Will Chester dogs have their day?

By Edie Johnson CHESTER — Chester wants to hear from residents if they'd like to have a dog park in town.

The town board also wants to hear ideas about how such a park might be developed.

The board received 200 signatures on a petition advocating for a park. But the board and the town's parks department have uncovered several thorny issues:

Where would they put the park? Will dogs run off and interrupt other recreational activities, or present a danger to the public?

How will the park be kept clean?

How will the park be financed? There are many advantages to such a park too, including the opportunity for neighbors to get out and meet one another, all while socializing their dogs in a safe environment.

Mission 1: Finding a good spot For the sake of convenience, many favor putting the park in a section of an already-existing park, like The Chester Commons. Dog parks near or inside existing parks are convenient for parents, who can drop off their children to play ball, and then wait for them at the dog park while their pets get some exercise.

Others prefer a separate location with more space to accommodate amenities in the future. Other dog parks have splash pools, puppy training areas, courses for agility and competition training, and even a pay-per-use doggie wash. The dog park in Wantage, N.J., has a pergola where people and dogs can chance rest in the shade.

Paul Teutal Jr. of "Orange County Choppers" recently sponsored a popular dog wash in Montgomery that is on its way to You Tube fame (http://bit.ly/NBe0tv). Orange County has a dog park at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, and Monroe has one at Smith Clove Park.

Locating a dog park at a more remote location brings its own problems. For instance, there's plenty of space at the town's recreational 90-acre property at Knapp's View on King's Highway, but parking is insufficient. The site also lacks shade — with trees only in one area, to the west — and accessible water. More trees, fences, and an access road would be needed to make this spot work.

Other, smaller sites in Chester under consideration include a grassy area behind the library on Kings Highway, and a town-owned property on Pond Road that may be too marshy for a park.

Mission 2: Keeping the park safe and clean

Board members noted that some children are afraid of dogs. A recent story was recalled, in which a resident's dog jumped out of a car and proceeded to run around the Commons.

Most dog parks provide separate facilities for large and small dogs and a set of safety guidelines that require registration, liability waivers, and proof of rabies innoculations. Some parks provide waste collection baggies; others require owners to bring their own.

The challenges in keeping dog parks clean can be daunting. Some use artificial turf in high-use areas that can be powerwashed and desanitized. Others just offer more space and let Mother Nature take its course.

Mission 3: Finding money Sponsors and fundraisers can help pay for the park, and local humane societies can be recruited to participate. Some activities, like a dog wash, could generate some modest revenue. Other parks put out a donation box.

Mission 4: Getting the board on board

Town board members acknowledged that many residents favor the project. And with dog ownership at an all-time high, house shoppers might be more inclined to buy into a town with this amenity.

But the parks department says this seemingly simple project will take time and effort to bring it to fruition safely and economically.

Residents are invited to let the town board know how they feel about establishing a dog park. Send letters to: Chester Town Hall, 1786 Kings Highway, Chester, NY 10918; or email: sneuhaus@thetownofchester.org.