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Drifting across the sidewalk, sliding through the screenings, huffing and puffing all the way, the pure and utter excitement exploding from every atom in his body is most definitely giving us away. Heads turn, ears perk, hairs stand on end- a high pitched scream belches up from his underbelly – yes it’s my dog.
I bend down, grab a strong hold of his muscular torso, open the gate and let go. I smile and chuckle to myself, reprocessing the mental image I now have stored in my mind of his tail stirring up dust from wagging back and forth so vigorously only moments before, as he sat patiently waiting for his weekly marathon.
Since June of 2003 the city of Hamilton has recognized two types of non-conventional parklands: Leash Free Parks. That’s right, we re not speaking of(hu)man but of his or her best friend- the canine.
The two types of “leash free parks” that the city outlines are as follows:
Dog Parks – are fenced in areas where individuals have the opportunity to exercise their dogs off leash in a controlled environment without being in contravention of municipal by-laws.
Free Running Areas – are those areas where individuals can exercise their dogs off leash without being in contravention of municipal by-laws. Included in these areas are public open spaces and particularly designated parkland.
The main difference between the two is that those areas designated as “Dog Parks” are fully fenced controlled areas (with separate entrance and exit gates) where the “free running areas” an open field concept.
Each of the two types of parks has a set of respective rules that can be found on the City of Hamilton website. The rules are nothing out of the ordinary– more common courtesy than anything –but it is suggested that when using the parks you read and obey the regulations because in these areas one is subject to the Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act.
A few examples that apply to both types of parks include:
- Poop n’ scoop is mandatory. All individuals must clean up after their dogs
- Dogs must be wearing up to date rabies and dog license tags
- Aggressive dogs are to be kept out of this area. If a dog starts acting aggressively towards others (people and dogs respectively) it must immediately be leashed and removed from the site
- Dogs must be under voice control and are not allowed to disturb or chase people, or to destroy, dig up, or disturb flower-beds, lawns, bushes or trees
- No dog can be in the park without an adult human attending to it at all time
I know what you are thinking – who in the right mind has complete voice control over their canine when amongst a pack of other pooches. Speaking only from my personal past experiences over the last six months, I can honestly say that only about fifty-percent of the people who frequent the parks have attained this level of training. Don’t let this rule deter your from bringing your pet out to play. Dogs will be dogs as kids will be kids. Having said that if your dog is aggressive to others (people and dogs alike) than this isn’t the place to be.
The dog parks represent a sanctuary of freedom to our best friends. These are open areas that house magnificent breeding grounds for blossoming friendships, fun in the sun and exercise, exercise, exercise. This is a place where your dog can be itself-whatever type of personality it has- without the hassle of being tied down, tied up, in the small backyard or in its house. The vast grounds provided provide more than enough room for the dogs to reach top speed and hold it.
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In most cases dogs become apart of a life or family because someone or some people are in need of a non-judgmental loving friend. Basically we get them to bring joy into our lives, consciously or unconsciously that is the basis for buying a pet. Let me tell you–coming from a bachelor with no children of his own- some of my most gratifying, hilarious, and fond moments to date have come in the last six months of my life on any given Saturday morning watching my young Bull Terrier sprinting back and forth from one end of the park to the other- just being himself. However the joy I receive from these expeditions are only a fraction of the ecstasy the dogs enjoy while frolicking about.
The parks are funded by the city directly through the sale of dog licenses. One dollar from the sale of every license in the City of Hamilton goes towards the Leash Free Parks Program to help fund capital and operating costs.
The locations of the DOG PARKS
Hamilton SPCA – 245 Dartnall Road
Hill Street Park – 13 Hill Street
Birch Avenue - (between Brant St. and Princess St. on West side) – located behind the City of Hamilton’s 330 Wentworth St. Operations Building
Time restriction here Monday-Friday, 5pm to 11pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 6am to 11pm
The locations of the FREE RUNNING AREAS
Little John Park – 110 Little John Road
Chegwin Park – 27 Chegwin Street
Cinema Park - (located on Golf Links Road beside the Silvercity Theatres)
These six sites have been a growing success in the city, but the buck does not stop there. The city has gone one step further in that it allows anyone who is interested in starting a “dog park” or “free running area” in their neighborhood or community to complete a series of applications to be presented in front of corresponding departments.
All information regarding parks, locations, rules and regulations, city contacts, and new park applications can be found on the City of Hamilton website at www.hamilton.ca
In closing I challenge all of you to go out, enjoy the weather, take your dog and both become an active part of our ever growing community – make a friend at the dog park- its where (hu)man’s best friend goes to make friends.£
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