Park Plan Gives Dogs Something To Wag About

By Kendra Bobowick

All across the open field are tattered bits of unraveling green string that once surrounded a tennis ball. A swift running stream cuts across the field’s back corner where barking mixes with the sounds of rushing water. Standing near a cluster of picnic benches are men and women talking, some drinking coffee, and others tossing a ball well on its way to disintegrating.

As the ball arcs into the air, mud flying, a black lab leaps to grab it, or a pug snarls and nips at the ball as it lands nearby. The dogs and pet owners are at one of a variety of surrounding towns’ dog parks, and finally, conversations about Newtown having its own place for pets to play has become a priority

The idea ranks high among Parks and Recreation Commission members’ top five projects that also including a recreation/community center and pool, and master plan to revitalize Dickinson Park.

For commission member Melissa Eigen, the park is literally her pet project. Speaking of her experiences with dog parks, she said, “It’s great, you meet people, and for those who love dogs, it’s a great thing to do for your dog.”

Parks and Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian said the dog park “has been on the back burner” but has recently moved ahead. The idea has also drawn attention from the public. In her recent letter to The Newtown Bee, Carole Cascia wrote, “I think that a dog park would be a great addition to Newtown and I would like to work to see that a Newtown dog park becomes a reality.”

Ms Eigen has heard from the public directly. “They are interested. People have told me they are.”

Sharing her own interest she said, “Newtown is a great town to live in with a lot of amenities for a lot of people.” Many of those people have dogs, she said.

Supporting the park, and based on her experience at parks outside of town, she said, “This is an opportunity to meet neighbors in town; your dog is able to interact with other dogs.”

Indicating that nearby Ridgefield and Southbury have parks, Ms Eigen said the idea is gaining popularity. Explaining, she said, “I think it’s because we have to restrict our dogs.”

People leave for work during the day, she said. At other times pets are confined with electric fences or leashed. A park provides a free place for pets to run. “It’s a good opportunity to get their exercise.”

Currently the plan is in its infancy, Ms Eigen said. The commission has seen an interest, and will now do some research before launching a park.

Ms Kasbarian is not sure where a dog park might eventually call home. Describing what she envisions for a future park, she said, “We’re thinking of a fenced-in area, about an acre.” Based on research, an acre would be a minimum. Although the plans are too early to consider costs, Ms Eigen thought ahead to fencing and maintenance and said, “It’s pretty minimal.”

How are the other dog parks working?

The dogs tend to get along, in Ms Eigen’s experience. She has not heard of any problems, she said.

Speaking in her own experience, she said, “The dogs are just happy to run around and it’s good for them to be around other dogs.” Other parks post rules, she said, “It’s up to dog owners to watch their dogs,” Ms Eigen said.

The nearest park is off Route 67 in Southbury. For Internet listings of dog parks visit www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/connecticut.html.