I often walk my dog around Heritage Park, and also Crestwood Park, as do oh-so-many other downtown Kirkland residents and yet we have no dog park anywhere in downtown Kirkland.
Yes; I know that there’s one in Totem Lake hidden away in the backstreets, but not only is it covered in bark – not brilliant for our many longer and lighter-haired doggies – but it seems counter-environmentally-friendly to have to get into the car to take the dog for a walk.
As I walked around Heritage Park today, it occurred to me that there are several grassy areas on the east side of the cement walkway as well as one at the southern tip of the park by the arch/Heritage Park sign that could be perfect for a couple of smallish dog parks; one for small/medium dogs and one for the larger dogs.
Whilst I can understand that a handful of residents may argue that some adults and children are afraid of dogs and would not want to use the park if there were a dog park in or near it; it seems to me a lot less scary than the great big Alsatian I saw running around off-leash this afternoon, or the huge Great Dane that came bounding towards me a few weeks back, or worse still the Border Collie that chased my two year old and literally tore at her pants thinking she was a sheep.
Yes, it’s an on-leash park and therein lies the problem; dog-owners pretty much have no choice but to release their dogs from time to time for a good runaround which they desperately need (the dogs that is) as they frantically tug and pull on their leash, no matter how well trained they are. What’s the owner to do?
Personally, I actually think it would add yet more character to an already fabulous community park (emphasis on ‘community’ which includes residents with dogs). It’s great to walk around it, play games, fly kites and laze around on the main grass, and play tennis on the courts. Just think – with a dog park (or two), residents would then also be able to enjoy observing all kinds of dog breeds in their own dog park frolicking around.
Having observed the many times that people stop to stroke a passing dog, say ‘hi’ to them and ask about the breed, I would think most kids, and adults, would delight in and be entertained by being able to look at them safely from the other side of a fence. It would also be educational. I wonder whether the city of Kirkland would consider such an installation or two?
A similar consideration for a small patch at Crestwood park would also be very welcome, not to mention one at Juanita Beach Park – perhaps on the unused patch of land adjacent to the volleyball court? But perhaps that’s just asking too much.
What say ye all residents of downtown Kirkland and your wonderful four-legged friends? Perhaps with sufficient positive response to this letter and support for the idea – the city of Kirkland might be persuaded to use a little of what appears to be a healthy pot of funds (consider the Kirkland Corridor and Park Lane projects) to keep our numerous dog residents happy.
Oh, and a water fountain at either end of Heritage park would be useful too, not to mention a garbage bin at the ‘other end’ of Crestwood Park. Just sayin’!
Ghislaine Bernard, Kirkland
