Dog Park to be explored
By Mark Hrywna Regional Editor

The Board of Chosen Freeholders will explore the idea of creating a dog park on a trial basis at Echo Lake park.

Director of Parks and Recreation Charles Sigmund approached the freeholders last week about the possibility of a dog park at the county park in Mountainside.

At a dog park, dogs are allowed to run off a leash, which currently is prohibited at all county parks. The parks are gaining popularity in New Jersey as well as nationally, Sigmund said, with about 20 in the Garden State. The parks also are popular in New York city.

"I think it's a very popular proposal," Sigmund said. "We've received many calls for this type of recreation."

The dog park which would be constructed for a trial period of anywhere from three to six months, would be about the size of a football field.

County Counsel Carol Cohen said she would like to do some research into some liability issues before the project is implemented. Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella anticipated the board would take action on the matter this week so the park could be in use, at least on a trial basis, while the weather was still good.

All that is needed is some fencing, which Sigmund estimated to cost about $1,500. The Rolling Meadow picnic area at Echo Lake Park also would need to be relocated. The potential dog park would be located behind the flag pole, near the soccer field.

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Courtesy of: Echo Leader - October 11, 2001 issue