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Politics & Government

Dog Park Gets the Go Ahead

Supporters hope to have the dog park in Doylestown Township open in the spring.

First, Kathy Brown, of the Friends of Doylestown Dog Park, delivered the bad news to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday night: because of logistical problems, the group had to abandon its plan to build the facility in three phases, in part because they thought it would take a while to raise necessary funds. 

Then she delivered the good news: the group has raised $174,000 -- enough money to build the park and all its amenities at one time, plus provide an annual maintenance escrow. 

Then the Board of Supervisors delivered the news park supporters have waited two years to hear: go ahead and start building.

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"I'm proud of the effort," said Brown a few minutes before the board gave its unanimous blessing. "It's community-based…we worked hard, did what we needed to do."

The only thing tempering Brown's enthusiasm was the timing. With winter rapidly approaching, it's doubtful construction will begin this fall, she said.

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"But I can promise it will be open in the spring," she said.

The board's affirmative vote marked the culmination of a two-year drive by supporters of a dog park for the Doylestown area. It will be built on a three-acre section of Turk Park III, a county-owned park at Almshouse and Turk roads. The township leases the property from the county and will issue a license for the dog park.

The park will include separate areas for large and small dogs, a secure entry area, and amenities such as benches, trash receptacles, and water. It will also feature a pavilion and a rotation area to allow the turf to recover from heavy use. 

After construction, FDDP will turn over the park to the township, which will operate it through the Parks and Recreation Department. FDDP will continue provide $10,000 a year for maintenance, said Brown.

So far, FDDP has raised about $100,000 in cash and $75,000 in in-kind donations of materials, supplies and services, according to Brown. The group has spent about $15,000, including a down payment on the pavilion, design and engineering fees, and fundraising expenses, she said.

Brown said an advisory board composed of borough and township residents, members of the FDDP, township staff and a liaison from the Board of Supervisors will be formed to recommend changes and improvements to the park.

Users will pay a $40 annual registration fee that includes up to two dogs. Additional dogs will be registered at a reduced rate, she said.

Brown estimated about 500 dogs will be registered the first year.

"Other dog parks in the area have closed their registrations at 800," she said.

At registration, the dog's medical records will be checked and ownership certified, said Brown. All dogs and owners will go through a orientation with professional trainers to explain what is expected of them, she said.

"Safety is our utmost concern," said Brown. "We're hoping members will take ownership of their park to minimize problems and maximize enjoyment."

Access will be available only with an electronic key fob provided to registered members, said Brown.

In response to a question from the audience about liability, Brown said members will sign a waiver at registration acknowledging that they enter at their own risk. Township solicitor Jeff Garton said an additional insurance premium required would be paid from the annual maintenance fund provided by FDDP.

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