I was so excited last year to hear the push for a dog park. A safe place to let my dog off leash and not worry, but I haven’t really heard much lately on the progress. This is a concern for me. I walk my dog along Otter Point Road and on any trail that we find without fail. Recently we decided to open our home to a rescue, Sammie. Our new rescue is deaf. She will never be allowed to go off leash because of her disability which saddens me. Can anyone shed some light on the status of the dog park?
I really hope the piddly little area between Church and Townsend is not still a consideration because the space is not adequate. We have John Phillips Memorial Park. If you fence off the section to the left of the trail that would be the perfect place, giving dogs trees and bushes to run through. At least there is safe parking, add a few benches or picnic tables and it would be a lovely place to go with dogs with disabilities. I really see no need for a bike park or another skate park. Bikers have more than their fair share of trails they can ride.
Now for the RCMP. Since walking my dogs along Otter Point I have seen a lot of traffic fly by me. Where are the RCMP? When I think of kids walking to and from school on this road it gives me the willies. A large number of the drivers who pass me are on their cell phones and in the dark, it’s even scarier. I wear a bright jacket, carry a flashlight and the dogs have reflective collars. Not all drivers along Otter Point Road are bad drivers. With all my experiences with walking, a dog park would be an awesome addition to this community and would show support to the pet owners and it would definitely be safer than walking along Otter Point Road. It wouldn’t hurt to see a few more RCMP/Police patrols along Otter Point Road to make things a little safer for all pedestrians and drivers.
Mona Hazeldine
Sooke