Fido says, "Come on over to the Higgs Beach Dog Park! It's THE social spot for dogs in Key West -- actually, two spots: We've got one for dogs weighing 25lbs or less, and another, larger area (where you'll usually find me) for dogs of all sizes. Bring along your owner and let's have fun!"
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April 30, 2005 marked the Grand Opening of Higgs Beach Dog Park in Key West, Florida. Prior to the opening of the Higgs Beach Dog Park, dog owners in Key West were known to take their dogs to the end of White Street Pier in the evening. The pier provided a confined place where dogs could run and play off-leash together for exercise and socialization. This evening gathering also provided a wonderful social experience for like-minded dog owners.
The pier, while a good area, was not a perfect place for dogs. The space was also shared with fisherman (with bait and hooks), sunset watchers, and various other people.
In the fall of of 2003 Jane Dawkins and Connie Christian, two Key West dog owners were at the White Street pier. They discussed the fact that Key West, known to be a pet friendly town, needed a true dog park. With that thought in mind, the two set about to make their dream a reality.
Petitions were distributed around town asking the citizens of Key West their thoughts on the need for a dog park. The response was overwhelming. Within a very short time, nearly 1,000 signatures were acquired. Reviewing the likely area for a dog park, Dawkins and Christian felt the centrally located Higgs Beach Park (HBP) provided an ideal location. This county-owned park is located in the City of Key West. It was already user friendly with parking, restrooms, and open green space. It is also located directly across from the popular White Street Pier.
Armed with petitions and a proposal, Dawkins and Christian met with then County Mayor Dixie Spehar. Dawkins and Christian were pleased to learn that a section of green space at HBP was already designated for off-leash dog play by a County Ordinance passed in 2001. At the request of Mayor Spehar, letters were sent to residents living in close proximity to the park to judge their reaction to fencing in the off-leash dog area and address any concerns they may have. The majority of respondents were in favor of the park and plans were made to take the proposal to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
At the March 17, 2004 BOCC meeting held in the City of Marathon, a motion was unanimously passed to advertise an ordinance establishing a dog park at Higgs Beach Park. A vote to pass the ordinance was scheduled for the following month at the BOCC meeting to be held in Key West.
Hearing the concern of County Commissioners regarding the cost of creating the dog park, Dawkins and Christian immediately set out to raise the funds necessary to cover the cost of fencing, lighting, water fountains, and other initial improvements. In short order, $25,000 was raised for the dog park.
For various reasons, the vote was postponed until October 20, 2004, at which time local Attorney Bill Andersen and Environmental Consultant Sandra Walters, as well as numerous members of the dog-loving public spoke in favor of the Dog Park. The motion passed with one member of the BOCC dissenting.
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