Perry Hall Dog Park at Honeygo Gains Approval

Perry Hall's first-ever could be completed this year.

After months of uncertainty, the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks has confirmed that a dog park will be permitted at , announced.

Follow Perry Hall Patch on Facebook and Twitter.

A grassroots movement to construct a Perry Hall dog park started in April 2011 when Patch pet columnist wrote about .

After commenters asked if a dog park could ever be constructed in Perry Hall, she started the Perry Hall Dog Park Facebook group.

The proposed quickly gained among community members, county and state elected officials and the Perry Hall Improvement Association.

In August, Marks Zaluzney to a task force to work toward the park's construction. A series of meetings was held between the task force and county officials.

The county currently operates two dog parks, B.A.R.C. Park at Hannah More Park in Reisterstown and Paw Point at Robert E. Lee Park in Ruxton.

The Perry Hall proposal was met by some resistance, including some county officials who were concerned about adequate parking at the Honeygo park. Alternate locations, included one in Kingsville, were suggested to host the park, Marks said. 

But the Honeygo park continued to be considered an "ideal location," Zaluzney said. Parts of Honeygo park, located along Honeygo Boulevard, have already become informal play areas for dogs.

The dog park will be located in a small field, isolated from the athletic fields and picnic pavilions, on the eastern edge of the park, Marks said.

Zaluzney referred to Perry Hall's proposed dog park as the "Perry Paws Family Dog Park."

"Dog parks add to the quality of life in the communities in which they exist and we look forward to Perry Hall and the surrounding areas being enhanced and enriched by this project," she stated.

Zaluzney emphasized that tax dollars will not be used toward the construction of the park, which will require fencing and signage. 

"We are looking forward to working with local businesses and individuals to raise the funds needed to build the dog park as no county funds will be used," she said.

At Marks' request, the developer of the planned in Perry Hall is already expected to make a $5,000 donation toward the dog park project.

Marks thanked state officials who represent Perry Hall for their support of the project—senators Kathy Klausmeier and J.B. Jennings and delegates Joe Boteler, John Cluster, Kathy Szeliga and Eric Bromwell.

Marks also recognized the PHIA, the , the White Marsh Recreation Council and the Northgate Hall Homeowners Association for supporting the proposed park.

Zaluzney thanked Marks for being a "catalyst in this effort from the beginning and through his tireless work for the community."

In separate statements, Zaluzney, Marks and Dennis M. Robinson, Jr., president of the PHIA, also thanked officials with the county Department of Recreation and Parks and County Executive Kevin Kamenetz for their support.

"We think the dog park will provide a wonderful place for Perry Hall residents and their furry family members to enjoy the outdoors together," Robinson stated.

Would you bring your dog to a dog park? Tell us why or why not in the comments.