Councilman Tom Bullock proposed an ordinance to Lakewood City Council allowing leashed dogs to walk with their responsible owners in all Lakewood Parks at the June 15, 2009 council meeting. The proposed ordinance is in its first reading and has been referred to the Public Works Committee.

The Citizens Committee to Allow Leashed Dogs in Lakewood Parks is asking all residents that support this initiative to encourage your elected officials that it is time to allow leashed dogs in our publicly funded parks. You can find contact information for Council members at www.leasheddogsinlakewoodparks.com or at the main City of Lakewood website. The next council meeting is July 6, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at city hall.

Show your support by walking with the Committee in the July 4th parade. If you would like more information, please e-mail leasheddogsinlakewoodparks@yahoo.com. There will also be a public information meeting on Saturday, July 11th at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Public Library.

Allowing leashed dogs in Lakewood parks will have many benefits for the city and its residents. Increased utilization of the parks creates a better sense of community and safety. Increasing the utilization of the parks encourages healthy activity, through the variety of paths and walkways, and stress reduction. Our senior and disabled residents can utilize their local park with their leashed dogs to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor spaces.

The Citizens Committee to Allow Leashed Dogs in Lakewood Parks asks all Lakewood residents and guests to continue to respect our public spaces and abide by all current clean up, leash and pet related ordinances. These responsible actions will demonstrate to city officials that residents of Lakewood deserve the right to enjoy Lakewood’s first class parks with our leashed dogs.