Well, it has been quite a year for dog owners in the Quinte area. Just over a year ago, we had no place to legally let our pets run free except for our own yards. Now we have the Pooch Path at the Quinte Conservation Authority, and a three-acre dog park at East Zwicks. Because this all happened so quickly involving just a few people, I thought I would review the steps that made it all happen. In the spring of 2001, there were a number of letters to the editor of the Belleville Intelligencer, about the massive cleanup needed at Zwicks park after the snow melted, revealing the mess left by dog walkers who had used Zwicks park throughout the winter. There was also much criticism about dog owners who let their dogs run off leash bothering other park users. There was even talk of banning dogs from the parks completely, even on a leash. Doing some research, I learned that many other cities had the same problem, and had created dog parks to help solve the problem. Casey and I visited dog parks in the Toronto area, and were impressed with the enthusiasm of the owners and their dogs. When I returned to Belleville, I learned that Owen Kerr of Woof-Walkers also had the same idea, and had put up petitions throughout the area asking for support. I contacted Owen, and we decided to work together. We sent letters to the 175 people who signed the petition explaining our goal, and inviting them to a public meeting in July, 2001. Only SEVEN! people showed up. Although discouraged, based on the enthusiasm of those who attended, plus the support of the Quinte Conservation Authority for a dog trail on their property, we decided to carry on.
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A trail was cut for us through an adjacent field, signs and benches were put in place, and in August 2001, the Pooch Path was opened. The Pooch Path is very popular for those who like to hike through the fields while walking their dog. Many people however, were not able to use the trails because their dogs might run off from the unfenced trails, or they were not able to navigate the uneven terrain. We approached Doug Moses of the Belleville Parks and Recreation department to explain our idea for a dog park. Doug was immediately supportive and we talked about several possible sites. We decided that the current location at Zwicks park would be best because the area was largely unused, it had parking, and a lack of neighbours who might object. We got a quote for the fencing and signage, and in August, made our presentation to City Council. Although at first skeptical about fencing off part of the park for the dogs, with Doug's recommendation, and our association's pledge to pay back the city for the costs, the council approved the park for a one year trial period. Fence construction began, signage was ordered and installed, the city cut the grass and trimmed the trees, and on October 20, 2001, Eastern Ontario's first fenced dog park was opened. Since then, the park has had five times as many visitors as we originally anticipated. The dog population in Belleville is healthier, more socialized, and many of us have made new friends at the dog park. Let's continue to keep it safe, clean, and fun.
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