We are very lucky to live in such a wonderful community that cares about all our residents young and old. There has been a lot of talk recently about the off-leash status of the Pioneer Park northwest quadrant. There are few areas on Mercer Island where families, runners, walkers and seniors can go for a long walk with their best friends.

I know a number of seniors (including my mother-in-law) who can honestly say that their daily dog walks are a very important part of their connection to the community. It’s an easy thing for a shy person to strike up a conversation with a person who has a dog. “What kind of dog is that,” “What’s his name,” “Do you guys come to the park often?” When you are a senior you may also want your dog to be able to run free, play, explore and not be limited to your own walking speed. It’s good for the health of a dog to play with other dogs and run hard from time to time.

You see the same people with the same dogs at the same time and over time you learn their names and become friends. It helps us build a community.

The northwest quadrant of Pioneer Park is a rare place where people who love dogs and dogs who love to run can come together. Of course, every dog owner who uses the park needs to be respectful of the needs of other users, but I hope we don’t lose that special and tolerant part of what makes Mercer Island a great place to live.

Marc Goyette

Mercer Island