Editor, The News:
Re: Residents object to closing dog park (The News, April 30).
As a dog owner, I am shocked to here that, as of June 10, the off-leash area of Volker Park will be closed.
So, basically, the person or persons in that neighbourhood who tried to poison and injure dogs has won.
Instead of catching the perpetrator on video, the district caught dog owners using the park after hours.
So rather than catch the criminals, let’s just close the dog park.
One could walk down any street in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows and here dogs barking, children screaming, school bells going off, roofers hammering, sirens, loud music playing, spouses arguing, parents yelling at there children, meth labs and grow ops being operated. I could go on and on.
I wish that myself and fellow off-leash park users had more of a voice in the closure.
When the rash of vandalism and dog poisonings started in this off-leash area, I had to take my dog elsewhere. Then there were times when it was just me and my dog at the park. That is why I don’t understand the closure.
The people who live on the outside of this park need to get over themselves and live with every day noise.
Give me a break.
May be we can just pay someone from the parks system to come and lock the gates during off-hours?
Who paid the $15,000 to install the fence and water fountain and tap?
Now we are just throwing money around like it grows on trees.
Were the neighbours who live near this park not consulted before the off-leash area was built?
Why were the users of this off-leash area not consulted before it was decided to close the park?
I had a dog who passed away in June last year because he had cancer in his belly. Perhaps he ate some of that poison that was left in this off-leash area? We will never know.
Lori Barrett
Maple Ridge
Arbitrary decision
Editor, The News:
Re: Residents object to closing dog park (The News, April 30).
It is sad to learn about the closing of the Volker off-leash area. I would hope the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure Services Commission will find a suitable location to establish another off-leash area nearby in the near future.
Many people who use the park are not able to drive to the other off-leash areas.
I understand the concerns of some of the nearby residents. However, if you live on a busy street, you know you will hear traffic noise.
If you live near a public park, you know members of the public will be using the park.
There seems to be a sense of entitlement that because they back onto a park, it is their private little paradise.
I feel the decision was done arbitrarily and unfairly.
Cheryl Harrington
Maple Ridge
More noise
Editor, The News:
Re: Residents object to closing dog park (The News, April 30).
How unfortunate that a neighbour or two can rule the roost in this tiny community around Volker Park.
I didn’t like the dog park at first, but I got use to it. And in the evenings, when I take my kids to the park for play, I rarely hear the dogs bark. It’s entertaining to watch them frolic.
What is curious is how glass and tacks were found in this unleashed dog area.
I’m guessing the next issue our neighbour may have is the noise of laughter and squeals coming from the school’s playground, which also backs onto Volker Park.
Can we suggest a realtor?
G. Didicher
Maple Ridge
