Chicago city ordinance mandates dogs be kept on a leash in public areas for the protection of fellow residents, as well as the dogs themselves. Dog parks provide safe places for dogs to gather and play legally "off-leash". Unfortunately, there is not one of these dog parks in the vicinity of Gold Coast or Washington Square Park, where there is a very high concentration of dogs. 

 Therefore, we are asking the City of Chicago to construct a dog park for the following reasons: 

1. There is not a facility in our area to accommodate safe, off-leash activity 

2. Such a facility would resolve the ongoing angst between dog owners, non-owners, police and park authorities regarding dog access to the park 

3. Most dogs need exercise over and above human limitations; leashes limit the dogs space and pace

4. Socializing dogs is very beneficial to the community, since it makes them less skittish and mitigates aggressive behavior when meeting other dogs and people 

5. The cardiovascular effect is great for the dog's longevity and weight control, and the overall effect makes most dogs calmer and better behaved 

6. Such a facility would increase park utilization and increase interaction among families in the community 

We, the undersigned, urge your consideration in this matter.

Gold Coast Dog Owners