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.t i u <br />�• i <br />The South Bend Common Council <br />4" Floor County -City Building <br />227 West Jefferson Boulevard <br />South Bend, Indiana 46601 -1830 <br />574.235.9321 <br />April 20, 2016 <br />The South Bend Common Council <br />4th Floor County -City Building <br />227 West Jefferson Boulevard <br />South Bend, Indiana 46601 -1830 <br />TDD 574.235.5567 <br />Re: Resolution to establish a 9- member advisory special committee to study and recommend all <br />reasonable and viable options for multiple off leash dog parks to be located in the City of <br />South Bend, Indiana <br />Dear Council Members: <br />As discussed by the South Bend Tribune in an article that was published on November 18, 2015, titled, <br />"Group wants Dog Park in South Bend ", the citizens of South Bend have expressed their interest and <br />support for a South Bend based, off leash Dog Park. <br />Additionally, on page 31 of the City of South Bend Parks 5 -year Master Plan 2014 — 2018 the <br />report states that, "Dog parks are a rising trend for parks and recreation. 2013 was the second year <br />that dog parks were the top planned addition to parks and recreational facilities ". <br />Indianapolis has eight (8) dog parks and dog runs. Fort Wayne's Parks and Recreation Department <br />operates the "Pawster Park Pooch Playground" in Foster Park and runs "Camp Canine" in Johnny <br />Appleseed Park and in Foster Park West. Fort Wayne began offering in 2010, a "Dog Agility" course <br />which includes six (6) canine agility equipment pieces to provide fun activities for "dogs of all sizes and <br />abilities ". Last November, the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department announced a new dog park <br />in their Roberts Park location. <br />Off leash dog parks provide many benefits. They promote a sense of community building through <br />socialization, they encourage responsible pet ownership and they provide pet owners and their dogs a safe <br />place to exercise and play. <br />Decisions such as where multiple dog parks should be located, the rules & regulations governing all dog <br />parks should be based on what serves the best interest of our city. It should be based on a review of all <br />