The Dogmoor Commitee is in the process of finalizing its plans for the dog park. In an effort to address all concerns, the Dogmoor Committee has put together a list of frequently asked questions surrounding the dog park. If your concern is not addressed here, feel free to contact us.
Q: If someone is not a Broadmoor resident, can they still use the park?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the process for admittance into the park?
A: There will be a membership application that any one can fill out to use the park. The application process will ensure that the park is secure and that all dogs are properly vaccinated before granting admission to the park. It collects owner information, pet information, pet’s medical information, and an agreement to abide by the park’s rules and regulations.
Q: What are the benefits of having a dog park?
A: Dog parks bring people from across New Orleans together, building a sense of community amongst New Orleans pet owners. Dogmoor will serve as a means to receive education about rearing obedient, healthy pets and provides green space to residents of the surrounding area. The increased foot traffic will deter crime, and the commercial strips located near the park can capitalize on the human (and pet) presence in the area and become revitalized and fruitful businesses.
Q: Will the dog park be a security risk?
A: The BIA is hopeful that the dog park will increase security. Though people will be coming from all over the city to use the park, the park will be accessible by key entry only. Therefore, registered members of Dogmoor and their guests will be the only people who will be able to access the park, and it will not become a place for loitering. Furthermore, Dogmoor will be included in the proposed State Street Security District. If passed, the district will be patrolled 24 hours a day and will contribute to the enhanced security for Dogmoor users and residents who live in the areas around the park.
Q: Why are children under 6 not allowed?
A: Dogmoor Committee members agree that children have much to benefit from being around animals at a young age. However, not allowing children is a common safety precaution seen in dog parks across the country. For the safety of children, the Dogmoor Committee has elected to prohibit children from the park for the following reasons:
- A playful child may attract the attention of dogs.
- Friendly dogs can accidentally knock down and injure a child.
- Not all dogs are child-friendly.
- Direct eye contact is confrontational to dogs. An interested child staring into a dog’s face may provoke a dog unintentionally.
- Supervising a child and a dog at the same time is difficult and may put the child and others using the park at risk.
- Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching grass where feces and urine is present.
Children will be allowed to be in the park when Dogmoor holds special events geared toward children. This will allow children to interact with and learn about dogs in a non-confrontational, safe setting.
Q: Will children be allowed in the small dog area?
A: No. Small dogs can be aggressive too and don’t necessarily like children. For the reasons listed above, children will not be allowed in any part of the dog park to minimize any risk of injury.
Q: How many other parks did you study when making plans?
A: We looked at 8 national dog parks, as well as the Baton Rouge Recreation Department dog park and City Bark, a developing dog park in City Park.
Q: Will there be a board of directors?
A: There will be a board, elected upon the opening of the park and initial membership drive, that will meet as needed to settle disputes and field any questions or complaints of members.
Q: If dog trainers can’t use the park, what will the training area be used for?
A: The BIA and the Dogmoor Committee are planning on inviting trainers for special seminars on pet obedience. Trainers will not be permitted to solicit new business at the park.
Q: Have there been any complaints about the park?
A: Total Community Action (TCA) has expressed concern about losing the space as a good place for evacuation drills and special events. TCA will have the right to reserve the park for its own purposes or evacuation procedures. If TCA is using the space, the park will be closed to Dogmoor members.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: From here, we are going to be tying up the terms of the lease with Parks and Parkways. Then we’ll be approaching ORDA and other sources for funding.