To the editor:
I wrote the following letter to the Sanibel City Council and city’s administrative staff on Feb. 2:
My name is Phaidra McDermott, and I am a lifelong resident of Sanibel Island as well as the broker and owner of Kingfisher Real Estate, which serves Sanibel and Captiva. I am writing to express my enthusiasm and strong community support for the creation of a dog park on Sanibel Island.
Kingfisher Real Estate is currently spearheading a grassroots campaign advocating for a dog park, and the response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. A community-led Facebook group supporting the initiative continues to grow rapidly, and additional outreach and advertising have generated strong momentum and engagement from island residents who are eager to see this amenity come to fruition.
It is our intention to work collaboratively with the city of Sanibel to identify a city-owned parcel of land that is not environmentally sensitive and would be appropriate for the construction of a dog park. We fully recognize and respect Sanibel’s unique environmental priorities and believe a thoughtfully located and well-designed park can align with those values.
Dog parks are an essential component of modern, connected communities. They provide safe, designated spaces for pets, encourage responsible pet ownership, and — perhaps most importantly — bring neighbors together. Friendships are formed, community bonds are strengthened, and residents of all ages benefit from increased social interaction and outdoor activity.
In addition to serving residents, dog parks are also an attractive amenity for visitors. Many travelers actively seek out destinations that are dog-friendly and offer dedicated dog parks, which can enhance Sanibel’s appeal while encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.
Kingfisher Real Estate is prepared to take an active role in making this vision a reality. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to cover the construction and infrastructure costs of the dog park in its entirety, easing the financial burden on the city and allowing this project to move forward responsibly and efficiently. We have affectionately named the project “Camp Kingfisher.”
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with city representatives to discuss this initiative further, review potential sites, and explore how we can work together to create a dog park that reflects the values, character, and environmental stewardship Sanibel is known for.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued dedication to our island community.
Phaidra McDermott
Sanibel