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DENVER — As the population of Denver and the surrounding area continues to grow, so does the population of man's best friend.
There are an estimated 150,000 dogs in Denver, and that number is rising fast. So city leaders are asking for the public's help in updating the city's dog park master plan.
Destiny Howard brings her dog Donna Jean to Fuller Dog Park often.
"Dogs are just unconditional love. They want to play all the time," said Howard.
They also need a place to let loose, away from the high-rise buildings and a growing number of cars.
"I think [dog parks are] fantastic. It's a really great resource if you live in the city and you don't want your dog just on the sidewalk," said new Denver resident Emily Davies.
Earlier this year, the Riverfront Park Association reported to Denver7’s media partners at the Denver Post that it spends about $30,000 a year to replace grass damaged by dog urine with fresh sod.
So the City of Denver wants to hear from you because it might be time to update the existing Dog Park Master Plan, which was completed in 2010. Currently, Denver has 12 dog parks.
Denver7 spoke to several dog owners who agreed that they could use a few more.
"Since how big Denver is, and how many people are moving here, I feel like 12 is a low number," said Howard.
Owners like, Deborah Moriarty, make visiting a dog park part of their daily schedule and said some improvements could make the great parks even better.
"It’s not like a deal breaker, but if it was more turf-oriented in some form or fashion," said Moriarty.
If you are interested in sharing your opinions, take this survey on the Denver Parks and Rec website through you October. All the information will be considered in the updated plan that may include new parks and upgrades to the existing ones.
It’s a testament to just how much Denver loves our pooches too.
"I’d like to give them a shout out because this is one of the best places to have a dog in the country, honestly," said Moriarty.