Man’s best friends may soon have a new place to roam free in Westbrook – officials have jumpstarted stagnant talks on creating the city’s first public dog park.
At the City Council’s Facilities and Streets Committee meeting Monday, councilors talked about possibly using a piece of Bicentennial Park, off William Clarke Drive, for the park. However, other locations in the city will be looked at, as well.
According to City Administrator Jerre Bryant, establishing a dog park in Westbrook is something that has been discussed on and off for more than a decade. He said there has always been interest, but that the city hasn’t been able to find the right location.
Neighboring Portland has two dog parks – at Quarry Run near Falmouth and on Valley Street.
Councilor John O’Hara, who serves as chairman of the Facilities and Streets Committee, said he is a dog owner who frequently brings his pet to the dog parks in Portland. He said because larger cities have passed leash laws for dogs, it has become necessary to provide dog parks.
“Most communities have decided that there should be an area carved out to let dogs roam free,” he said. “I believe the establishment of a dog park is a little bit overdue.”
Bryant said the city has had difficulty identifying a location that is feasible. He said parking and distance from residential abutters are the two most important factors, and locations identified in the past have been “cost prohibitive.”
However, he said, the city is looking at using a portion of Bicentennial Park, which is adjacent to the Hannaford supermarket. The proposal is to fence in an area between the parking lot and the city skate park. It is now being used as a soccer field. The parcel also connects to a new trail that runs between the skate park and the Westbrook Armory.
Bryant said the location is in a commercial area, but that it’s still convenient for a lot of residential neighborhoods. He said previous areas looked at by the city were on the city’s outskirts.
Councilor Brendan Rielly said that while he fully supports a dog park, he’s wary of placing it on a soccer field that is currently used. Bryant said the soccer field isn’t regulation size, but has been used by youth soccer programs.
“I think it’s a great idea, but I do have some concerns over displacing a soccer field,” he said.
Rielly mentioned looking at using the field off East Bridge Street.
In an email to city administration last week, Eric Dudley, the director of public services, said Bicentennial Park could be an option due to its location and adequate parking. However, Dudley echoed similar concerns that the field is used for soccer games. He also said dog parks come with other concerns.
“I would approach a dog park cautiously as there are many drawbacks to them, including environmental, noise, odors, disease transmission, dog-dog and dog-person altercations, etc.,” he said in the email.
Other councilors, including Victor Chau, posed logistical questions such as waste removal and maintenance. Bryant said the park would be treated like any other city park.
Westbrook resident Ann Bainbridge said she came to the city with the idea of a dog park. Bainbridge, a dog owner, said she routinely travels to Portland and beyond to visit dog parks, and often meets other Westbrook residents there.
“I meet people there from Westbrook and Standish,” she said, adding that she often speaks with people on the street who would also like to see a dog park in Westbrook.
Bainbridge said the location at Bicentennial Park could also make the area more vibrant. She said the skate park is currently isolated.
“The more people around, the safer you feel,” she said.
According to the meeting memo, a preliminary cost estimate to fence an 8,000-square-foot area and bring drinking water to the site is $15,000-$20,000.
Bryant said the city plans on reaching out to local businesses such as Idexx Laboratories, and organizations like the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, for a collaboration, financial support or guidance on the project.
Councilor Mike Sanphy said the park is “a great idea” for Westbrook, and that he’d also like to see a dog park on the north side of the city.
“I see it as a positive thing,” said Councilor Paul Emery. “You’re not just providing a dog park, you’re providing a point of communication. This is where you meet your neighbor. If handled properly, it’s just a mark of a welcoming city.”
The committee decided to enlist the city’s Recreation & Conservation Committee to look for other possible locations.
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