City of Berkeley Proclamation

IN HONOR OF DORIS RICHARDS

WHEREAS, Berkeley's Ohlone Dog Park, the first dog park in the nation, was officially established in 1979 on an unused strip of land by a group of animal-loving activists who believed that dogs needed a dedicated area for running, playing, socializing, and educating their humans in responsible guardianship; and

WHEREAS, Doris Richards took a leadership role in establishing the Ohlone Dog Park Association and served as its president from 1985 to 2001; and

WHEREAS, under the guidance and direction of Doris Richards, the Association adopted the dog park to make certain it would be an asset to its users and to the neighborhood, a safe place for dogs and owners alike to interact socially; and

WHEREAS, Doris and many energetic volunteers have truly been wonderful guardians of the Park: they have enforced the rules, taken major responsibility for its maintenance, purchased and installed equipment, helped break up dog fights, generally educated dog owners, and have sponsored a variety of community events for dogs and their owners--dog washes, dog games and races, and dog blood donor programs; and

WHEREAS, Possibly a legend in her own time, Doris Richards, in the spirit of Martha Benedict, has aided many people and communities outside Berkeley in establishing dog parks of their own.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Shirley Dean, Mayor, and the entire Berkeley City Council, do hereby thank Doris Richards for her dedication and commitment to the socialization and exercise of dogs, for her pioneering leadership in our community's heightened appreciation of animals and their needs, and in her honor do hereby declare

MARCH, 2002 THE MONTH OF DORIS RICHARDS AND THE OHLONE DOG PARK

in the City of Berkeley.

/s/

Mayor and Council