EDITORIAL – Special interests have park needs, too
August 20, 2008
By Editorial Board
Skateboarders and dog lovers have a lot in common, it seems. Both groups attended Monday’s Snoqualmie Parks Board meeting, both wanting park space for their chosen recreation.
While Park Board members made it clear that there is no funding for either a skateboard park or an off-leash dog park, both groups should have been pleased to hear words of encouragement.
The board members appear to understand the importance of locating a skate park in a highly visible area. Other communities have learned the hard way that skate parks need adult supervision. In nearby Issaquah, the secluded park became a haven for drug use and litter. That park is now locked after dusk.
While some of the adults in attendance supported the young skaters as good kids, those teens will soon be grown and a new crop of skaters will be at the park. Building a park that encourages good behavior without supervision is the only way to go.
Both dog lovers and skaters were encouraged by the board to start their own non-profit groups and begin fund raising. Yes, taxes have been paid already, but fundraising for a special interest park is not unheard of, and will go a long way toward convincing the park board and city council that a dog park or skate park should move to the top of the list. Funds raised from the community might also help the city find matching grant money.
Fundraising could mean finding in-kind donations, possible more important than cash. For example, skaters might be able to find a pro willing to design their park. Both groups should also do outreach to local service clubs to help with financial or fundraising support.
Advocates for the two parks can also begin some of the background work needed. Put together plans that outline rules and responsibilities, and include an operational budget. Continue to work with the city on identifying sites and getting a stronger commitment for the day the two parks become a reality.
We hope both sets of park advocates are unwilling to accept a wait-and-see verdict from the city. But moving forward probably begins with future park users.
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2 Responses to “EDITORIAL – Special interests have park needs, too”
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I don’t know about skateboarders, but according to the Humane Society, nearly 40% of total households in the country own dogs (1.6 on average).
I would think those numbers would move them beyond a “special interest” group as far as entitlement to recreational space in a park system is concerned.
Viewed from a national perspective, new dog parks seem to be moving from a trend to a near tidal wave. There is no central clearing house keeping track, but it appears we are now approaching 3000 in total — 66 new parks have either been approved or opened just since August 1, 2008 (I am writing this on August 20).
I would hope these numbers will give city officials some perspective on local demand for an off-leash dog park.
Off leash dog parks are absolutely ’special interest’ and dog owners are not entitled to the public paying for their dogs to run off leash. In my opinion the needs of kids (skaters) is more important than that of dogs, but that aside, just because so many people have dogs, and no private property on which to let them run off leash, does not mean the public should be paying for the needs of dogs and their owners.