Our current mission revolves around understanding the desires of Basin visitors, coordinating our efforts, and advocating for our needs.
Our Mission:
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End harassment.
We aim to address the issue of harassment to ensure peaceful visits to the Basin.
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Off-leash.
We strive to secure the freedom to have our dogs off-leash.
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Responsible visitors.
We are committed to preventing the Basin from being overwhelmed by troublesome dogs and irresponsible owners often encountered in conventional dog parks.
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Everyone wins.
Together, we can work towards a solution that benefits our community and preserves our beloved Basin.
Next Steps:
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Right now, let’s put our heads together to decide on what we want. Let us know on the Get Involved page.
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We need to discuss our options and decide on what we want to accomplish. Do we want the Basin to be a dog park? To have a gate? Or should we find alternative solutions?
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Once we know what we want, we need to gather at the City Council to present. We’ll need a spokesman and we’ll need lots of support in the audience.
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The goal is to end this movement, but that can only happen once we have achieved sustainable peace.
Our Options for the Basin
Formalize the Basin as a Dog Park
Turning the Mesa Basin into an official dog park is a controversial objective. This process starts with gathering community support and presenting a unified voice to the city officials. We need to demonstrate the benefits of having a dedicated off-leash area, such as improved community health and increased park usage. By showing that we are responsible dog owners who care about the park, we can make a compelling case for formalizing the basin as an off-leash area.
Establish Exceptions from Leash Laws
Another viable option is to advocate for specific exceptions to the existing leash laws at Mesa Basin. This might include designated off-leash hours or special permits for responsible dog owners. We must work closely with local authorities to highlight the positive impact and necessity of such exceptions, ensuring that our dogs can enjoy freedom while maintaining public safety and respect for other park users.
Avoid Trouble Until it Dies Down
It's essential to remain law-abiding during this period of increased scrutiny. The current fine for violating leash laws is about $2,500, which is a hefty amount. Until we achieve our goals, let's avoid any actions that could result in fines or legal trouble. By consistently following the rules and demonstrating responsible behavior, we can reduce the attention on us and continue to enjoy the basin peacefully.
Adjust the Leash Law Fine to be a Reasonable Amount
One of our advocacy points is to challenge the steep $2,500 fine for leash law violations. We need to push for a more reasonable amount that reflects the nature of the offense without being excessively punitive. This requires engaging with local legislators and presenting well-researched arguments that illustrate the disproportionate impact of such high fines on the community.
Civil Disobedience
While we do not encourage breaking the law, civil disobedience can be a powerful tool to showcase our cause. By organizing peaceful gatherings at the basin, where we comply with all regulations, we can highlight our right to enjoy public spaces without undue restrictions. These gatherings should be scheduled, well-organized, and focused on demonstrating our community's positive spirit and responsible nature.
Our goal is to show that we deserve the freedom to use the basin without the constraints of unfair leash laws.
Get Involved
We need your support to make these changes a reality. If you want to help, please reach out through our Get Involved form. For direct communication with our leadership, use the Contact Us form.
Together, we can create a safe and joyful environment for our dogs at the Mesa Basin. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our cause.