Our community is at its best when people come together to get things done. Such community-building can be a formal, organized effort like the Owosso Main Street program which is authorized by State law and supported with local revenues, or an informal coming together of like-minded people who want to make a change for the better. I learned more about such a grassroots effort when Jeff Selbig and I took my dog for a walk on Saturday.
Jeff and some friends have been working to create a dog park in Owosso. Such public gathering spots have become popular in other cities because they allow pets to get some exercise, and they allow for both owners and their canines to socialize with one another, which is healthy for the dogs and helps build community among humans. Dog parks can be simple fenced-in playfields of an acre in size or elaborate doggy playgrounds with toys and landscape features that allow dogs to explore and exercise. No matter what the size or design, both people and dogs have come to appreciate them. It seems like we are all busy these days and even though electronics allow us to connect to others, people increasingly seem to look for places to talk to others face to face. Dog parks offer the chance for dog owners to share their interests with one another.
The supporters of a dog park have been meeting regularly (most Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at Guido's Coffee Shop in the Woodard Station building) and have formed a Facebook group (click here) under the name Owosso Bark Park. They have more than 400 fans. This group has worked hard to look at locations, dog park design and operations, rules and liability issues, and community concerns. Currently, the preferred location is Adams Park on the north side of Owosso (that's Jeff in the phtoto showing off the site to my dog Rambo). Fund-raising efforts have also begun and plans are being made for a Wag'n Walk event on Sunday, June 6 to raise money and awareness. If you would like to be involved in any part of the dog park effort, send an e-mail to owossobarkpark@gmail.com.
The Role of Local Government. I believe local governments need to pay attention to the actions of its residents and be responsive when people come together to get something done. The City of Owosso has a parks plan and an active Parks & Recreation Commission, and this community body has expressed its support for a dog park. Especially given this endorsement, I believe it is the role of the City to find ways to lend its assistance to the Bark Park organizers. Of course, the City has a responsibility to solicit the opinions of the whole community, look carefully at the design and operation costs of a dog park, put in place rules, and protect the liability of the City and park users. However, the City should make sure it is not creating any unnecessary roadblocks as it carries out its duties. Even better would be for the City to find a way to support this and similar efforts.
Sometimes local officials get enamored with their own positions and plans, municipal power in general, or particular ideologies. However, while we need to bring our own experience and knowledge to bear on decisions of policy and public investment, we should keep in mind the community groups who are working hard to make improvements. I think the best strategy for moving Owosso forward is to foster, encourage, and support citizens who come together with a commitment to a cause. Communities become strong when people feel like they can be a part of things and make a difference. The Owosso Bark Park is a testament to the positive power of people.
I urge your involvement in the Bark Park effort, or other group efforts to improve our community. I welcome your feedback on the dog park idea or any other City issue.
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