Colonial Lake Pet Waste Update
About a month ago, we placed colored flags around Colonial Lake to mark individual piles of pet waste. The goal was to put a visual to the ever growing problem of people not picking up after their pets. The number of flags added up to approximately 400 in total, clearly illustrating we had an issue on our hands!
The purpose of flagging each pile was to bring awareness to this ongoing issue and to push the community and the city to get involved. Once we posted photos of the situation on our social media channels, the word was out and the community got activated. Thank you to everyone who sent kind messages in support of our staff, contacted their local lawmakers on our behalf and even wrote to Post & Courier.
What impact does this have on our staff and volunteers?
“Our team operates in areas visitors may not consider, such as underneath plants for weeding and mulching, the interior of plants for structural pruning and open bed spaces for planting. Staff and volunteers have frequently stepped in or even handled pet waste hidden in these areas while pruning or kneeling,” says Associate Director of Horticulture and Colonial Lake Project Manager, Robert McCombs. “These parks are our workspace. Just as most people would find it unacceptable to have dog waste on their office desk, our team finds it unacceptable in our outdoor ‘office.'”
What steps are being taken to correct the problem?
The city has placed signs at the lake noting a maximum fine of $1087 for not complying with the rules. Picking up after your pet is not just a preference for our staff – it’s actually the law!
We are also calling on our community to hold each other accountable. Essentially, if you see something, say something. No one, including park-goers, want to spend time in a park surrounded by pet waste. Let’s all come together and keep our beautiful Colonial Lake clean!