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From:Kirsten Karnitz To:SA City Subject:Kids Before Dogs- No dog park at Silver Point. Date:Tuesday, September 23, 2025 9:30:04 AM You don't often get email from kirstenkarnitz@gmail.com. Learn why this is important Caution: This email originated outside our organization; please use caution. Dear City Council/ Dog Park Committee Members, I am writing in response to the proposal of replacing Field 2 at Silver Point Park with a dog park. For anyone who has ever watched a 3- or 4-year-old play T-ball, you know how magical it is. The joy on their faces is unforgettable and I still tear up thinking about this past season. I didn’t miss a single game. Silver Point has been the home to programs like this that make youth sports accessible and affordable for all families in our community (just $40-55 for an entire season!). That’s only possible because of the dedicated work of volunteers who have built and grown these programs. Programs that wouldn't be as accessible if the field is taken away. Just so you know hockey in MN is $400+ gear for children to play with soccer and other activities also having very high costs to participate. I also visit Silver Point Park several times a week. I rarely see more than one dog during my time there, yet I consistently see many children on the new play structure. To me, this illustrates where the greater community need lies. Also this newly made play structure is for very young children which does not mix with an influx of dogs. I chose to move to St. Anthony for my kids and for the schools. It’s disheartening to see the community now potentially prioritizing dogs over children. Before moving forward, I hope you’ll consider alternative locations for a dog park such as Sandcastle Park or Trillium Park, where the impact on children’s sports and play would be minimal. Thank you for your time and for considering the families and children who rely on Silver Point Park. Sincerely, Kirsten Karnitz 27