NEWS RELEASE

Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Jeanette Eleff, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

Roelkey Myers, Director of Department of Recreation, 301-600-1902

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 27, 2002

CITY OF FREDERICK NEEDS MEMBERS FOR A DOG PARK COMMITTEE

The City of Frederick is looking for a few good people to serve on the Recreation Department’s Dog Park Committee.

The new committee will be a sub-committee of the City’s Recreation Commission and will be tasked with developing recommendations for providing free space for dogs. According to the City Code, it is illegal to have dogs off of their leashes within the City limits.

“This idea originated from citizen requests,” stated Roelkey Myers, Director of the Recreation Department. “Several residents came to two different Recreation Commission meetings and requested the Commissioners consider designating an area where dogs could run without restraint. Other cities have fenced areas where residents can let their dogs off their leashes and allow them to play with other dogs. It will be the responsibility of the Dog Park Committee to study other communities and provide a recommendation to the City.”

Mayor Dougherty is pleased the Recreation Commissioners are listening to the requests of the citizens. “During our Community Roundtable meetings, people asked how they could get involved,” remarked the Mayor. “This is a wonderful opportunity for someone to volunteer their time and talents towards this issue. When local government works with its citizenry then everyone, even dogs, can enjoy a wonderful quality of life. This is the way towards a model city and a community to be proud of.”

Any one interested in serving on the Dog Park Committee can call the Recreation Department at 301-600-1492 by Friday, April 5.

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