As the proposal to create a fenced area in Winslow Park for off-leash dogs moves forward, some residents say proponents are barking up the wrong tree.
This month, Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella filed a request with the Planning & Zoning Department for a text amendment change to the Dedicated Open Space and Recreation District Zone.
It would “provide a safe, controlled area for off-leash recreation, while preserving the park’s overall open space character and public accessibility.” The area would “enhance (Winslow Park) through responsible management, improved safety, and additional recreational opportunities for residents.”
Proposed location of the Winslow Park “Dogport.”
Mark Mathias — who lives near Winslow Park, and uses it frequently with his dog — tells “06880” that the proposed “Dogport” has elicited plenty of discussion at the 29-acre town-owned property.
He said a recent Zoom call with the Parks & Recreation Commission did not result in a recommendation. The conversation ended, Mathias says, with commissioner recommending that alternate locations — other than the proposed site along Compo Road North — be explored.
Proponents were urged to put a flyer at Winslow Park, with a link to their survey. A few days later, the flyer — with a QR code — was placed at the water fountain, and other spots (photo below). Click here for a link to that survey.
However, Mathias says, some Winslow Park regulars felt the survey did not address “fundamental issues,” or “adequately reflect the views of people who use Winslow Park.”
They created their own longer survey, and posted 3 signs in the park with links to it (photo below). Click here for a link to that survey.
(Photos/Mark Mathias)
Mathias urges residents to fill out either or both surveys — and/or contact the Planning & Zoning Commission directly. NOTE: The text amendment proposal has not yet been added as an agenda item.
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Thank you for all of this information and the two surveys. We first moved to Westport in 1999, and I remember when all of Winslow park was off leash. I understand why it was divided into on-leash and off-leash areas — some people who enjoy the park do not enjoy dogs, and some people who have dogs who need to be on a leash and do not want to socialize with off-leash dogs. That was a great decision. This enclosed off-leash area smells a lot like the Upper East Side and overprotective/uneducated dog owners. Dogs need time and space to figure each other out — it’s all a bit like recess in schools: there need to be guidelines, expectations, and accountability, but we don’t need uber-restrictions and “safe zones.” The on-leash area is perfectly safe, and with practice most dogs can and should graduate to the current off-leash area. I have never witnessed fighting or aggression in the off-leash area. Why fix something that isn’t broken? Again, thank you for asking and taking the care to make the best decisions.
Well made points! Thank you.
From a quick read of the new survey, it is pretty clear what answer that author’s are steering respondents to. And maybe appropriately so since the “user’s” of Winslow Park have self selected to use it based on what it is rather than what it could be. What’s missing in both surveys are the opinions of those people that don’t use Winslow Park (dog owners or non-dog owners) since it is well known to be overrun by dogs.
I might add, don’t use it not only because it is overrun by dogs but with scattered “random” presents left behind by inconsiderate (a minority of course) dog owners.