Dog Walking and Training Area in Horikhovy Hai Park
About the Event
On August 28, 2024, we participated in the grand opening of a specially designed space for dog walking and training in Horikhovy Hai Park. This is the first phase of a large-scale park renovation project, implemented with support from the IT company SoftServe and our active participation.
Location
The area is located in the upper part of the park, near the entrance from Boykivska – Kulykivska (Smilyvykh-Kulykivska) streets. The location was chosen after consultations with neighborhood residents and is positioned at a safe distance from the children's playground.
Project Background
The territory where the area is now located had been cluttered for several years — there were illegally occupied garden plots and dachas. In 2023, a conflict arose among residents about developing this territory: some advocated for creating a dog training and walking area, while others insisted on prioritizing children's space.
We actively participated in the dialogue between parties, helping to find a solution that satisfied everyone: the territory was cleared and divided into two zones — for children and for dogs.
What Was Created
The area features:
Sturdy perimeter fencing
Special equipment for dog training (barriers, tunnels, slalom)
Benches for rest
Trash bins
Information signs
The area is accessible at any time for all dog owners free of charge.
Project's Social Mission
The key purpose of this space is training assistance dogs for veterans and people with disabilities. The area is designed to support such training programs in the future, making it an important resource not only for private owners but also for specialized canine programs. Additionally, service and search dogs can use the facility for their training needs.
Our Contribution to the Project
As Pe-Sick organization, we played a crucial role in bringing this project to life:
Event Organization: Helped coordinate and organize the official opening ceremony
Media Support: Managed media coverage and public communication about the opening
Advocacy and Dialogue: Worked with local administration to secure funding and support for the project
Community Bridge: Facilitated constructive dialogue between different resident groups, city authorities, and SoftServe
Vision Development: Promoted the idea of creating a space that serves both recreational and social rehabilitation purposes
We plan to use this area for assistance dog training programs in the future, making it a key resource for our work with veterans and people with disabilities.
Future Plans
Near-term plans include:
Installing pathways connecting the children's playground with the dog area
Creating accessible pathways for people with disabilities
Installing lighting to enable area use at any time of day
Continuing work on developing the entire Horikhovy Hai Park
Launching Pe-Sick's assistance dog training programs at the facility
We continue working to make the area fully inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Partners
Client and Sponsor: IT company SoftServe
Project Executor: Department of Natural Resources and Construction of Lviv City Council
Social Partner and Event Organizer: Pe-Sick NGO
Support: Neighborhood residents and Lviv's dog owner community
Significance for the Community
This project demonstrates how constructive dialogue and cooperation between NGOs, business, and government can create solutions that address the needs of all residents. The area has become not just a place for recreation with pets, but a space designed for important social work in veteran rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities.
For us, this project is a step toward a more inclusive Lviv, where people with disabilities and their assistance dogs have access to quality infrastructure and opportunities for full life. It also showcases the power of community advocacy and the importance of NGO involvement in shaping urban development.