Two of the most often-heard complaints about Unthank Park are that it has too many unleashed dogs and too much dog doo.
In more than 100 recent interviews and surveys of neighborhood residents, as well as three Boise Neighborhood Association meetings on Unthank Park in March and April, residents made clear that owners letting their dogs run loose near the softball diamond and not picking up their pet’s waste is inhibiting families and children from fully enjoying the neighborhood’s only public park.
Many families say they don’t allow their children to play in the park because they fear unleashed dogs chasing and harming them or being unable to play in the grass without stepping in dog waste. "Poop in the grass" and "Big dogs that bite" were among the answers given by Boise youth to a survey question asking them keeps them away from Unthank Park.
An organized park watch is now being planned by residents who want to see more children using Unthank Park. They are simply asking that everyone obey the leash law and bring something on their walks that can be used to pick up dog waste.
For more information, contact Marcine Kment, Boise Neighborhood Association co-chair, at 503-280-0694.