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Karhumäki is popular with dog people
The people of Imatra's favorite place for a dog park is Karhumäki and especially the Taimitarha area. This was found out from a survey conducted by the city.
- Karhumäki was number one, the second most popular were Tainionkoski and Meltola. The other options, i.e. Itä-Siitola, Rajapatsas and Vuoksenniska, also received support, city gardener Erika Luhtanen says.
In Tainionkoski, the location for the park would be in the former Torna factory area, opposite the salaried club. The proposed location in Meltola is at the corner of Viipurintie and Meltolantie.
The survey asked about the most preferred place for a dog park out of six different options, as well as the need for separate outdoor walking routes in summer and winter. At the same time, we also inquired about the need and location of a separate beach.
About half of the respondents supported outdoor routes specifically aimed at dog walking, routes to Karhumäki, Vuoksenniska, Rajapatsaa and Imatrankoski were most wanted.
- Most of all, there seems to be a need for winter outdoor trails for dogs, which is explained by the fact that many outdoor trails have a ski slope at that time. Winter routes were hoped for in Karhumäki and Vuoksenniska.
The organization of a swimming place or places for dogs received even more support than outdoor routes. As many as 80 percent of the respondents were in favor of separate bathing areas for dogs. The most popular swimming location is on the shore of Saimaa. This option was supported by more than half of the respondents.
- Vuoksi and Mellonlahti also received support, unlike Immalanjärvi. Luhtanen states.
The survey about dog services was conducted on the city's website and Facebook between April 12.4 and May 1.5.2018, 277, and there were a total of XNUMX respondents.
More than 80 percent of the respondents were dog owners and almost all of them would use a dog park. More than half of the respondents would use the park with their dog weekly and 15 percent of the respondents would use the park daily.
The results of the resident survey are taken into account when preparing the general plan for dog services.
More information: city gardener Erika Luhtanen, phone: 0206174704, erika.luhtanen
imatra.fi
Excerpts from survey responses
- It is very challenging to move around Imatra with dogs, especially in winter. Outdoor trails are needed: ones without skiers or sledders.
- I would see the swimming area for dogs as a big plus. Nowadays, dogs are allowed to swim in rocky shores and shallows, often in these places there are e.g. broken glass
- A dog park would be really welcome here in Imatra too, finally!
- If the dog park reduces the piles of poo on the sidewalk, yard paths, then it is necessary. Otherwise, I don't understand the whole thing.
- Dog park as far away from the settlement as possible.
- As a long-time dog fancier, I find dog parks completely pointless. Many contagious diseases have spread from dog parks.
- I think it is important that the dog park is not too close to a residential area and that going there does not disturb the otherwise peaceful area
- This dog park is a great idea. Maintenance is the responsibility of a third-sector operator (dog owners, of course, take care of waste in the appropriate place), e.g. for work.
- I find the area of the river unsafe for swimming due to strong currents.
- Outdoor areas specifically intended for dogs are needed; in the summer time, you can watch out for speeding mountain bikers on the marked routes and dirt tracks in many places, while in the winter many areas are prohibited because of the tracks.
