Plans are underway and there is a grass roots movement to bring Beaufort’s first dog park to reality.

Benefits of Off-Leash Areas.

• Off-Leash Areas foster strong relationships between dogs and people. 
• Dogs that exercise are allowed to run freely and are not as aggressive towards people as dogs that under exercised.
• Dogs are allowed to socialize because it brings them in contact with other dogs.
• Off-Leash Areas contribute to the overall physical fitness of people by encouraging them to exercise with their dogs.
• Off-Leash Areas provide an opportunity for dog owners to enjoy the outside.
• Off-Leash Areas improve the mental state of dogs. Dogs are less agitated, more relaxed and in general nicer to be around.
• Exercised dogs are less likely to create a nuisance by barking excessively or destroying property.
• Off-Leash Areas promote responsible dog ownership by encouraging basic rules of dog ownership such as cleaning up after one’s dog and controlling their behavior.
• Off-Leash Areas promote public space allowing people to meet and form bonds of community.
• Off-Leash Areas allow people to have the pleasure of watching their dogs at play.
• Off-Leash Areas provide elderly citizens with open space to exercise their dogs safely in addition to leash walking.

CURRENT STATUS IN CARTERET COUNTY / BEAUFORT

Presently only leashed dogs are legally permitted in our federal, county and local park areas. It is our goal to encourage and follow the nationwide trend of creating secure Off-Lease Areas for our canine companions to play and interact with other dogs.

In 2006 the Carteret County Parks and Recreation Department held multiple public meetings and issued a county wide survey to help develop their Master Plan and Shoreline Access Plan. The NUMBER ONE recreational pastime identified through this survey, accounting for 12% of all recreational activities listed, was “walking pets”. This figure was a full 5% higher than the next two most popular activities. 10% of respondents specifically asked for a dog park, although they had to do that through a comment section as no selection for a dog park was offered on the survey. This indicates that there are a high number of citizens with dogs and many are wishing for additional facilities to support their pets and interests. 

Concerned citizens campaigned for the addition of a dog park in the future plans for our county. Carteret County Parks and Recreation has determined that its future focus will be on developing Community and District Parks (35+ acres), while leaving mini-parks, neighborhood or special purpose parks (such as a dog park) to be the responsibility of local municipalities and neighborhoods. 

For that reason it was decided that we would focus our attention on our own specific local level in Beaufort. A grassroots petition was started to determine if there was enough interest to approach the Town of Beaufort with a request for a dog park. The petition response was overwhelming with hundreds of signatures obtained!

The Town of Beaufort was given the petition and approached with a proposal for an Off-Leash Dog Park. The former Beaufort Town Commissioners asked for a more detailed site review of the three potential town owned sites. Those site reviews are completed and ready to be presented to the new Town Commissioners. It is our hope that we are able to motivate all interested parties in supporting this effort and achieving the goal of a Beaufort Dog Park!

WHAT IS NEEDED!

To begin…

• YOUR SUPPORT! (The American Kennel Club has great magnets and pins for sale that state “I own a dog and I vote!”)
• Land; either provided through the Town of Beaufort or donation. Ideal size approximately 2 acres.
• Fencing; 6 foot chain link fence with double gated entry.

• To continue…

• Rules sign
• Trash cans
• Dispensers and doggie scoop bags
• Landscaping / shade trees
• Benches
• Water spout / buckets
• Donations of time and money

For specific questions regarding the Beaufort Dog Park or to volunteer to help please contact:

Dani Procter (252) 241-3422
DanielleProcter@gmail.com

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