Example Letter to Councilman Mark Freeman
Requesting official Dog Park status for City of Mesa Basin. Read our letter to Councilman Freeman and join the cause!
Hello Mesa Dog Freedom supporters, 👋
As we continue our efforts to establish the City of Mesa Basin as an official Dog Park, it's crucial that we coordinate our communication with local officials to make a significant impact. Below is an example letter I have drafted to Councilman Mark Freeman, outlining our request and the strong community support behind it.
I encourage each of you to use this letter as inspiration for your own messages. By sending our letters around the same time, we can ensure that our voices are heard and demonstrate the unity and commitment of our community. If you need any help drafting your version, feel free to reach out through the contact form on our website.
Together, we can make a difference and secure a designated space for our dogs to enjoy.
Thank you for your support!
Councilman Mark Freeman
Mesa City Council, District 1
20 E. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
TL;DR:
We are requesting that the existing City of Mesa Basin be granted Dog Park status, which requires some fencing. This is a simple request with strong community support, and we are ready to demonstrate this support.
Dear Councilman Freeman,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you on behalf of a dedicated group of local dog owners who have been enjoying the City of Mesa Basin for many years. Our community has flourished in this beautiful space, fostering positive relationships among neighbors and their pets. However, recent events have highlighted the need for a more formal solution to ensure that this treasured area continues to serve our community effectively.
For years, the City of Mesa Basin has been a peaceful haven where respectful dog owners and their pets could gather. Unfortunately, some disgruntled neighbors have recently voiced complaints that threaten the harmony we've built. We believe these individuals do not represent the majority of the community, who deeply value and respect this shared space.
Win-Win Solution For Neighbors and Visitors:
Rather than merely presenting a complaint, I come to you with a practical solution: we request that the City of Mesa Basin be officially designated as a Dog Park. This would involve installing some fencing to clearly define the area. This simple adjustment would address the concerns of the neighbors while allowing the continuation of the wholesome community engagement that the basin has provided for so long.
The need for an official Dog Park status is underscored by the ongoing enjoyment and usage of the basin by local residents. Granting this status would not only resolve current tensions but also enhance the space for future use. We are prepared to demonstrate the strong support from our community for this initiative.
Thank you for considering our request. We believe this solution will benefit all parties involved and ensure that the City of Mesa Basin remains a beloved and functional part of our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
DavidJohn Wyatt, Frakie Schnauzer, and all the other basin visitors.
300' x 115' City Basin
Example layout with a small and large dog area as well as 9 20 foot parallel parking spaces along the north edge. A “turnaround area” already exists on the west end. This plan would preserve the homeowner’s access to the backs of their properties as well as facilitating parallel parking in a safe way.
Standing Our Ground: My Encounter with the Ranger at Mesa Basin
A heated yet respectful discussion with a park ranger about our community's needs and the future of the basin.
I wanted to share a recent experience at the City of Mesa Basin that highlights both the challenges and the solidarity within our community.
The Usual Routine and Unexpected Visit
Another dog park visitor and I were enjoying our time at the basin when the ranger drove in from the west on 8th Street.
The ranger approached my friend and began giving him a verbal warning about the leash laws. I joined the conversation, and we explained our frustration and the context of our situation. We are respectful, long-time visitors from the local community who have been coming here for years. This basin has been a sanctuary for us, a place where our dogs can enjoy off-leash freedom and where we, as a community, support each other.
Discussing Our Frustrations and the Reality
Things got heated when the ranger removed my paper sign from the back of the city’s sign. I challenged him on this because he had been taking my sign down nearly every day, while other signs remained untouched. I made it clear that targeting my sign felt like a violation, especially since it was due to the messaging of our movement.
Despite the tension, the conversation eventually became more respectful. The ranger explained he was just doing his job and didn't enjoy ticketing people. He even looked up the local council member we should contact and provided the information. If you’re reading this, ranger, thank you for your help.
Organizing Our Efforts and Community Involvement
The next steps for our movement involve organizing our messaging to the city, drawing up plans for the future dog park, and coordinating a time to flood the city with our communications. Showing our organization and support at city meetings will increase our chances of success.
The ranger made it clear that the basin is being targeted, and this won’t stop until we secure an official dog park. We need temporary fence perimeters and a gate, and the city needs to see that we’re serious and organized.
It’s crucial to continue showing up, but please keep your dogs on a leash to avoid citations. The persistent complaints from neighbors are disrupting the sanctuary vibe we’ve cultivated over the years. We need to act fast to restore the positive energy at the basin.
How You Can Help and Get Involved
If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out through our website. We need help with writing, organizing, drawing plans, and being a supportive presence as we push for change.
Believe in our vision for an off-leash area at the basin. With our collective effort, we can make it happen.
Let’s stand together and make a difference for our community and our dogs.
Challenges of Establishing a Dog Park
Transforming the City of Mesa Basin into a designated dog park has faced numerous obstacles despite strong enthusiasm from dog owners. This article delves into the key challenges such as regulatory and safety concerns, public health risks, community opposition, and resource allocation issues. Learn about these barriers and explore potential paths forward to advocate for a dog-friendly Mesa Basin.
The idea of transforming the City of Mesa Basin into a designated dog park has been a topic of discussion for some time.
Despite the enthusiasm from many dog owners, previous attempts to create an official off-leash area have faced numerous obstacles. Here’s a look at the key reasons why these efforts have not succeeded:
Regulatory and Safety Concerns
The City of Mesa enforces strict leash laws in all public parks and recreational areas. According to the city’s regulations, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the physical control of their owner at all times. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all park visitors and to prevent potential conflicts and injuries. The city's commitment to these regulations is a significant barrier to establishing off-leash areas without comprehensive safety measures in place (Mesa Parks).
Public Safety and Health Issues
One of the primary concerns is the risk associated with dogs being off-leash in public spaces. Without proper controls, there is a higher chance of dog-related incidents, including bites, fights between dogs, and accidents involving park visitors. These risks pose significant liability issues for the city, making officials cautious about designating any new off-leash areas (Mesa Parks).
Community Opposition and Support
Efforts to create a dog park often require robust community backing. In previous attempts, there may have been insufficient support from local residents or significant opposition from those concerned about noise, cleanliness, and safety. Garnering enough community support and addressing the concerns of opponents are crucial steps that previous initiatives may have struggled with.
Resource Allocation and Priorities
Establishing and maintaining a dog park requires substantial resources, including funding for infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, and staff to manage the area. The City of Mesa may have other priorities for its budget and resources, leading to the decision to allocate funds to projects deemed more urgent or beneficial for a broader segment of the community.
Moving Forward
For those interested in seeing an off-leash area in the City of Mesa Basin, there are a few potential paths forward:
Community Advocacy: Building a strong coalition of supporters and actively engaging with local government officials can help highlight the demand and benefits of a dog park.
Proposing Pilot Programs: Suggesting a temporary or pilot off-leash area can provide an opportunity to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits without a long-term commitment.
Creating a dedicated space for dogs to play off-leash involves navigating regulatory, safety, and community challenges. By understanding the history and addressing the concerns that have stalled previous efforts, dog owners can better strategize their advocacy for a dog-friendly Mesa Basin.
Hot But Not Forgotten
As the dog days of summer heat up, our visits to the Mesa Basin may have cooled off, but our movement is still going strong! Stay vigilant, stay connected, and let's keep promoting our cause. Remember, we’re in this together!
Hey Dog Lovers,
As the dog days of summer hit us hard, it's no surprise that many of us are finding it tough to gather at the Mesa Basin as often as we used to. The rising temps have made it a bit ruff to enjoy our usual meet-ups, but don't worry—we're still as active as ever and committed to our cause!
Weathering the Heat
Just because attendance has dipped doesn't mean our enthusiasm has. It’s simply too hot for extended outdoor activities for both us and our pups. This season's extreme weather is happening right when the city’s pressure to leash our dogs has ramped up. Talk about bad timing!
Ranger Danger
I've heard from a few reliable sources that park rangers are still making their rounds at the basin. This is a gentle reminder to stay vigilant and stick to the rules while we keep pushing for change. We don’t want any of our furry friends or their humans getting into trouble.
Persistent Efforts to Silence Us
I've had to replace our website sign at the basin six or seven times now. Clearly, someone isn’t a fan of us spreading the word about Mesa Dog Freedom. But you know what they say—when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This just means we need to promote our cause even harder!
Stay Connected
Even though the heat is keeping us apart, our mission is far from over. Use this time to plan and get ready for the cooler months when we can gather comfortably again. Keep visiting the basin and continue to foster the wonderful community we've built.
Protecting Ourselves and Our Dogs
For now, let’s be paw-some citizens and try to obey the leash laws as much as we can. This will help us avoid unnecessary trouble while we work toward making the basin a leash-free paradise.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Remember, our goal is to create a safe and joyful environment for our dogs at the Mesa Basin. Together, we can make it happen!
Stay cool, stay committed, and let’s keep this movement rolling!
Pawsitively yours,
DavidJohn Wyatt
Mesa Dog Freedom
Increased Patrols at the Basin – Stay Vigilant and Lawful
Hello Fellow Basin Visitors,
I hope this message finds you and your furry friends well. I wanted to update you on some recent developments at the basin that require our collective attention and vigilance.
Increased Patrols ⚠
Over the past few days, I've heard from several reliable sources that police and park rangers have been seen around the basin more frequently than usual. While I haven't personally encountered them, the accounts come from people I see at the basin every day, so I trust their credibility.
The reports indicate that the rangers have been arriving early in the morning, and there have also been sightings of city officials visiting after regular working hours. This increased presence suggests that they may have noticed our movement or could be responding to complaints made against basin visitors.
Addressing Complaints and Maintaining Peace
It's unclear who is making these complaints, but what's evident is that the disturbance is not coming from us, the peaceful basin visitors. The increased patrols have disrupted the tranquility we cherish, and it's crucial that we respond thoughtfully.
While I do not advocate for any unlawful behavior, I strongly urge all basin visitors to ensure that we do not get into trouble for violating any laws. Let's be exemplary citizens. By consistently adhering to the rules, we can tire out those who are making complaints against us and regain our peace.
Our Path Forward
In addition to staying peaceful and law-abiding, we need to organize around this movement and push for change. I am fully committed to changing the laws in our favor, and I am confident that we can achieve this together.
On our Mission Page, I am documenting various options for us to consider. This is an initial brainstorming and organizing phase, and your input is invaluable. Please reach out directly through our Get Involved form if you want to help, or use the Contact Us form to send a message to the leadership of this movement.
Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our beloved basin remains a place of joy and freedom for our dogs. Stay vigilant, stay lawful, and let's stand united in our mission.
Warm regards,
DavidJohn Wyatt
Mesa Dog Freedom
“Caution” Sign Appears
New "Caution" Sign Appears at Mesa Basin: A Threat to Dog Freedom Advocates
On Friday May 31st, a new temporary sign mysteriously appeared at Mesa Basin. The sign says "Caution" at the top, serving no real purpose other than to reiterate what the existing signs already communicated. This seemingly innocuous sign struck a nerve within our peaceful and respectful community. While it was an unwelcome sight, sadly, it did not come as a complete surprise.
“CAUTION! Dogs must be leashed!” Sign
Over time, there have been a few negative encounters with some of the Basin neighbors, leading to tensions in the area. It appears that the city is now on heightened alert regarding activities in the basin, perhaps in response to these complaints. This new sign felt like a veiled threat to our group, who only seek to enjoy the basin with our furry friends peacefully.
Feeling the need to take action, in response to this unnecessary sign, a website was quickly set up to serve as a platform to organize and advocate for off-leash dog freedom in Mesa Basin. Additionally, fliers promoting this website were strategically placed on the existing basin signs to spread awareness and encourage like-minded individuals to join our cause.
Let this new sign be a call to action for us. If something as trivial as a "Caution" sign can be used against us, imagine the impact we could have if we unite and stand together against any unwarranted adversity directed towards our community. Together, we can ensure that Mesa Basin remains a welcoming space for all dogs and their owners to enjoy freely and responsibly.