DRAFT GUIDELINES-March 28, 2012: Intended to be posted at the park and included in a brochure.

Introduction The following guidelines were established by researching best practices in other dog parks around the country and public review through the Traverse City Parks and Recreation Commission. They are in addition to other City rules administering pet ownership, health, and safety, as well as maintenance and noise control in City Parkland. The guidelines are to ensure we have a well-maintained space that will contribute to both the quality of life and economic vitality of the City. We need a strong commitment by all users to the park to take ownership to make certain that the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners alike are met and that this dog park continues to be a valuable service of the community. If you see someone not following the rules, please kindly remind them this is a shared space with shared responsibilities to maintain it. Guidelines Users of the park enter at their own and their dogs risk of enjoyment and injury. Owners must clean up after their dogs. Numerous waste stations have been included in the park for your convenience. Owners are responsible for the action of their dogs. Keep your dog within site and under control. If reasonable control is not possible, do not enter the enclosed area. Both gates must be closed and latched after entering or exiting the area. Before entering, please be sure your dog is calm and balanced. Many dogs would benefit from a long walk before entering the enclosure. Do not enter through the second gate with the leash on your dog. Please carry a leash at all times and do not leave dogs unattended. Off-leash applies only within the enclosed area. Dogs must be properly licensed, healthy, and have current vaccinations. No puppies under 16 weeks old or dogs in heat are allowed in the enclosure. Be considerate to the neighbors. Dogs that continually bark may need to be muzzled or removed. Also, be aware of unwanted noise around the quiet hours of mornings and evenings. The park is open during normal park hours. Children under 14-years old should not enter without adult supervision. Infants or small children are strongly discouraged from entering the off-leash area. Do not bring strollers or other wheeled devices into the enclosure Use common sense concerning the number of dogs in the area at one time. If the park seems crowded, wait until a dog leaves before entering. There is a limit of 3 dogs per adult user in the enclosed area. Dogs displaying overly aggressive or under-socialized behavior must be controlled or removed. (There may be times when training for dogs with these behavior issues may be held.) Smoking, eating, dog food (other than small treats), rawhides, and glass containers are prohibited in the enclosure. Digging is not allowed. Please do not allow your dog to tear up the grounds. All dogs must wear a collar, ID and registration tags. The smaller portion of the park is for dogs under 25-lbs. Dogs are not allowed in the adjacent playground or tennis court areas. Please leave the park better than you found it.

Contact Us To help us better manage this park we need your input. Please send comments, concerns, and observations to the Parks and Recreation Department at 625 Woodmere Avenue (231) 922-4910, ext.114 or email to Park's Superintendent Lauren Vaughn: LVaughn@ci.traverse-city.mi.us In case of an emergency, please contact the Traverse City Police Department at 911 or (231) 995-5150 If needed, animal control can be contacted at (231) 922-2910. Continued Support The park improvements establishing this as Traverse City's first off-leash dog park happened through the generosity of people in the community willing to donate their time and money. To honor this gift, the City will continue to explore ways to improve the amenities of the park. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please fill out the form below and send a check payable to City of Traverse City with Dog Park in the memo line to: City of Traverse City Parks and Recreation 625 Woodmere Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686 You will receive a letter from the City of Traverse City acknowledging your gift and outlining the deductibility of your donation for tax purposes under IRS Code, 26 U.S.C.170(c)(1). There are naming opportunities for large items such as benches and dog waste/bag stations. If you are interested in purchasing an item such as these for the park, please contact Mr. Lauren Vaughn at (231) 922-4910, ext.114 or email at lvaughn@ci.traverse-city.mi.us for cost and availability. Also, the unofficial friends of Traverse City's dog park will from time to time be announcing events related to the dog park such as special dog-ownership educational opportunities or volunteer clean-up days. If you would like to be updated on these events please sign up for their newsletter at TCDogpark.com.

Name:________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: _________Zip: ______________ Phone Number: ( ) ___________________ Email:_________________________

I would like to donate $________________. For recognition of donations $100 and over, how would you like your name(s) to read?

____________________________________________________________________ ______ I wish to remain anonymous