Jennifer Johnson is in her 3rd term as a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, from District 9. Previously, she served on the Parks & Recreation Commission. She writes:
Regardless of how one feels about a “dog park,” there is a long-established process for the Parks & Recreation Commission to champion initiatives involving our shared open space.
The PRC clearly followed that process with the recent field-light proposal. Why not for a dog run?
After waiting over 5 hours to speak Monday night, more than 60 residents made clear that this issue deserves a thoughtful process.
The Planning & Zoning Commission already has plenty on its plate. It should not be asked to do the work that should first be vetted by the PRC — including answering basic questions about whether a particular site is appropriate.
And the PRC has already done much of the groundwork. The recently completed, taxpayer-funded $250,000 Parks Master Plan identifies Winslow Park as a possible location for a dog area, but it also specifically identifies Machamux Park, on Greens Farms Road.
Machamux Park (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Given its size, current use, location, parking, etc. Machamux seems worthy of serious consideration. The plan estimates the cost at $80,000 to $100,000. What remains is to determine the ongoing costs and requirements for maintenance, cleaning, management and enforcement.
Whether Westport residents ultimately want a dog park is a legitimate question. But before we let the dogs out — or put up a fence — we should follow the process.
The PRC should review the recommendations of its own Parks Master Plan, and develop a complete proposal. After it has been publicly vetted and voted on by the full Parks & Rec Commission, bring it to the appropriate town bodies.
Then the P&Z can weigh in.
Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)
There may be plenty of bones to pick with the idea of a dog park. But asking P&Z to decide now whether dedicated open space at Winslow should become a fenced dog area is putting the cart before the dog.
We have a process. Let’s respect it.
And let’s not leave the Parks Master Plan sitting in the doghouse.
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