I am a concerned member of ADOG, the Association of Dog Owners Groups. My concern is over our town’s lack of love for our 25-year-old Dog Park.

It is used from early morning to late night, seven days a week. But with constant use comes unavoidable problems. Early this year a petition was circulated by park patrons highlighting their concerns. It was signed by over 250 users of the park and delivered to town officials this past February. Since that time, the town has done nothing to address these user concerns.

During the past few years, when three shade structures needed replacing due to wear, the town removed them but were unable to replace them due to budget constraints. ADOG stepped in and paid for them. When new benches were needed to replace rusting ones, ADOG replaced them too and added a “Handicap/Seniors” bench for people in need. When additional fencing was needed to keep snakes and toads from the park, ADOG bought the materials and ADOG members installed the fencing around the entire 3.5 acres.

ADOG also paid for emergency signage throughout the park, purchased a canine stretcher for use in emergencies, and installed a “splash pad” in the active dog area where dogs could cool off when they’re hot or get rinsed when they’re dirty.

Over these years ADOG has spent over $70,000 on amenities for the Dog Park. During this same time the town has spent nothing other than maintenance, yet they have poured tens of thousands of dollars into other parks around the town. It’s as if the Dog Park doesn’t exist in their minds. Yet many realtors say that people with pets often move to Fountain Hills because of the Dog Park. Go figure!

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.