Ernest Pinkston: Forget ball fields, give us a new dog park
Re “Baseball, soccer or open space for park?” (Page 1A, Oct. 18): The city of Modesto has asked for neighborhood input for changes to Roosevelt Park through a survey that gives several options.
Option 1: Install a baseball diamond;
Option 2: Install soccer fields;
Option 3: Leave open space.
I think Modesto already has an abundance of baseball diamonds and soccer fields! All over Modesto you see parks being used very little. When they are in use, it’s common to see a dog walker. Dog owners walk dogs every day. Modesto needs more off-leash dog parks.
Most cities Modesto’s size have three or more dog parks. Surveys done in 2012 quoted a city the size of Modesto having 35 percent dog ownership, meaning more than 50,000 dogs. Pet owners average $750 in purchases a year. That’s a lot of tax dollars.
I’m asking you to consider a community dog park as a sensible option. Take the survey and ask for a dog park.
On Nov. 8, attend the meeting at Roosevelt Junior High school at 6 p.m. and voice your desire for a dog park. Dog parks build better communities.
Ernest Pinkston, Modesto
This story was originally published October 24, 2017 at 5:17 PM with the headline "Ernest Pinkston: Forget ball fields, give us a new dog park."