Middletown Dog Park: Residents Speak Out For and Against the Idea

The idea of a dog park in Middletown — the longtime proposal championed by residents and dog owners — has excited quite a bit of feedback after we published a story last week about plans moving ahead for one at Veterans Memorial Park.

Just like there are dog people and cat people, the issue seems to have polarized a good number of folks when they learned the common council has approved spending a $70,000 state grant for dog park fencing and other items.

A number of residents spoke up at the Veterans Memorial Park Renovation Committee's August meeting in favor of and against the idea as well as committee member and former councilman Todd Berch, who has been an ardent supporter of the dog run.

In August, former Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said there are types of people who like dogs. "There are dog lovers and everybody else," according to the minutes. "Everybody else ranges from people who detest dogs or are afraid of dogs all the way up to people who love their own dog but aren't crazy about anyone else's."

Other residents told the board they either loved the idea or were concerned about the dog park's proximity to the Trees of Honor memorial for U.S. Armed Services members who died in combat, were families who may not appreciate a dog run nearby will visit, according to the minutes. 

When we posed the question on Facebook to gauge residents' feelings on the expenditure, we received not only an array of sentiments but many that were thoughtful and passionate.

Joan: I think it's a wonderful idea, as long as all the dogs are properly vaccinated and trained. A lot of homes do not have large back yards for a dog to run in so this is a great idea.

Margery: I'm a cat-owning tax payer who whole-heartedly supports the dog park proposal!

Tracey: Only have cats, but think it is a great idea!

Robin: Wallingford is looking into a dog park which will be privately funded and maintained. Middletown could certainly make better use of any available public funds for capital improvements such as our roads, bridges and public buildings. Should be privately funded — taxpayers' hard-earned money could certainly be put to better use.

Erinn: I love this idea!

Alex: I think it's a great use of taxpayer money. The park is currently looking pretty tired and the whole area is still up and coming. It'll boost property values around the park to make it into a desirable place.

Michelle: I like the idea but financing could be an issue as Robin said. It's not something everyone would use so taxpayers funds are not a good option. Maybe some fundraisers?

And people who read the article were equally as outspoken:

Jonathan: I think this is a great idea and am very happy that it is coming closer to reality. In my experience, dog owners who use the park develop a community and a culture of friendship and responsibility, both human and canine. That culture can also foster creative responses to problems that will occur ranging from peer encouragement to contacts and familiarity with park personnel, animal control officers and the like.

Think Before You Speak: Seriously? We really need a dog park? How about parks for humans? If you want your pets to play with other pets, then bring them to their house. 

Letitia: I take my dog 9 miles each day to the Rocky Hill Dog Park. Awesome place with grass rather than wood chips. People come all over just to go there. Nice people, great dogs. Have made loads of friends. Grass is the key. Many people don't like wood chips.

DP: Dog parks are in Middlefield and Rocky Hill and coming soon to Cromwell, They are great for individuals and families that have live in apartments and don't have back yards. Plus they get to socialize with other dog owners, They are primarily run on an honor system and a majority of dog owners are responsible enough to follow the rules. If you don't have a dog then you can simply visit and talk to people who have dogs there are not any dangerous or violent attack dogs at public dog parks.

William: Who is paying to maintain the park? Has anyone looked at the cost of upkeep of the dog park and the cleaning that will need to go into it. My thoughts are that private donations should pay for the upkeep and not one single taxpayer dollar should go into it.

Joan: I am also a taxpayer in this city and strongly feel that we need to keep a cap on unnecessary spending. There are a lot of people on fixed incomes that have a hard time putting food on their table and this dog park will be one more burden on them. So whether you want to hear the message or not this is one citizens opinion offered with a depth of experience on the topic. 

Concerned Citizen: I do like dogs, but have found that dog owners are not always so sensible about their pets behavior-hopefully everyone that brings a dog to the park will be a responsible owner

Jeremy: I have no kids. I shouldn't have to pay for [others'] kids to go to school. Use your tax dollars to pay for school and mine for this wonderful idea that is a dog park. The city of Middletown is finally going to use my tax dollars to do something that benefits me. It's about time.

Bill Wilson: "Veterans Park should remain for veterans and kids at the pool and not a doggie park. Now I have no problem with a dog park if it is privately funded and maintained privately as well. This should not be a burden for the taxpayers. To compare it to education and other services provided by the city is ridiculous, period."

DP: Great idea, there is what seems to be a lot of wasted space in what is called the archery area. Lifelong resident; I've never actually seen anyone with a bow and arrows in there. Rocky Hill has a dog park, Cromwell was supposed to be building one. Glad to see Middletown will have one. I wont have to go to Rocky Hill anymore with my dogs.
 
Joan: While the concept of a dog park is a "feel good" idea where friendly puppies romp together in a play area together and their owners can have an "awe" moment over their cute antics, the potential for problems are significant, but being ignored. A public dog park is a public hazard. 1. Who is going to monitor that all the dogs using this facility are licensed, inoculated and in good health? 2. Dogs are not always friendly with other dogs. 3. Gathering dogs together in one place to do their defecating will pollute the area over time. 3. Even if people use a pooper scooper to pick up after their animal, will they deposit it in a trash receptacle that will than have to be handled by city staff? This idea of a dog park is a "feel good" that will do "no good" in the long run.

Jeremy: (To Joan) 1. Anyone who owns a dog should know the risks involved with letting dogs congregate in masses. Any owner that cares for their dog will make sure they are up on their kennel cough and other diseases that are common at kennels which this is in line with 2. I am not sure what the plan is but every dog park I have ever been to has two areas. One for big dogs and one for little dogs. 3. All of the dog parks I have been to have a carry out policy. Does everyone follow it? No. But most people do.

Think Before You Speak: We probably should have a cat park. A hamster park. A gerbil park. Maybe even a turtle park. Seriously people? Get a grip. A pet for animals?... The most ridiculous thing ever!

What do you think about Middletown joining the ranks of municipalities like Middlefield, South Windsor, Rocky Hill and Colchester in creating a dog park? Tell us in the comments below.

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