Council Approves 2 Temporary Parks For Dogs In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ – Council on Monday voted unanimously in favor of two resolutions establishing dog parks in the Municipality. The decision was met with a huge round of applause from the audience present.

One resolution looks to install a temporary dog park at Community Park South and the other authorizes a pilot program for off-leash dogs at Quarry Park.

During the meeting, many residents thanked the Council and voiced their support for the dog park.

Resident Julie Zimmerman of Ceder Lane said she was thrilled this was happening. “It has been such a long time coming,” the resident said. “It’s a no-brainer – it builds community, it builds unity and promotes healthy behavior.”

A Nassau Street resident thanked Councilwoman Mia Sacks for her efforts and said a “small step forward is a good step forward.”

Back in August 2019, a Dog Park Task Force was formed which was led by Councilwoman Mia Sacks. The task force explored options for potential sites for a dog park and examined the various logistical issues involving operation and construction. More: Princeton Dog Park Alliance Starts Campaign For Community Support

In November last year, the Princeton Dog Park Alliance made a presentation to Council emphasizing the overall benefits of dog parks. Council members expressed their support for the proposal.

The temporary pilot program allows dogs to be off-leash at Quarry Park from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for 90 days. The program goes into effect Nov. 1. Dogs are not permitted within Maggie’s Playground Page 2 of 4 or on the basketball court.

Mayor Mark Freda said he was concerned about having a place for dogs to run without being fenced in at Quarry Park, saying it was close to Harrison Street and children nearby.

“This isn’t really a dog park. What we are doing is taking a regular park and saying dogs can run unleashed. I’d be a little concerned as to how close Harrison Street is if the dog decided to ignore its owner and run off, and there’s a playground right nearby,” Freda said.

The mayor said this was the worse time in the year to try out the Quarry Park pilot program because officials won’t know how much activity is in the park when school’s out.

Sacks pointed out that the area has served as an unofficial dog park for several years without incidents.

“I’d say there are about 20-30 dogs on any given morning. They have chosen this spot and have been requesting Council sanction that activity,” Sacks said. “There hasn’t been a single incident to child or dog.”

If there are issues with the pilot program, the Council will pull the plug on it, Sacks said.

The other resolution authorizes the installation of temporary fencing for a dog park at Community Park South.

The temporary dog park will include separate areas for small and large dogs, and an ‘airlock’ or lobby area where dogs should be unleashed before entering the play areas and leashed before leaving. Dogs outside the fenced area should be on a leash.

The estimated cost of installing the fence is not expected to exceed $10,000.

Rules for the temporary fenced dog park will be posted at the entrance.

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