The Case For Space

"Living with a dog is easy - like living with an idealist."
- H.L. Mencken

The parks, recreational areas and open spaces of Denver are used for myriad purposes. Denver is one of the most active cities in America and its residents are runners, bikers, walkers, skaters, cross-country skiers, kayakers, swimmers, tennis players and golfers. And the city of Denver has provided outlets for all of them.

In downtown Denver and the Highland neighborhood, there are over 5,000 licensed dogs, suggesting that the number of dogs is actually twice that. However, there is not an off-leash dog park within six miles of Union Station, the heart of these neighborhoods.

The benefits of an off-leash dog park are many.

BENEFITS FOR THE DOGS

• Studies have shown that dogs that exercise and run freely are not as aggressive towards people as dogs that are under-exercised.
• Allowing dogs to have an off-leash area socializes dogs. It brings them in contact with other dogs and causes them to be less aggressive in each future encounter with dogs.
• Off-leash parks improve the mental state of dogs (and their owners).
• Have you ever seen a dog running free? Enough said!

BENEFITS FOR DOG OWNERS

• Off-leash parks provide a vital public space allowing people to meet and form the bonds of community.
• People have the pleasure of watching their dogs at play.
• Off-leash parks contribute to the overall physical fitness of people by encouraging them to exercise with their dogs.
• Off-leash parks provide an opportunity for dog owners to enjoy the outside.
• Dog parks allow owners to socialize and exercise dogs without risk of receiving a ticket.

BENEFITS FOR COMMONS PARK

• Commons Park has seen its fair share of off-leash dogs since its opening. Despite their best intentions, owners with dogs off-leash simply can’t catch their dogs “in the act” every time.
• Dogs running loose in Commons Park have strained the grass and the wild plant areas and there is a concern that this activity will begin to impact the Platte River as well. Finding a place for them to go that’s designed to withstand the pressures placed on open space by dogs can only benefit Commons Park.

BENEFITS FOR EVERYONE

• Off-leash parks promote public safety by reducing the likelihood that dogs will be let loose in other recreational areas and infringe on the rights of other park users.
• Off-leash parks make the surrounding area safer because dog owners have an interest in the safety of their community and can act as a neighborhood watch.
• Off-leash parks are social hubs for the community.
• Off-leash parks promote responsible dog ownership.