The area north of the farm house across Copse would not have been my first pick. There must be a…Read More reason for picking that spot? but, looking at satellite images, if the town owns the land abutting 95 (is that also part of the farm?), it would make more sense to place it in that lower section of the park as it would not be near as many residential homes. The interstate is already noisy and would mask the occasional yip and yap on Saturdays or weekday summer evenings before sunset. I also wonder about the cliffs acting as sound amplifiers? I know, it sounds nuts but, you need to check or, yikes. You want to spend the most time on location work and design. Hopefully the UConn students have an architecture professor leading on the design work?

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JC May 21, 2013 at 05:25 pm

I have lived all over the U.S. in areas with dog parks. All were fenced (99% of dog parks ARE fenced…Read More and any that are not should be avoided!) All have an area for big dogs, plus an area for little dogs, and an area for "problem" dogs and dog training (reservation based or first come). All three areas are divided by interior fences or located in different sections. Dog parks create no problems at all if built right and managed right. All dogs MUST have a licence and rabies tag on a collar. All dogs must be neutered over 8 months of age. All owners (18 and older) must observe the dog at all times and PICK UP when a gift is left. No children under 12. If your dog was not properly socialized or is an untested aggressive breed, keep them at home until you are sure they are good citizens with strangers and dogs. Only happy dogs who get along with other dogs should EVER visit a dog park. Puppies also should stay away until they are a few months old. Very small toy dogs don't need a dog park and are best kept away. But all the parks I have used were not a problem at all. It is also important to have some parking, seating (benches), and shelter for humans and a bulletin board with rules at the entrance (double gate at each). Some parks are free to town/county residents. Some were owned by the town/county but run by volunteers (these were the best!). Most charged nothing but one charged way too much per year (it was owned and partly run by the county with volunteers). I think any of these combinations could work but, if a yearly permit is issued (proven you have rabies shot, etc.), the fee, if any, should be very low. $10 or less for dogs under 25 lbs and $15 or less for dogs 26 lbs and larger. It should pay for upkeep and poop pickup bags. Why so low? Because it is a park for dogs! Grass, dirt, and some trees. Not the Opera or a Rolling Stones concert. A volunteer group needs to raise money first. It takes a few years and longer than you think. Starting with finding a location acceptable to all (nearly impossible due to NIMBY types but doable - Baur is actually a good pick) and hiring a landscape architect (pro bono hopefully) to design/lay it out to town code. There are many dog parks all over the U.S. that are proven and work well. Madison and this part of CT do need more fenced dog parks.

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David Moloney May 21, 2013 at 10:07 am

The plan to let dogs off leash needs clarification. The park and the town are in the planning phases…Read More of a fenced off leach area that was designed by landscape architecture students from UCONN. This is part of the overall plan for the the park. The area slated for use is north of the Bauer Farmhouse on the other side of Copse road. It is in the wooded area on the other side of the brook abutting the cliffs. I agree dogs should be allowed off leash, however some dog owners are not in full control of their dogs, so the fenced off leash area is a good alternative for the safety and enjoyment of all.

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