A Knox man is on a mission to establish an off-the-leash park in the city limits for dogs and their owners. Chuck Richardson has collected 100 or so signatures in support. “People have dogs, and they have to work. These dogs are left in apartments or houses all day long. When people come home, they need a place to take their dogs for exercise, where dogs can exercise and play and get acquainted with other dogs, and people can get acquainted with other people,” Richardson said.
Plymouth has a dog park, and Richardson has spoken extensively with officials there. He says such facilities offer several “Residents can gather and socialize, allow owners to observe their dog with other dogs, allow dogs a space to play and companionship with other dogs, promote responsible pet ownership, give dogs a place to exercise thus reducing barking and other problem behavior, and provide seniors and disabled owners an accessible place to exercise and have companionship.” He adds the proposed dog park would have rules in place. “Your dog has to be on a leash to and from the park from the vehicle. You have to police your dog, make sure you’re in hearing distance of your dog. You have to pick up the droppings of your dogs. You have to keep it clean. You can’t bring no aggressive dogs. Dogs that are in heat, you can’t bring them, or puppies under four months old,” Richardson said.
He plans to attend the Knox Park Board meeting Thursday evening at 6 p.m. CDT at the Girl Scout Cabin and encourages other dog owners who share his vision to join him and show their support. One of the first steps should the city decide to proceed is to find a suitable location for a dog park. Richardson says it would be fenced, and he would raise funds through sales of commemorative bricks to pay for it.
