PITTSFIELD, Mass. — City officials are considering opening a field at the East Street Complex as a test site for a dog park.
The city has been awaiting funding to construct a dog park at Burbank Park since a 2017 working group fleshed out the idea and identified a location. An award from the Stanton Foundation would allow it to take the next steps.
Meanwhile, however, off-leash dogs continue to be an issue in the city.
Parks and Open Space Manager James McGrath is now suggesting using the dormant East Street location as a place to essentially test out a dog park. It wouldn't have the amenities that the eventual Burbank Park site will have but it will give a temporary place for dogs to go and to see how the operations would work.
"The pilot dog park is an opportunity for us to test how the dog park works and the community and the dogs interact with a facility like this," McGrath said.
The complex has gone unused for a couple of years. It has been barely maintained but McGrath said there is already fencing and with a little bit of work it could be used again.
"We are reacting to a community call and this site is available," McGrath said.
The concept of a dog park has been pushed for years. Last month, a resident took his concerns to the Parks Commission with off-leash dogs at Kirvin Park. McGrath said department heads have developed plans to address those concerns.
They include increased signage, working with law enforcement to bump up enforcement, and educating the public on the rules of the parks.
"We really need to put our thumbs on the issue and figure out how we can address this," McGrath said.
While the city is trying to cut down on off-leash dogs in the parks, the push for a dog park has remained. McGrath said there is still some work to be done to actually open the complex but it could provide somewhere for the dogs to go as well as get those dog owners who will essentially be the ones helping to address issues and manage the park together.
"All of the responsibility for the dog park can't just be on the city," McGrath said.
The plans for the Burbank Park includes the creation of a friends group to oversee the park and make sure those using it are behaving. A pilot site will also give those who will use the park better insight on what they'd want for amenities such as shade locations and access to water so when the other park is developed, those ideas can be incorporated into the design.
Parks Commissioner Joe Durwin, however, had some concern with the pilot. He felt that if the park didn't get the support it needs and it didn't go well then that could sour the taste for those who would want to be involved in the Burbank Park one.
"I wouldn't want the public to be confused or soured on what a dog park would look like," Durwin said.
McGrath agreed with those concerns and also agreed with Durwin that the messaging about the park needs to be handled well. McGrath added that while the Complex may have minimal amenities now if it does go well then eventually the city could invest more there and make it a permanent dog park.
"The pilot site is one we recognize that with the minimal investment we can get going," McGrath said, recognizing that expectations for the park should be tempered.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Dalton Select Board Argues Over Sidewalk Article
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — A heated discussion concerning sidewalks during Monday night's Select Board meeting resulted in the acting chair calling a recess to cool the situation.
The debate stemmed from the two articles on the town meeting warrant for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School.
One proposes purchasing a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money, but they will use asphalt rather than concrete. The other would amend the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks.
The article on concrete sidewalks was added to the warrant through a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan.
The board was determining whether to recommend the article when member John Boyle took the conversation in a new direction by addressing how the petition was brought about.
"I just have a comment about this whole procedure. I'm very disappointed in the fact that you [Logan] have been working, lobbying various groups and implementing this plan and filed this petition six weeks ago. You never had any respect for the Select Board and …" Boyle said.
Before Boyle could finish his statement, which was directed to Logan, who was in the audience, Chair Joe Diver called point of order via Zoom.
Between disagreements about site design and a formal funding process not yet established, more time is needed before a decision can be made.
click for more
The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
click for more
A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more
Amy Schirmer was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for creating a weekly therapeutic art class at the George B. Crane Center to help those in recovery from substance use. click for more