By Jennifer Madrigal Chino Hills – Cities like Brea, Claremont, and Diamond Bar all have dog parks for their residents. Why not the City of Chino Hills? While a dog park was once in the plans for Chino Hills, it has yet to be built and local residents are wondering what would it take to have one here? Groups like DogParkforChino Hills.org have started petitions to get City Council members to consider the planning of a dog park, and hope to forge a partnership with the City of Chino Hills to build a community dog park for families to enjoy with their dogs. Currently, groups of local residents are trying to obtain commitment signatures to demonstrate community support for a dog park. Once these signatures are collected, they hope to be able to work with City officials to secure a location in Chino Hills for the dog park. Local groups would then love to be able to participate in the planning, construction, management, and maintenance of our community dog park. The funds to build the park could hopefully be obtained through private sponsorships to help cover the costs associated with the development and maintenance of the facility. According to the group, Dog Park for Chino Hills, the following is needed to ensure a safe and appropriate Dog Park: • At least two acres of land (three acres would be better). • A large, fenced area to give pets opportunities for exercise and socialization with other dogs. • Separate areas for larger and smaller dogs. • Double-gate systems for each area, so that people can bring their dogs in and out safely. • Shade and drinking water since dogs can get overheated quickly. • Materials for dog owners to clean up after their pets (trash cans and baggies such as those already provided by the City at existing parks and trails). • And, most importantly, community involvement. For more information about a dog park in Chino Hills, contact http://www.dogparkforchinohills.org. Make sure to also check out the Chino Hills “Dog Park for a Day” event on Nov. 9 at Crossroads Park, 2765 Chino Hills Parkway. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with special guest, “Gator”, the celebrity dog. The event will include off-leash areas for large and small dogs to run (current license or rabies certificate required), prizes for best costumes, vendors, food booths, craft corner for kids, and drawings for prizes. For more information, call (909) 597-3111.
