Does Ferndale Need a Dog Park?

Would you like to see Ferndale have a dog park?

Resident Derek Kuschel would, and he recently started a Facebook page where those who agree can discuss the idea and think of ways to help make it happen.

"I'm looking into some areas that would be good sites for the park, and hopefully we can get some more Likes on the page and some attention from the city," he told Patch.

Kuschel says he has a tiny backyard and would like a place where his dog can get some exercise.

"I noticed a lot of people over the summer taking their dogs inside that fenced in area in front of that school/church on Woodward just north of Marshall. Then I remembered the parks I've seen when I go to visit my friends in Brooklyn or Austin," he said. "It was nice for the residents there too as they probably wouldn't have met their neighbors otherwise."

[Find the Facebook page: "Ferndale Needs a Dog Park."]

Kuschel says he would help take care of a dog park, if the city were to have one, and he thinks other residents would too.

Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said a dog park is something that could be considered as the city starts a re-evaluation of its Parks Master Plan soon.

"There's a lot more we could do to fully utilize our parks, and the city is open to creative ideas to increase participation in them. Dog parks are certainly a use I think our residents would appreciate, but there's other good ideas, too," Coulter said. "I'd love for those who are passionate about our parks to join with us in creating a plan that looks at all the potential uses, including dog parks."

What do you think?

Would you take your dog to a dog park if Ferndale had one? Where would you like it to be? Do you visit any other dog parks in the area? Tell us in the comments section below!