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Dog owners in West Kelowna, B.C. are expressing frustration following the removal of all tables and chairs from public dog parks in the city. This decision has sparked a debate about safety and accessibility within these recreational spaces.
According to city officials, the removal was prompted by ongoing issues related to pet supervision, which led to unsafe encounters between dogs and park users, as well as problems with responsible pet ownership, such as individuals failing to clean up after their pets. A representative stated, “The dog parks were having issues with some owners not watching their pets.”
Park user Amanda Chaplin commented on the city’s decision, emphasizing that public facilities should accommodate social needs. “To me, park benches or picnic tables or whatever they may be should be allowed,” she said.
The absence of seating has raised concerns about inclusivity, particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Doug Pylatuk, who identifies as having a disability, expressed disappointment regarding the situation. “I have arthritis, I park in a handicap spot,” he explained, highlighting the challenges of managing a dog alongside carrying items without available seating. “The city is saying to bring your own chair. Well, how do I do that?”
Moreover, the presence of furniture in dog parks serves a functional purpose by providing refuge for both small dogs and their owners during playtime. Small dog owner Katee Luckey remarked, “Sometimes she needs some reprieve… It’s hard with all the big dogs around.”
Pylatuk also noted that seating could enhance safety in the park. “When the dogs are playing in the park, I have to back away from there because dogs get rambunctious. It’s much safer for me if I can sit in a chair or a table to get away from the dogs, because I’ve been hurt many times here,” he said.
In response to community concerns, the City of West Kelowna has announced plans to install new benches, with the expectation that they will be in place by early to mid-February. Until these installations are completed, residents have been encouraged to bring their own temporary seating to the parks.
Source
globalnews.ca