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Poll: Does Westminster Need a Dog Park?
Bennett Cerf Park has gone to the dogs.
Carroll County Recreation and Parks got the go-ahead recently from commissioners to build a dog park at Bennett Cerf Park in Westminster.
The commissioners told Jeff Degitz, director of Carroll County Recreation and Parks, they would approve the use of the space, but it is now up to the community to raise the $15,000 to construct the park.
"We have gotten a number of request for dog parks over the years," said Degitz.
Degitz agreed to seek out funding for the park and to present a park operating plan to commissioners in the near future.
The dog park will be on a little under one acre. Degitz said the location is perfect because Bennett Cerf Park is surrounded on three sides by Random House and on one side by Rt. 27.
Carroll County currently has one dog park in Mount Airy. The other closest dog parks are in Reisterstown, Frederick and Hanover, Pa.
The park will pay for itself, Degitz told commissioners, through an annual membership fee structure for dog park users. The park will also be self-policed and rules for acceptable behavior will be posted.
Although dogs are currently allowed at parks in Carroll County, Degitz said part of the allure with a dog park is that dogs can be let off the leash in a fenced area.
Watch Jeff Degitz's presentation to the commissioners on the Carroll County government website.
Would you pay a fee to use a dog park? Will you use the Bennett Cerf Dog Park? Tell us in the comments below.
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Carroll County Recreation and Parks
300 S Center St, Westminster, MD (Office located in the Robert Moton Center)
Wendy Raith
8:28 am on Friday, April 27, 2012
A dog park would be perfect for Westminster and the surrounding areas. So many people have expressed to me the need for a place where dogs could socialize with each other and other people. The more a dog is around other dogs and people, the more a dog tends to be very friendly. I say hooray for this idea and dog owners, please send in a little bit of money now so we can get the fencing, etc and get it open.
Danielle Schubert
8:58 am on Friday, April 27, 2012
I love this idea, and I don't think it will be difficult for the money to be raised by personal donations. I would also contact the bigger dog food / local retailers for donations. Walmart, Baughmans, Purina, etc. With the right leader of this project, this could be a reality before the next snow fall! (Assuming that isn't in May!)
Bo tu
9:53 am on Friday, April 27, 2012
Not only a great place to socialize dogs but its a good way for the people of the community to meet and talk......Great idea.
romeo valianti
10:26 am on Friday, April 27, 2012
good idea only if Jeff Degirz is in charge. Will it be ok if we put a collar on the five county commissioners and walk them around on a holiday like holloween with a piece of paper in their mouths asking to send money for the dog park.
Mary Koster
10:35 am on Friday, April 27, 2012
I would like this idea a lot, especially if there were separated areas for different sizes of dogs. That would help a great deal in 'self policing.' :) Love the idea - looking forward to it.
katie soistman
12:56 pm on Friday, April 27, 2012
I am excited for the dog park. I plan to help fund raise with my business :)
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kem mason
4:15 pm on Friday, April 27, 2012
I think it a great idea . What will the area consist of. A flat lot ??????
Merle Wjite
10:25 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
i am so thrilled to hear about the dog park , i just got my dog he he needs friends hope it will be hear soon i would pay a resonable fee to go there
Lori Friedman
7:56 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I have been bringing my dogs over the past 14 years to Bennett Cerf Park. My current dog loves to run in the creek and explore the surrounding grassy areas. To have a place where my dog could interact with other well behaved dogs will be an added bonus. I suppose this is going to take place where the tennis courts used to be? Please know that in order to support such a park I am willing to pay an annual fee as long as the place is kept safe and clean. Dog owners should notice there already is a clean up station located by the old tennis courts. This is a wonderful idea. Bring it on!
Melanie
10:43 am on Sunday, April 14, 2013
I think paying $30 for my dog to run around in a $15000 fenced in area is bullshit