CANTON DOG PARK

History of Concept

In April of 2011, Judy DeGraaff of Canton brought the idea of a dog park to former Trustee Jesse Coburn .

Jesse was elected to Town Board and asked Mary Ann Ashley to work with Judy on this idea.

Judy contacted Mary Ann and the community building process began with an article in the Plaindealer inviting the public. Tim Aplanalp and Adam Jaffe joined the committee.

We discussed viable space for the park and settled on Priest Field.

Trustee Mary Ann Ashley presented the project to the Village Board which gave preliminary support. The Priest Field deed was reviewed and the village insurance coverage was approved.

DOG PARK BENEFITS

Physical recreation and mental exercise for dogs

Opportunities to form and maintain the dogs’ social skills

Location for families to relax and socialize while their dogs are safe and happily occupied.

Community Development Opportunity - only off-leash dog park in St. Lawrence County

Possible model for other municipalities i.e. Kayak Program

Possible Dog Park Concerns

Health risks

Dog problems

People problems

LOCATION

FLORA PRIEST FIELD

100’ X 200’

GALVINIZED FENCING

25-30 BENCHES

TWO ENTRY GATES - ONE FOR DOGS

- ONE FOR MOWING

Googlemaps.com

Proposed Dog Park Regulations

Dog owners/caregivers accept full responsibility for themselves, their dog(s), children and guests. Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult.

Puppies must be at least four months old.

Dog owners assume risk related to the use of the dog park. Owners may not leave dog(s) unattended and will carry a leash.

No food, alcohol/drug usage or smoking is allowed within in the fenced area. No other recreational use of the park is allowed.

Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and healthy. Dogs must wear a collar with identification and tags.

Owners must clean up after their dog(s).

Owners are responsible for filling in holes dug by their dogs.

Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior are not permitted. If aggression toward people or other dogs occurs, they need to be removed by the owner.

Violations of these regulations are reportable to the Canton Village Police Department.

INSURANCE

DEREK HETU CLEARED VILLAGE FOR LIABILITY COVERAGE.

PERSONAL INSURANCE: DOG OWNERS ARE LIABLE FOR THEIR OWN DOGS BEHAVIORS

LIABILITY RESTS WITH DOG OWNERS

ESTIMATED COST=$15,000

Community Committee will

begin fundraising

Website Resources

DogPark.com

WebMD.com

(Healthy Dogs)

Apdt.com

(Association of Pet Dog Trainers)