A fenced-in dog run at Winslow Park is not on tonight’s Parks & Recreation Commission agenda (Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Zoom).
But the topic may be raised in the “Public Comment” part of the meeting.
Commissioners generally do not respond publicly, and a vote is a long way off. But if a “Dogport” is brought up, it might include data from a second survey of Winslow Park users.
The survey — which is still online — received 338 responses, as of yesterday afternoon. 85.5% of the respondents live in Westport.
The majority (60.7%) oppose creation of a separate, fenced area. 22% are in favor, while 17.3% are undecided.
The main concerns include the disruption of natural beauty and open space. Fencing is viewed as unnecessary, an eyesore, and potentially disruptive. Many believe current open, leash-free areas work well and should remain unchanged.
Survey QR code at Winslow Park.
Some users oppose the Dogport altogether; others prefer a different location. Some support a fenced area if it does not detract from Winslow’s open space, with emphasis on proper planning and minimal disruption.
While a majority of respondents believe fencing reduces the risk of dogs running into traffic and enhances owner supervision, others say that fenced areas can increase aggression, territorial behavior, and fights between dogs.
Owner responsibility was a major issue. Respondents stressed the importance of training and supervision, over fencing.
Suggested improvements for Winslow Park include better fencing along existing boundaries, and enforcing leash rules.
If a Dogpark is approved (the preferred size is 1/2 acre), the proposed site along Compo Road North garnered approval from just 18.5%. That location was not favored by 41.5%, while 40% were undecided.
Rendering of the proposed site, along Compo Road North.
Alternative locations suggested included Longshore, Compo Beach, Riverside Park and Baron’s South. One respondent offered “the back yard of the student who suggested it and the town rep who supports it.” Another said, “nowhere. People have back yards. Let dogs run there.”
If a Dogport is implemented, 45% favored town funding. 39.2% say funds should come from people who use it, while 15.8% are undecided.
And if a Dogport is built, 56.8% believe it should be open to non-residents. 21.8% would ban out-of-towners; 21.5% are undecided
I’m opposed to any kind of fenced dog run on town property in general, but this proposed location along Compo Road North is specifically problematic. Owners who want to use this run will have to walk their dogs through the off-leash area. This is an absolutely terrible idea and is going to result in a lot of conflict. What happens when off-leash dogs run up to dogs walking on a leash to the run? It sounds like this plan hasn’t been clearly thought out or reviewed by anyone with any experience.
Note that this issue isn’t unique to Westport. I lived in Manhattan and took my dogs off leash to Central Park every morning. For decades, there are those who have wanted to completely fence in large areas or create dog runs, and thankfully, the city resisted. I hope Westport can as well.
The fenced dog run will be addressed in the Project Updates – Discussion Only portion of tonight’s PRC meeting–as well as many other projects underway at P&R. There will not be a vote. Please note the 8:00pm start time (vs. our usual 7:30pm)
Hope you see many of you on the Zoom
I agree with mikeohara2d07b75ffd in that the biggest issue is the location. In addition to the challenge he describes, this with undoubtedly lead to people parking on Compo Road as they do for the dog festival. Compo North is already too narrow and this would create additional safety risks for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
I think if we just improve the fencing along the roads, problem solved.
a dog off leash is watched a dog in a fence is not
in a month it will be a dog poop 💩 mine field 💣