Has activity around a fenced, off-leash area for canines in Winslow Park been “pawsed” since our most recent report, last month?
No! Mark Mathias sent this email last week, to residents who are interested in the project:
First, our survey now has 333 respondents. I’m very impressed with this outcome. In addition, 103 people who filled out the survey gave us their email asking to be kept informed.
Second, we are primarily waiting for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting to put on the agenda the request for a text amendment that would allow a dog run (aka “Dogport”) to be built in Winslow Park.
Should the text amendment be granted, that doesn’t mean construction will start. As I read the documents they simply allow it, but don’t state what or where it will look like, who will pay for it, who will maintain it, and more.
Those are separate questions that will have to be addressed if the P&Z approves the application for the text amendment.
One proposal for a fenced-in off-leash area at Winslow Park.
Third, on Monday morning this week, I met at Winslow Park with Emme Dorfman (one of the applicants), Ali Dorfman (Emme’s mother), and Jon Polayes (invited by the Dorfmans) in order to see what options might be available.
Discussions included having only a small dog area, moving the fenced area to the southeast corner of Winslow Park where Compo Road and the Post Road meet, and more.
Fourth, many people have expressed health concerns about Dogport. I reached out to respected local veterinarian Dr. Irwin Lebish, and asked his thoughts on the initiative. He said:
I don’t have any specific objections to a fenced-in dog run area in Winslow Park. My main concern would be the transmission of intestinal parasites through contamination of the surface. Ordinary grass would be a problem because if stools are not picked up, and even if they are, parasite eggs and larvae could leach into the surface and be transmitted.
The best surface in terms of cleanliness and maintenance would be pet grade artificial turf. However, to cover an area you describe would be very expensive.
The next best surface would be decomposed granite/washed stone. How much more aggressive behavior would occur in a fenced-in area is difficult to determine. A lot depends on the density of the dog population inside the area.
Fifth, we discussed the issues of how to pay for the creation of the fenced-in area, maintenance and upkeep, as well as other logistical matters that would require various town agencies (mainly the Parks & Recreation Department) involvement, and funding, not only initially but on an annual basis.
Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)
One question that I am frequently asked is whether a fenced-in off-leash area would ultimately lead to having the rest of Winslow Park be made on-leash. People have told me stories of towns around Westport where they have seen this occur, but I have no firsthand knowledge of this. If anyone receiving this has reliable information about this, please send it to me (winslowdogport@gmail.com).
In summary, I continue having enjoyable and informative conversations with people in Winslow Park as I walk Loki there daily. Please feel free to say hello, and give your perspectives on this matter.
I will continue to work with Emme and her supporters to help craft a plan that will have a positive impact on Westport.
I am also monitoring the agendas for both Parks & Recreation and Planning & Zoning to see what agenda items appear on their agendas so that anyone who is interested in conveying their opinions to the relevant officials can do so at the appropriate time, whether in advance of their meetings or by joining their meetings (many of which are held over Zoom).
I welcome conversations and insights from you and hope you will help inform me of your suggestions and opinions: winslowdogport@gmail.com.
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It’s shocking to me that people still want small, fenced dog parks. They’re dirty and dangerous. I get the need for them in dense urban areas, but why you would put one right next to an off-leash dog park is absolutely baffling to me. The idea that someone is going to have to walk their dog on a leash through an off-leash area to get to a fenced dog park is just a terrible, terrible plan.
Mark
I appreciate the update. I have one important question.
I believe the town of Westport will have to bring forth the proposal to the various zoning and funding bodies since this is proposed for town owned land. I think a municipal improvement application to P&Z is among the first steps? So far I have not seen any word from the actual town on this proposal.
As for my view:
I would like to see a fence on the entirety of Winslow, especially along Compo and Post Rd. perimeters. I would like to see an occasional patrol for inappropriate activity such as not controlling your pet, aggressive off leash behaviors, unleashed in the leash area, etc.
Third, the fenced-in dog run seems to be a concept for small dogs whose humans have long asked for such an area. I would put this far and away from the unleashed area. I will not use a dog run with Max and hope the rest of Winslow remains as it but with better perimeter fencing.
There’s a liability exposure that has to be considered. Westport would need to worry about dog bite incidents and potential lawsuits, even with signed waivers. Also, off-leash dogs of mixed sizes and temperaments can lead to fights or injuries.
We occasionally bring our pup to a doggie day care center in Norwalk. They require proof of vaccination, health etc. It’s also supervised and separated by size. There is also an indoor swimming pool. I would hesitate to use such place in Winslow. Unfortunately there are owners who are irresponsible with their aggressive dogs. Many don’t pick up their dog poop- remarkable that they bag it and leave it- who does this? Woof.
Even their own vet doesn’t support this proposal! Genuinely don’t understand how or why this campaign is persisting. Here’s an idea: Fence all of Winslow Park. You could probably do it for less than the cost of creating the disease-ridden fight clubs that fenced dog runs almost always devolve to. Dogs and drivers would be safer, and you wouldn’t be setting up daily cage matches for which the town and its taxpayers will foot the bill.
I am sure that the committee has looked at this, but Ridgefield has a terrific fenced in area for their dogs. I learned about it through someone in Westport. Hopefully, here, there can be a multi-level plan where you can (1) bring a dog, who might run away if unleashed, to play freely in a fenced in area, (2) a dog that is good to run into the designated off-leash area, and (3) a dog who needs to be kept close, leashed in such areas. Issues of aggression? Poop left on the ground, etc.? Regardless of available bags, signs, and common courtesy, you still have to watch where you walk at Winslow Park. Twice, at Winslow, my leashed dog was, let’s call it aggressively and suddenly approached by an off-leash dog. I thought I was going to be bitten while trying to rescue my dog. I also have a friend who was almost knocked over by a dog that was having a great time and on the run. All of this to say, there is not one perfect answer. Thankfully, we have options that may provide the best of all worlds.
Most of us who use the park daily would rather have a BATHROOM for humans. Maybe start with a porta potty?
In Richfield, where we temporarily live awaiting for the Brits to give us clearance to move into our new abode, they have a Dog Park: fenced in (one for small dogs and one for big) large areas complete with kiddie pools and water dishes. Super! Personally, I would like see a portion of Wakeman have such as well. The road adjacent to the fields is well travelled and dangerous. And my husband grew up in, then, were apple orchards taunting the Army guards at the Nike site on the south side. I used to walk my dogs with Mrs. Wakeman and her intent in giving the land to the town was NOT to turn it into one big athletic field. Wow, it is quiet here, imagine that?
While I appreciate the idea of creating a fenced in dog park for small-dogs whose owners don’t feel comfortable in Winslow Park, I feel the plan is ill conceived. We already have several acres of a beautiful quasi- fenced-in,
off-leash dog park. This is an incredible amenity and I use it daily. (We have both a large and small
dog). If anything, I would propose improving the current fencing of the off-leash area so that dog owners don’t have to worry about dogs running out onto Compo (or elaewhere). It may also make parents of small children more comfortable enjoying the adjacent grass lawns. I agree with another posted comment that a gated dog park is primarily suitable for an urban area. if there truly is a need in Westport, perhaps there is a different location that would work better. Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t see a big enough need in Westport to create a fence within a fence for a few small dogs.
Assuming, as feared, the “rest” of Winslow would be strictly on-leash, this ignores the humans who not only walk their dogs throughout the off-leash areas, but, concurrently, themselves!
Dogs and humans have different walking cadences.
Take your dog off-leash inside “dogport”, then simply do laps yourself of the enclosure. Brilliant!
I’m all for giving dog owners what they need, but I hope you’ll rethink putting it in one of the most beautiful views in Westport. It would be a shame to change such a special spot.
I agree with Videler above. The park is visited everyday by more than just dog owners. It’s used regularly by those without dogs who walk (snowshoe, ski) throughout the open space like I do. It’s also used by the hundreds who drive past Winslow daily and let their eyes “take a walk” over its gorgeous views. Winslow is designated as a Dedicated Open Space Recreation District (DOSRD). There are very specific limitations as to what can and cannot be placed there. The criteria were well thought out two decades ago. I don’t believe the DogPort will qualify. The unobstrucred view most definitely does.
I believe this has been an agenda item for a long time with the purpose to have a modest fenced in area limited to small dogs because the owners of those dogs fear, rightly or wrongly, that their small dogs are adversely affected by being in an area with larger dogs. I hope that this simple effort does not result in extensive discussions, disagreements or any effort to alter in any significant manner the present situation at Winslow for dogs and people. I have enjoyed Winslow with our dogs for about forty years.
I’m glad to see more people supporting a fenced dog area at Winslow Park. But it’s important to remember that Emme Dorfman has been leading this effort for years through outreach, planning, and community engagement. However, creating separate surveys and competing outreach only splits public input and creates confusion. Anyone joining the effort should build on the work that’s already been done, not start a parallel process. Emme worked extremely hard to put together a very thorough survey and given your experience on BOE it’s discouraging to see this approach and lack of communication and transparency to Emme and this article.
I’m glad to see more people speaking out against a fenced dog area at Winslow Park.
I live near Winslow and use the park regularly. The years of outreach, planning, and community engagement didn’t actually reach me – I never saw a survey, a flyer, a meeting notice, or heard about this effort through word of mouth, even though I’m the kind of neighbor and park user this would affect. If that’s true for me, it’s likely true for others and it shouldn’t be surprising that a separate survey was developed. A second survey isn’t a “parallel process that splits input and creates confusion”; it’s filling a gap and giving people who were missed the first time a chance to weigh in. It’s very difficult, even after years of hard work, for a single process to reach everyone: welcome to the harsh reality of community engagement.
I agree with Mr. Colabella, having different factions and ideas late in the 4th quarter will only create more delays, on what I think is not a bad idea to have a small dog area.
Emme Dorfman did not start this process yesterday. Emme has put years of planning, and working with the proper channels to work towards her goal of a small dog area.
Those who want to get involved, and believe in creating a fenced in area for small dogs, should all work together.
There seem to be a lot of us who had no idea when the 1st quarter was underway
https://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/125601/639165128422100000
June 4, 2026
The discussion seems to have jumped rather quickly from whether this is an appropriate use of dedicated open space to how it should be designed. It would seem wiser to resolve the first question before investing too much energy in the second.
Would P&Z please considering adding field lights so our furbabies can play through the evening. 🙂