To the editor:
Re: "Dog free at Hadden?" Central Park, July 25.
Megan Carvell Davis's long and meanspirited attempt to ban dogs from the small beach space west of the Maritime Museum, claims that Harvey Hadden, the benefactor, gave it only for the pleasure of mothers and children. Mr. Hadden was English and in 1928 as now, the British and Europeans for that matter, assume that whatever activity the family is enjoying, the dog will be right along with them at the beach, in a pub or in a five star restaurant. I am sure Mr. Hadden did not believe he needed to state the obvious joy that dogs give to their people and others and would be turning over in his grave if he knew that these happy creatures were being excluded from the property that he gave to the city.
The park board's punitive policy toward dogs and the people who want to recreate with them is fuelled by the nonsense coming from people like Davis and has not one shred of empirical data to support it.
The small piece of waterfront in question is secluded, easily avoided by dog haters and should be available around the clock 365 days a year instead of the existing time restrictions. If there is a shortage of sun bathing space, take down a few volleyball nets.
Bev Ballantyne, Vancouver
