A group called Silver Bay Concerned Citizens is looking for people to join its petition to present to the Silver Bay City Council that residents support adding a fenced-in dog park within the Mariner Mountain City Park. The petition currently has almost 50 signatures, and organizer Alex Burcum says the goal is 200 signatures. Burcum says the project will be 100% funded, built, and maintained over time at no cost to the taxpayers of Silver Bay.
With a full petition, Burcum says that early next year the group will, “Present the full-blown project plan.” The facility will include an area for smaller dogs, one for larger dogs, and a common gathering area for dog owners.
A fenced dog park offers a wide range of benefits that extend far beyond simply providing a place for dogs to run. They function as valuable community assets that enhance public safety, promote health, and foster social connections. A fenced area provides a secure, controlled environment for dogs to play off-leash, keeping them away from traffic, bicycles, and other hazards in the park. By providing dog owners with designated spaces, dog parks significantly reduce conflicts that arise when dogs are illegally off-leash in different areas. This makes the rest of the park system more enjoyable for non-dog owners. Regular off-leash socialization and intense exercise in a structured environment help dogs burn pent-up energy, leading to better behavior at home and fewer nuisance behaviors.
Dog parks serve as “community centers” for pet owners, providing a space where neighbors and residents, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, can meet, interact, and build friendships around a shared interest. Owners frequently exchange tips on veterinarians, groomers, pet foods, and even local community issues, creating a strong, supportive network.
Ultimately, the presence of responsible dog owners using a dedicated space can deter loitering and increase general surveillance, which leads to a reduction in minor criminal activity in parks.
Dog parks are highly desirable amenities for prospective residents (especially millennials and young families), making the community more attractive to newcomers. The park environment encourages owners to be responsible. They keep up with licensing and vaccinations to attend, and the community’s “peer pressure” promotes prompt cleanup, improving overall sanitation. Dog parks can successfully revitalize unused or underutilized tracts of city-owned land, such as Mariner Mountain Park, transforming them into vibrant, functional green spaces.
The dog park is a project of Silver Bay Concerned Citizens, a non-profit started by Burcum and Erica Jensen. Its stated mission is to empower Silver Bay Area citizens by fostering open communication with city officials, ensuring that development respects our community’s character, meets residents’ needs, and promotes sustainable growth with minimal impact on taxpayers. We advocate for responsible planning that reflects all voices to secure a thriving future for generations to come.
Burcum’s timetable is to have city approval and funding in place by the middle of next year, with construction completed in late 2026 or early 2027. He urges residents of the area to sign the petition as soon as possible. You can find the petition online by following a link on its website, www.sbccmn.com/dog-park.
