Wyckoff OKs Dog Walking in Local Parks

The Wyckoff Township Committee approved an ordinance at their meeting last week which will permanently allow dog owners to walk their pets in Community Park and the Larkin House property.

The new ordinance followed , which allowed residents to walk their dogs in the same areas, but needed review by the Committee before the end of the year. According to Mayor Kevin Rooney, the program would not have continued if residents had not cleaned up after their pets.

"There were no incidents of any messes," Rooney said. "I'm very proud of the residents who utilized the parks for that purpose.

Rooney told Patch that the Committee may also add areas of Pulis Field for dog-walkers next year, though the exact plans will have to wait for details from the Parks and Recreation Foundation, which is currently working on raising funds to renovate the field.

Wyckoff dog owner John Christopher said he is pleased with the new law, though he had not heard about it.

"I think that it is good idea, and I think responsible dog owners will think it's a good idea," Christopher said.

Christopher said he hopes dog owners will clean up after their pets in the park, but he has seen some messes left behind along Wyckoff Avenue.

According to Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox, anyone caught walking their dog in an area where it is still not legal could face fines of up to $1,000.

The idea for letting dog owners utilize local parks came from a resident at a "Meet the Mayor" event earlier this year, according to Mayor Rooney.

"A lot of good ideas came out of my 'Meet the Mayor' meetings this year," Rooney said.