A final decision regarding Peter Miserky dog park, Lee Street Park and Bristol Street park will take place on Feb. 24

In less than 24 hours, over 1,516 (and counting) people have signed a petition to save Peter Misersky’s dog park from closing.

The petition created by dog owner Ashleigh Tennis — who says she uses the dog park on Gueph's east side — states that residents who used the facility were left with no voice.

“The facility is in frequent use and offers a great many benefits to both dogs and dog-owners alike, including being highly accessible to individuals who may not own a vehicle or that have debilitating conditions that hinder their ability to access parks outside of residential areas,” says Tennis in the petition.

“It also brings people in the community together and allows them to bond over their love of dogs. Most importantly, it allows dogs to play and to socialize with other dogs in a safe environment, away from busy streets and threatening wildlife.”

Guelph’s first fenced-in, leash-free dog park in Peter Misersky Park garnered a lot of controversy since its installation last September at a cost of $100,000.

A little over four months later, Guelph city council voted Feb. 3 to close it unless a different vote happens on final decision day at council on Feb. 24.

What ensued after the installation was two takes: many dog owners rejoiced at their ability to have access to a park where their dog can run freely, many residents in the area said they were angered by the noise, the waste thrown around and traffic in the area.

After much back and forth between the city and residents discussing ways to modify the park to address the concerns posed by residents, City Council decided to cancel its plans of opening Lee Street Park and Bristol Street Park along with closing Peter Misersky park until a more suitable location is found next year.

A final decision concerning the removal of the Peter Misersky dog park along with the cancellation of Lee Street Park and Bristol Street park will take place on Feb. 24 and the petition is asking residents to contact the city voicing their concerns.

Delegates can register in advance to speak at that meeting.