impossible. The park is too small to have dogs and sports 2013 Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 19 of 20

21 teams or groups/families at the same time. I suggest that only morning hours be considered because evening hours would ruin the enjoyment of the park for many while providing additional enjoyment for a few. Early morning activities are limited to tennis, while the grass is rarely used. Besides a very rare circumstance, groups/families don't utilize the park before 10am. I visit the park almost every Saturday/Sunday morning and most evenings I support a trial period of the dog off-lease hours and am very happy to see that the City will be monitoring use, rule compliance, and impact to other uses. We do not have a dog, but are happy to let dog owners exercise their dog as long as it does not interfere with our use of the park (we often play tennis and jog there). Please make sure there are adequate doggie defecation bags supplied in the park and that they are used. It would be a shame to turn this clean park, used by children and lots of neighbors, into a, primarily, dog park, which tends to result in struggling grass laced with hidden surprise poop, and is unusable by people. If possible, please make sure owners are keeping their off-leash dogs from chasing joggers. If we can achieve an even share of the park between dog owners and non-dog owners, with each doing their best not to inconvenience the other, this proposal will be successful. Thanks, 198. I would like to see the winter hours at all of the dog parks changed to 3:00 due to it getting dark earlier That park is so nice since dogs have not been allowed in there. I walk through it often and no dog poop to step in. Plus no out of control dogs I know that the park is often unused during the school year in the middle hours of the weekdays and would encourage thought about allowing leashless use then as well, especially in the winter when by 4PM it is often freezing and not much time is available before the seasonally early sunset. Considering the aggressive and too often hostile ticketing that has gone on in recent years at Williams Park, this is a good step in the right direction for citizens who enjoy recreating with their dogs there If there is no one in the park during off hours, am I allowed to let my dog off the leash? *Comments were edited to remove names, phone numbers and addresses Off-Leash Proposal Williams Park Page 20 of 20