Some years ago, a group of dog owners had a brilliant idea: with the beautiful parks that Weyburn boasts, it would be nice and useful to have a place where dogs could roam about off-leash, and be able to socialize with other dogs in a safe and secure environment.
The idea rang true for many other people, especially dog owners who wished for just such a space for their beloved pets could run free without fear of running away, or being run over, or otherwise coming to harm from being at large.
A committee was formed and volunteers signed up to help; a portion of the Tatagwa Parkway was assigned to them just north of Highway 13 and Tatagwa View; fencing was brought in and enclosures set up, one for smaller dogs, and one for larger animals, and last year they officially opened the park.
There was an official opening day, with recognition given to the volunteers and to those who contributed towards the setting up and running of the dog park - so all was well for dog lovers in Weyburn and area, was it not?
Then, less than a year later, came a request to the Parks Board if they could take over the maintenance aspect of the dog park, because they didn't have enough volunteers to be able to take care of it.
This is somewhat puzzling, considering the park was itself an initiative that dog owners conceived of and saw through to being built.
Is this proper, to already be passing off the responsibility for the dog park back to the city?
The city Parks and Works department already has a full plate of responsibilities, without adding this park area on to the list.
Would it not be a better idea if the appeal went out to the many, many dog owners of Weyburn and area? There are probably a number of dog owners and dogs who have never been to the park; they need to know of the benefits of having an off-leash area where dogs can exercise, have fun and socialize with other dogs.
If such an appeal were put out there, then the "dog community" (if it can be termed as such) might just step forward and help take care of this responsibility, and even help increase usage of this park area set up for their benefit.
This would be a fairer approach than turning to the city and asking them to take on this area that was an initiative of dog lovers in the first place.
