1. There isn't one now. Other areas, excellent for exercising dogs, are posted "NO DOGS" Give people a place to take their dogs.

2. FNSB has done little to help prevent dog behavior problems and proactively reduce costs of animal control in Fairbanks. Anyone who works with dogs knows that activities which increase understanding of dog behavior can reduce problems. Laura Hood of FNSB Animal Control, "Many of the animals that are euthanised in any community are euthanised due to behavior problems, biting is one of them. We encourage obedience training for any new dog owner, or any "old" dog owner with a new dog because we know that people who understand their animals are going to be more likely to be able to handle behavior problems which might come up. This in turn is going to make them happier with their new pet, and a more responsible animal owner.

3. Families could attend seminars and clinics to learn positive dog training methods and trainers could set good examples. Agility, tracking, weight pulling, obedience and retriever classes and events could be held there.

4. Dog trainers are being pushed out by campers and their litter, jet skiers and other users. This problem is getting worse every year.

5. Fairbanks is growing and needs to set aside areas for the future so our kids to learn to be responsible dog owners too.

6. South Davis Park is an excellent location for a dog park because it is a large park, centrally located, away from conflicts with residences, plenty of parking will be available and noise will not be a problem.

7. FNSB already maintains numerous school yards and parks which are suitable for other recreational uses.

8. According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Marin County Humane Society, experience with dog parks has shown the following: Adults- elderly, disabled, often women, feel comfortable socializing at dog parks. Most of these citizens are not softball or soccer players and often their needs are not met by local Parks and Recreation departments. They pay taxes too. Very little or no crime takes place in dog parks. In fact, when Golden Gate Park was opened to off leash dog activities, vagrants disappeared.

9. Revenue to Fairbanks from non-mushing dog events locally, at no cost to the borough, has recently approached $800,000 per year. For forty years, retriever and dog show events have quietly taken place, pumping dollars into the Fairbanks economy.

10. A dog park would be a great place for Fairbanks families to take their dogs and play all year around.