Although the city council rescinded its resolution establishing a dog park at last night’s meeting, the issue isn’t off the table yet. The governing body also approved a resolution establishing an advisory committee to examine whether the city should have a dog park and where one should be located.
“I still feel there is a growing need for a dog park in the city, which is why I’m also asking the council to pass another resolution which will include the formation of an advisory committee,” said Councilwoman Sue Henderson after asking the council to rescind the original resolution. The committee “will be comprised of members of the community and co-chaired by [city manager] Terry Reidy and myself,” she said.
In selecting the original Library Square Park location, Henderson and members of the city’s dog park committee hoped to restore the park “and make it a place where children feel safe to play,” Henderson said, as well as to reduce vandalism and crime in the park, which the city’s historical society has spent $60,000 to restore.
The new dog park advisory committee will hold open public meetings regularly. The first one is set for Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. in council chambers.
Four non-residents — two of whom own dog-related businesses in town — came to the microphone during public comment to implore the council to install a dog park.
“I’d like to see a permanent ordinance in place [establishing a dog park],” said an Allenhurst resident. “I’m definitely for this and I hope everybody else is too.”
An Ocean Grove resident said the city “needs this dog park. All these delaying tactics are annoying … We don’t want another resolution because that’s a temporary solution. We want an ordinance passed so we can raise funds now.”
Residents of Oakhurst and Manalapan also spoke in favor of the dog park.
Six Asbury Park residents said they were in favor of a dog park, but not in Library Square Park. One suggested the city implement a dog park in the open space on the corner of Springwood Avenue and Memorial Drive. Construction of more townhouses and condominiums in town without yard space could increase the need for a dog park, she said.
Community activist Duanne Small also said the city could use a dog park, but in a different location than the one originally proposed. He also asked those in attendance to think about other issues in town.
“Where are you when these young kids are getting shot?” he asked. “Human life is more important than animals.”
Rachel Hirschfeld, a member of the original dog park committee, gave the council a document with 810 signatures from people who want to see a permanent park in the city, “not one that can be rescinded after two years of work.”
The original dog park pilot program was instituted through resolution in June. The park instantly became a hot-button issue with residents coming to every council meeting to voice support of and opposition to a dog park in Library Square Park, just north of the central business district.
The first dog park plan was formed by a committee made up of Reidy, Henderson, Hirschfeld, local business owner Debbie DeLisa and Shade Tree Commission member Tom Pivinski. The group held several public meetings after the resolution was passed.
