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The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the site as the location for a dog park at its meeting this week. There are some issues that need to be worked out, including funding, liability and rules for the park. The approval of the site allows the Port Chester Dog Park Group to start fundraising for the project. The Dog Park Group started on Facebook and brought the idea of a dog park to the village, and has agreed to pay for the design, operation and maintenance of the dog park.
The dog park will be a fenced in area in the upper portion of Abendroth Park. There will be separate areas for dogs under 30 pounds, large dogs, and dogs who are in training. The fencing would likely be at least six feet high. It would be placed away from any playgrounds or sports fields, and would be double gated. There will be receptacles to dispose of dog waste in all three areas.
The dog park would likely be open from around 8 a.m. to dusk. All dogs would have to be licensed, up to date on all shots, and wear a collar. Users would need a permit, which would be renewed every year, and gain access to the park through a swipe card system or something similar that would allow the village to track how many people use the park. The village is considering having a different fee for residents and non-residents. Fees for dog parks throughout Westchester County go as high as $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents.
The Port Chester Dog Park Group is considering several fundraising options, including community tag sales and a community dog calendar, as well as applying for 501(c)3 nonprofit status and applying for grants. Once the money is raised, members will return to the village to discuss zoning and construction issues. The Board of Trustees would also have to amend the Village Code to allow dogs off-leash in the park.
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