Letter to the Editor: Residents ignored on dog park
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Several years ago a dog park near the tennis courts at City Park in Parkersburg was being considered. Before any action was taken, then-Mayor Jimmy Colombo followed a logical, but not legally required, due diligence process by talking to the residents of the area. As a result of the many concerns raised, the idea of a dog park in that location was abandoned.
Fast forward several years and the idea of a dog park in the same location has resurfaced. This time the idea has been proposed by a very well-intended, civic-minded young man who is hoping to secure his Eagle Scout designation by completing the project. City Council has approved $50,000 for materials, and stakes are already in the ground.
Upon learning of these developments, residents sprang into action, contacting the Mayor's office, members of City Council, and appearing before Council to express their concerns.
It appears it may be too late. The Mayor stated he is not going to put a stop to the project without specific direction from Council.
These most recent developments are surprising and disappointing. Nothing has changed since this idea was first considered. The dog park would be in the middle of a residential area, potentially having a negative impact on property values. For residents on Dickel Avenue, the park will quite literally abut the property lines in their backyards. Many have dogs of their own and the on-going presence of unfamiliar dogs in such close proximity could negatively impact their animals. Other factors that are a concern to residents of the area include:
* The tennis courts -- A very popular and heavily used attraction of the park are the tennis courts. The proposed dog park would be located immediately past the fence on the east side and noise as well as odor could affect those players using the courts.
* Parking -- With apparently only four parking spaces in the design plans, residents who now park on Dickel Avenue or Quick Street could find their normal parking spots by their homes taken up by those coming to the dog park.
* Size of the proposed dog park -- For anyone who has ever been to a dog park, the first realization upon seeing the space allocated in City Park is that it is grossly undersized.
No doubt the proper process was followed leading up to the point where the matter stands now. Unfortunately, the concerns raised back in 2015 -- concerns that were deemed to be valid then and remain valid today -- were not solicited and, therefore, not heard. It is entirely possible that, if they had been solicited and heard, the results would be the same as they are now. Apparently, however, because there was no legal requirement to obtain the views of homeowners most impacted by the dog park, none was sought.
It may be that those of us raising concerns on this matter now are late to the party, but it sure feels as if we didn't receive an invitation to attend.
Ken Watts
Parkersburg