(Residents gather at Café Karma and Books early to brainstorm for a dog park.)
In some cities, dog owners have opportunities for off-leash adventures with their furry friends.
The story for South Padre Island is different. While the search for a property is a tedious task, with rare pet-friendly parks, a few enthusiastic residents are up for the challenge.
Island resident, Dr. Laurie Coker, is taking the steps towards having a dog park that started with becoming a member of the Parks & Keep SPI Beautiful Committee. “That was my whole reason for getting on the board. I love the Parks Board!”
Like humans trying to socialize from their cars is how Coker sees it for the pups on the island.
The problem for residents is that Cameron County does not allow dogs to be off-leash. “Dogs are like people. They like to play. They are very social,” said Coker.
Right now, the issue is finding land for the city to purchase, lease, lend, or donate, for a reasonable price.
According to the Parks & Keep SPI Beautiful meeting last Wednesday, Coker voiced her excitement about the community effort outside the board and how fast-paced getting a dog park could be if finding land were not an issue. “There is a wonderful member of the advocate group that has started making a business plan.”
In the past, the negatives of having a dog park have slow-rolled the idea. Coker explained the negatives are the cost of land and dog dumping, both of which are being addressed. “In the unlikely event that something like that does happen, we are preparing.”
Travis Kaiser mentioned to Parks Manager Debbie Huffman about asking the GLO if the City could construct a dog park over a dune, since the city is currently on track to make Beach Access 10 a dune walkover with a parking lot and restrooms.
Hoffman let the board know that that would have to go through GLO and the Shoreline Task Force.
