The Westminster Hills Dog Park, a beloved haven for dog owners and their furry friends, is under threat. What began as an informational open house by the City of Westminster Parks and Recreation Department on January 27th has turned into a battle to preserve 420 acres of open space that countless people and their pets cherish. The Westminster Parks and Rec’s lack of transparency and questionable motives have sparked outrage, uniting the community in defense of their beloved park. Now, all dog lovers are needed to help save this vital space.
A Community United
The initial announcement by Westminster Parks and Rec to reduce the park’s size to a mere 33 acres was met with shock and dismay. This plan, shrouded in secrecy, was only made public during the January open house, leaving many feeling blindsided.
In response, eight concerned citizens banded together, forming a committee that has since grown to 21 dedicated members. These individuals, now known as the Westy Dog Park Guardians, have been tirelessly working for the past four and a half months to uncover the truth and fight for the park’s preservation. With the help of attorneys and experts, they have debunked misinformation about E. coli contamination and raised concerns about potential ulterior motives, such as housing developments.
The Threats Faced
The Westminster Parks and Rec department has made several questionable decisions, including a bicyclist path right through the dog park, which has led to numerous complaints from bicyclists and dog owners alike. It was soon discovered that the open space superintendent is a prominent bicyclist, raising suspicions about the true intentions behind these changes. Moreover, the Greenway trail, which ends at the north end of the dog park, has become another point of contention.
The community has also faced disheartening actions from Westminster Parks and Rec, such as the removal of the dog park signs. This symbolic gesture has only fueled the resolve of park supporters. The emotional testimonies from daily park visitors underscore the park’s significance as a place of joy, relaxation, solace, and community.
City Council: Allies in the Fight
Fortunately, the City Council of Westminster has shown support for the Westy Dog Park Guardians. In a recent meeting on June 3, 2024, five out of seven council members voted against the reduction plan proposed by Westminster Parks and Rec. This victory is a testament to the power of community action and the importance of local government support.
However, the fight is far from over. The continued support of dog lovers and community members is essential to ensure the park remains a safe and spacious environment for all.
How You Can Help
Here’s how to support the Westminster Hills Dog Park:
- Sign the Petition: Over 9,000 signatures have been collected, but 10,000 are needed to make a significant impact. Sign and share the petition at change.org/
westminsterhillsdogpark.
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- Contact City Council: Send emails to the Westminster City Council expressing support for the dog park and the Westy Dog Park Guardians. Every voice matters. Contact City Council at westminsterco.gov.
- Join the Conversation: Tag the City Council on social media at Westy Parks Rec Libraries Instagram (@westyparksreclibraries) and express disapproval of their attempt to reduce the size of the dog park. Use the hashtag #SaveWestyDogPark to raise awareness.
- Volunteer: Participate in community events and clean-up initiatives like the “Poop Patrol” and “Trail Ambassadors” programs to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the park.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates and announcements on westydogs.org.
The Westminster Hills Dog Park is more than just a park; it’s a community treasure. Standing together to protect this space for future generations of dogs and their owners is crucial. The voices of dog lovers must be heard loud and clear to save Westminster Hills Dog Park!
