Tag Archives: Dogport

Dogport: The Survey Says …

Posted on July 22, 2026 | 5 comments

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

For the full survey, with results, click here.

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Winslow Dogport: Where Off-Leash Run Now Stands

Posted on July 20, 2026 | 21 comments

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.

(“06880” reports regularly on Westport’s residents — and dogs. If you enjoy coverage like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Winslow Park Dogport: 2nd Survey Seeks Input

Posted on June 9, 2026 | 4 comments

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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