Public Hearing On Stafford Dog Park Continued

STAFFORD, CT — A public hearing Tuesday concerning a proposed dog park on Route 190 was continued to the next meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission.

The Stafford Bark Park, run by an all-volunteer committee, has been proposed to sit on a 1.75 acre piece of land at 15 Buckley Highway, currently owned by Judith and David Mordasky, operators of Stafford Veterinary Center. Judith Mordasky told the commission she and her husband plan to donate the piece of property to the town, which would in turn lease it to the Bark Park committee.

A presentation by dog park spokesperson Bion Williamson indicated plans call for construction of a 100 foot by 200 foot fenced-in dog park on the property, with separate sides for large and small dogs. The Bark Park committee would be responsible for maintaining the grounds, as well as all liability.

Parking would primarily be in the rear portion of the adjacent lot behind the Stafford Senior Center, which was a concern for the director of the center, Grace Parrow. She noted that many of the seniors that come to the center use canes and walkers, and if there are a lot of dogs in the lot, they may become startled or trip and fall, according to meeting minutes.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents spoke in favor of the park, while others had questions pertaining to the plans. Commission members unanimously voted to continue the hearing until the next P & Z meeting, which is scheduled for July 23.