More dog walking options needed

Providing access in some of Ashland's parks that have level trails for walking dogs on leash and providing areas where citizens can enjoy a park with their family, friends and pets should be a priority. The current places where walking dogs is allowed are in areas that are not well marked, often isolated, not accessible to persons with disabilities and without bathroom access. Parks in Ashland are marked with "No Animal" signs, which is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act as service dogs are allowed in parks. Signs in parks should acknowledge this exception.

As a community, Ashland's demographics are changing, with an older population increasing. The recreational needs of this generation are different from those of a younger population. Older adults use parks for walking more than for soccer fields or play equipment. Older adults walk more frequently if they own dogs, according to most research studies.

Recently, there have been a number of articles in the Washington Post and the Mail Tribune about the benefits of dog ownership and walking for a number of populations. Several benefits include: 1) Widows who own dogs live an average of six years longer than those who do not own pets. This appears to be related to walking their dogs and to social contacts, since walking a dog invites more friendly conversation than walking alone. 2) A health-funded study of 421 adults who suffered heart attacks found that those who owned dogs were significantly more likely to be alive a year later than those who didn't own dogs. 3) As autism rates increase, it has been documented that dogs have an immediate positive effect on the social skills and well being of this population. 4) Women with post-traumatic stress disorder from sexual trauma are far more likely to walk in public areas if they have a dog.

In investigating more than 1,000 cities, including cities in Oregon that have city parks, I have found that Ashland has the most restrictive polices regarding walking leashed dogs in public parks of any city. I believe we need to revise our policies regarding dog walking in parks and to provide more public areas where seniors and disabled citizens can walk their dogs. These areas should provide dog waste bags and trash cans so dog waste is addressed.

While it is great that we have bike paths and mountain trails for walking, these areas are often difficult for seniors and persons with balance issues to use. Many areas in town do not have sidewalks, especially in the hills. Creating a walking park around the golf course might be one option, as well as creating walking times or trail options for walking in sections of Lithia Park.

Stefani Seffinger

Ashland