Dog Park Location Debate

Dog park supporters divided on the location
By Wynne Parry Staff Writer 03/21/2008

STAMFORD - Residents were unanimous this week in supporting an effort to create Stamford's first dog park.

But, during a public hearing Wednesday night at city hall, dog owners and others had many opinions about where to put it.

The city is considering four sites - Czesick Park on Shippan Avenue, the Hunt Complex on Courtland Avenue and two sites in Kosciuszko Park on Dyke Lane.

"None of the locations are perfect. Each has advantages and drawbacks," said city Rep. Arthur Layton, R-17.

Layton and city Rep. Eileen Heaphy, D-8, hatched the idea and formed the nonprofit Friends of the Stamford Dog Park about a year ago. They hope to raise $40,000 to create it.

Resident Coleen Banks, 49, said her visits to the prospective sites left her strongly against one - the Hunt Complex - the least expensive option and a city favorite.

The site near Exit 9 of Interstate 95 is isolated, she said.

"I was uncomfortable being there," she said. "I just think that if you are going to provide something for the dog owners of the city of Stamford, it would be rather insulting to give them this rather unparklike setting."

Resident David Winston, 58, spoke in favor of the Hunt Complex.

A Cove resident and cat owner, Winston said he would like to attract dogs and their owners to the area.

"That kind of activity is going to encourage a neighborhood environment," he said.

Other speakers addressed the two remaining sites. Czesick Park drew concern because of the traffic the dog park might generate and the controversy embroiling the neighborhood over proposed artificial turf fields at West Beach across the street.

Kosciuszko Park has a high water table, making it muddy, and it is more remote, said a resident, Jan Goldfluss, 50.

The Parks and Recreation Commission plans to decide at its next meeting, scheduled for April 16, said Mickey Docimo, director of parks and recreation for the city.

Once the department approves the park and selects a site, the Friends of the Stamford Dog Park must come up with the money for a fence, benches and other items.

The group has raised about $2,300, Heaphy said.