To: Thomas J. Clarke II, Council President and co-chair of the Quality of Life and Public Safety

Hartford Dog Park Initiative

Let's keep our community healthy and safe for families and pets! Healthy, happy, properly exercised pets are necessary and desirable for a truly vibrant, prosperous community. Hartford is in urgent need of an enclosed dog park. Real, off-leash exercise and play is vital to providing pets with a healthy life. In a city, like Hartford, where backyards and fenced private areas are rare, the need for a communal dog park is even greater.

Why is this important?

In its efforts to revitalize Hartford's economy and attract new residents, Hartford's local government must recognize that safe, open play areas for pets are a necessary and desirable feature for community members.