In the last few years, the demand for off-leash dog parks has increased dramatically nationwide.  Several years ago, a couple Daybreak residents took it upon themselves to solicit Kennecott Land to include this type amenity for our community.  The residents had experience with dog parks, offering their input and expertise.  In addition the residents offered a professionally prepared document compiled by Salt Lake County on the establishment of dog parks (http://www.recreation.slco.org/planning/PDFdocs/SLCo_Dog_Park_Master.pdf).

.

On May 1^st Daybreak officially opened the community dog park.  It is located immediately south of the new temple on 4000 west.  It’s in the drainage area so very difficult to see from the street.  Once you are on the walking path, the entire park is visible.

.

Before going to the park you must register your dog with the HOA. You will need to provide a health record with current vaccinations, a copy of your dogs South Jordan license, and a check for $15 which off sets key, tag, and maintenance.  In turn you will be issued a key card to access the park and a tag for your dog to wear identifying them as a certified dog park member.  Registration must be renewed annually.

.

CLICK READ MORE TO SEE REST OF ARTICLE

The basic design is correct and functional with solid fencing and dual gate entry for safety.  There are two dedicated areas with separate gates, one for large active dogs and one for small, passive, or elderly animals.  Water is available via a pump head in each section. 

.

Sadly, the good part of the park ends with fencing and gates.  Rather than installing a standard recommended surface, the decision was made to use the same plantings as those used in the natural areas throughout the community.  Thorny weeds and 3-4 foot high grasses with sticky barbed seeds cover the entire area.  My dogs stop to dig painful barbs out of their paws within 5 minutes in the park.  When we return home, a great deal of time is spent brushing and pulling the prickly debris from fur, paws, ears, literally everywhere.  The burs are painful to me when pulling them from my pet’s fur, I can only imagine what it does to them.  Once Barbed grass seeds adhere to an animal they have the ability to travel and become lodged internally creating serious health issues.  A great concern is animals eating the grass, which we all know, dogs will graze.  The barbed spike grass lodges in their throats and can travel into lungs. 

.

KLC was alerted to the dangers of their choice to use natural plantings well before the park was scheduled to open. The reason offered by KLC and the HOA for using the “natural plantings” was to save money on maintenance and cost of installation.  Seems they are getting their wish, very little maintenance is required for a park few if any will use. 

.

As for other features, the water pumps are the cheapest option possible and difficult to regulate.  The rock areas surrounding the water pump is a third of the size it should be.  Change one dish of water and it creates a huge mud pit right in front of the single seating area. 

.

• Change the water dish frequently.  Dogs pass many viruses and yuck with their saliva
• Don’t take children to the dog park.  Dogs on the run can knock adults off their feet, a child hit that hard could suffer a serious injury or worse.  IT’S A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE.
• Read the posted rules at the gate and abide by them.
• Poop bags are available at the gate, use them to keep the area clean.

.