By Steve Segner
Sedna, AZ News: City officials are considering the installation of a grassy area at the local dog park, which is proving to be a terrible idea. The consistent running of the dogs at the park will create an uneven surface that is unable to properly absorb water, meaning that an over-saturation of water would be required in order to make the grass look healthy, but this would only lead to mud puddles and barren patches. Furthermore, due to the hot climate of the area, the grass would be rendered dormant during the winter months and with regular dog activity, the entire area would revert back to dirt.
Why is the city even thinking about implementing this project in the midst of an already existing water shortage? The council recently declined a hotel’s request for a spa because of water-related concerns, yet now they are deciding to put forth a lawn that only looks nice for half of the year. The message this sends about the current water shortage is an incorrect one and this project would only create complaints from park-goers regarding the city’s ability to properly maintain the lawn.
Installing grass in the dog park is an unnecessary expenditure that takes staff away from other important city projects, making it not worth it in the end. In this situation, it is clear that the city would be much better off using its resources in other ways, not wasting it on a green area in the dog park that won’t be beneficial.
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3 Comments
Steve: There is NO water shortage for Sedona. I have spoken with the Northern Arizona District Manager twice about Sedona’s water and we are not in any danger from the drought. Other parts of Arizona are affected. When it comes to grass then any extra time or money spent for the grass for the dog park should be classed as “one of the things residents benefit from so many tourists coming to town”, We are often told that we benefit from the tourists so is just one of those benefits and this is a dog loving town. Dogs do not like being in gravel as it hurts their paws and running on it would displace it all anyway, As for the grass being dry in winter then the City can water it more often and its condition would surely depend on the type of grass planted. I have full confidence that the City Staff will do responsible research and make the right decision. I have a dog but, do not take him to the dog park nor did I with my last dog but, I support the thoughtful
program for all the residents who do. I believe the City is being very thorough with their
decision and trust their competence in choosing the right type of grass to plant and the amount of water it will require. Joan Shannon Uptown
It would seem captured rain water or gray water might be made available to water the grass. In response to people thinking Sedona has enough water, ou might want to consider upcoming droughts. Water is not any infinite product. Many source are always looking to tap into an aquifer. I have read about dog parks that have low intensity lighting powered by dog feces. Many working people like to walk their pets in the evening hours – just sayin’. As far as the “right” type of grass – well – this is the desert and grass doesn’t belong in the desert.
my point is, there’s not a water shortage, but the city Council turn down an improvement for a spa using water as an excuse and so did P and Z over city staff that was in favor of improvement.
You make an interesting comment that the cities job is for the health and safety of the community. That also includes visitors. They shouldn’t be spending money just to make a few people happy it should be something that makes sense well thought out and it’s needed. I know I’ve been to more dog parks and anybody in this town I was in the pet business 40 years,when I’m trying to say is grass doesn’t work well for dog parks it gets beat up it gets burnt, and it gets peed on.the city would be much better off to take a small area and put in a professional Astroturf like they’re doing down in Scottsdale now l, they’re replacing some dog parks with professionally groomed, Astroturf, and frankly, why do we do things for the residence at the expense of somebody else, having an anti-Tourism mentality , will just lead to more unhappiness. You may have a perspective that’s 180° from reality we are a tourist town we are going to grow.
You and have superior rights.well under state law, and under our constitution you don’t everybody gets treated the same even though the tourism pay the majority of our expenses, we should be thankful, you should be thankful every day for our tourist based economy, and all the restaurants, spas, hiking trails, all made available and maintained through tourism, you need to change your perspective, it is not us versus them.