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Dog owners press Anacortes to restore wading pools at Ace of Hearts park after city ban
Summary
Several residents told the council the parks department has banned privately provided wading pools used by dog owners at Ace of Hearts Dog Park; speakers said the pools helped dogs cool in extreme heat and urged the city to reverse the ban or provide alternative cooling options.
Multiple dog-park users told the Anacortes City Council on July 21 they want the city to restore the longstanding practice of allowing small, privately provided wading pools at the Ace of Hearts Dog Park. Speakers said the pools — used for animal cooling and recreation for roughly 20 years — were recently prohibited by parks staff and that the reasons given to users changed over several conversations.
“Why would parks want to change what dog owners have already proved successful?” asked Bill Turner, who said dog owners use the park heavily. Turner said staff initially cited contamination concerns but later told users the ban stemmed from a single complaint about a wet dog.
Mark Robinson and other commenters disputed the health-hazard rationale. Robinson referenced common bacterial concerns and noted the city water system’s use of sodium hypochlorite for drinking-water disinfection to argue the pools could be maintained safely.
Parks staff told the council they continue to work with users to find a solution; Mayor Miller and staff said they are exploring options to address heat-safety concerns and to respond to public feedback. No council action to change park rules was taken at the meeting; the matter remains under administrative review.
Ending: City staff will continue discussions with park users to seek a workable approach for cooling options during summer heat events; council did not adopt policy changes at the meeting.
