History  Group of neighbors who have been meeting since October 2012  Started with 10 members; membership has grown to 110  Have 307 fans on Facebook  Goal is to develop an off-leash dog park in the north end of the City

WE ARE RESPECTFULLY PETITIONING THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICIALS OF ASHEVILLE, NC  We want an attractive, enclosed and eco-friendly off- leash dog park in North Asheville!  We hope to partner with the City of Asheville to ensure the park is accessible to the entire community  We are willing to raise funds for the development of the park if the City owns and maintains the property 1,031 petitioners agree!

2005 TO % INCREASE IN DOG PARKS 3% INCREASE IN PARKS

45% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE AT LEAST ONE DOG

38 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS HAVE CHILDREN 43 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS HAVE DOGS

IN ASHEVILLE, A GOOD AND A BAD THING HAPPENED  No Place in North Asheville to Exercise Pets Off Leash  2003 Buncombe County ordinance - no dog may leave its owner’s premises unless it is on a leash.  2009 City of Asheville ordinance restricts pets to leashes no longer than 8 feet.  As North Asheville currently lacks a public dog park, these ordinances leave many pet owners with no place to exercise their dogs off leash in the community. As a responsible, loving pet owner I want my dog to have a safe place to exercise and socialize, one that's nearby for N. Asheville residents. -- Patricia Wald

Helsinki, Finland = 80 Portland, Oregon = 33 (most per capita in US)

A North Asheville Dog Park Will: - Improve Pet Behavior : The opportunity for our dogs to socialize off leash is very beneficial to the community. Dogs must be off leash in order to use the necessary body language that mitigates aggressive behavior when meeting other dogs and people. In addition, many dogs need off leash exercise to relieve the stress of constant confinement that can lead to serious behavior problems. Asheville veterinarians also report a higher incidence of behavioral problems in Asheville dogs since the adoption of city and county leash laws. Forcing a dog to constantly be on a leash enhances aggressive behavior because it does not allow the dog to interact socially like it should. Please allow North Asheville residents this opportunity to properly exercise their dogs. --Kevin Gabel

The most common reason pets are relinquished in America is BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

A North Asheville Dog Park Will: - Provide Space for Families to Enjoy Their Pets : A North Asheville dog park will allow families with dogs to spend more quality time with their pets and provide a place where people without pets can come to interact with dogs. A dog park may also decrease the number of homeless pets as senior citizens, people with disabilities, and apartment dwellers, who otherwise may not be able to provide adequate exercise for a pet, may be encouraged to adopt. I am a disabled woman who loves her dog Noodle. A dog park in North Asheville would personally change my dog’s life and mine for the better. Here's to hoping it can help others get out of the house, enjoy a happier dog, all the while supporting and participating in our North Asheville community. Fingers crossed. ♥ --Andrea Kender

A North Asheville Dog Park Will: - Enhance the North Asheville Community : A North Asheville dog park will increase opportunities for residents to interact with their neighbors and will help create a sense of community. Research also shows that dog parks increase property values and reduce crime in surrounding areas. Asheville's quality of life is improved with diverse places for residents to enjoy time with friends and neighbors. --Danise Hauser

A North Asheville Dog Park Will: - Promote Pet Health : Regular exercise greatly benefits a dog’s health in many ways which leads to longer lives for our beloved pets. Most notably, regular exercise lessens the likelihood of obesity and decreases the discomfort associated with age-related osteoarthritis. Many dogs simply cannot attain adequate exercise on a leash, which greatly limits their space and pace. A well maintained dog park can be a wonderful place to exercise your dog if used responsibly. Many dogs do not receive the exercise they need for mental and physical health. --Jennifer Brehler

REQUESTS OF THE RECREATION BOARD:  Include the establishment of a dog park in North Asheville as a priority in the Parks Master Plan  Charge staff with the goal to actively seek and secure property within North Asheville for the establishment of the park  Recommend an increase in the dog licensing fees with revenue being earmarked for the development and maintenance of all the City’s dog parks  Work with the Friends of North Asheville Dog Park as allies, partners, and advocates for an emerging and enhanced system of multi-use parks in North Asheville

Please make a dog park a priority. We are eager to help.