Another Kind of Dog Fight

Fenced in recreational areas where dogs can exercise off-leash are very scarce where I live. For a group of local residents who wanted to take their dogs to a safe, enclosed area to socialize, Memorial Park seemed like the ideal place.  Located on property belonging to Albany High School, the park had been a gathering spot for many years for canines and their guardians. An informal agreement with the school allowed the dogs to use the large, grassy area when the students were not.  

Last year there were complaints from coaches and several neighbors that the dogs had become a nuisance. It became clear that the future of the dog park was in jeopardy.  A committed and responsible group of dog guardians organized to fight the proposed closure.  Petitions were routed and meetings were held with Parks and Recreation to hear arguments from all sides.  The City Council had tough decisions to ponder in a town known for trying to accommodate the varied needs and interests of its 18,000-plus citizens.

The pro-dog people were open to compromise to ensure continued use of the space.  The most vocal anti-dog people countered that a “no dogs allowed” ruling was the only answer.  Following many months of negotiation and compromise on both sides, a decision was reached by the City Council.  A fence was erected separating the canines from the kids, creating a much smaller space for the dogs.  The park was then closed from November through February to re-seed the lawn, an expense kindly born by the city.  

The dog park is once again open, now with a lengthy list of rules and regulations posted in several places.  I walk past the park every day as I did before all the disagreements ensued.  The dogs rarely number more than ten at any given time, all engaged in play while their humans enjoy each other’s company.  It’s hard to believe that so few dogs could be a the center of such acrimony.  

There is talk that several neighbors have not yet given up the fight to close the dog park.  I hope this rare and precious urban resource will remain available to the dogs.  For those of us who reap so many benefits from our canine companions, it is nice to be able to offer something in return.

Downtime at the dog park

 by Elizabeth Sundstrom