Dogs are a part of our furry family

by Anita John, Hamilton

People love with conditions and expectations. Dogs love unconditionally, no matter what. God put dogs on this earth to be human’s “best friend.” There is only one dog park in Hamilton where you can unleash your dog and let them play and roam freely. That park is down by the water/sewer waste department West of North 10th St. on New York Ave.

A dog park and grassy open area at Big Corral Park would be a practical and community-focused improvement that benefits both residents and their pets.

Big Corral Park is roughly nine acres of mostly open field that has remained largely undeveloped since the county purchased the property in 2008. Community planning discussions for the park already include ideas such as walking trails, picnic areas, pervilleines, gazebo, nature/historical signs, a playground, pickleball/racket ball court, that are barely used in existing areas now. For some reason, the planners have excluded a fenced dog park with waste stations as part of the park’s future master plan. It’s alright to have playgrounds for children but not a fenced dog park for our furry children?  

Adding a dog park and grassy area would make excellent use of this open space while providing something many residents currently lack: a safe place for dogs to run off-leash and exercise. Well-exercised dogs are healthier and calmer, and they are less likely to bark excessively, damage property, or become neighborhood nuisances. Dog parks create opportunities for responsible pet ownership, with fenced areas, rules, and cleanup stations that help keep the surrounding park clean and safe.

Equally important, dog parks strengthen community ties. Dog owners naturally gather in shared spaces, and those interactions often lead to conversations, friendships, and a stronger sense of neighborhood connection. In many communities, dog parks become informal meeting places where people of different ages and backgrounds interact while their pets play.

A grassy open area would serve an additional purpose beyond dogs. Families could picnic, children could play, and residents could enjoy a quiet place to relax or walk. A well-maintained green space adds beauty and value to the park while allowing flexible recreation such as tossing a ball, flying a kite, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Big Corral Park was envisioned as a low-key community open space with walking paths and gathering areas. A dog park and grassy field would fit perfectly with that vision by creating a welcoming, active environment that serves both people and pets. In short, a dog park and grassy area would transform Big Corral Park into a more useful and vibrant community space, one that encourages exercise, strengthens neighborhood connections, and makes the park a place that residents truly enjoy.