WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Animal Control Officer Chris Sullivan provided an update posted the following message to residents on his Department’s Facebook page on Friday:
Greetings,
The dog park has been open for a month now, so I would like to evaluate how things have gone, what has worked well, and what needs improving.
First, let me say that as of today I still have not received any reports of a dog bite or complaint about an aggressive dog. That being said, I read on the Community Page that some owners are letting their dog(s) in and then they are instantly on their phone, their dog(s) forgotten about. This is unacceptable. The park is not a drop off day care where once the dog is off its leash you’re free and clear. Would you do that with your child at a playground (please say no)? YOUR dog is YOUR responsibility.
Second, there is still the issue of dog waste not being picked up, and/or bags of waste being left in the park. At 8:00am yesterday I went to the park and there were two bags. Good, but we can do better. I know several members of the “Friends of Wilmington Dog Park” that, not only take all the bags of waste that are left, but actually walk around the park and pick up after other dogs, and then bring that with them as well. And then there are the people I don’t know about that pick up the waste or remove other people’s bags. Can you imagine what that park would be like if they didn’t do this? Please, everyone is there for the same reason, right? Everyone wants a nice local dog park to use, give your dog(s) a run, meet some other dog owners, right? Then please, CARRY A BAG IN, clean up after your dog, and CARRY THE BAG OUT and bring it home with you. That goes for trash as well. After all, the park is CARRY IN/CARRY OUT.
Third, the subject of a trash barrel is a hot topic. Please believe me when I tell you that the town not putting a barrel there is because of the financial cost is incorrect. The CARRY IN/CARRY OUT policy at Silver Lake has been very successful, and the town used that model for this effort. Studies have shown that people will put trash into an already overflowing barrel, creating increased trash and litter. I’ve seen great ideas for bringing the dog waste home; under the windshield wiper, in a coffee can, etc. It’s the same as when your walking your dog around the neighborhood. Do you pick up the poop (please say yes)? Do you throw out your Starbucks or Dunks iced coffee cup on the ground when there is no barrel around? No. You bring it home and throw it away correctly.
It’s NO different. Bring the waste/trash home with you, and dispose of properly.
In conclusion, let me just say that it’s a few people. I know the majority of owners abide by the rules and make every effort to keep Wilmington Dog Park a clean, fun and enjoyable park. And for that, I can’t thank you enough. To the “Friends” that keep an eye on the park every day, and to everyone else who does their part and more to make the park great, thank you, and keep up the good work.
When I’m not on a call or doing reports, I’m usually at the park. Come over and say hi. Give me some feedback. Let me know what can be done to improve the experience. The Wilmington Recreation financed this park after many suggestions were made asking for a dog park during the Yentile Park planning phase. The town listened and heard you, and the result was Wilmington Dog Park. Now it’s up to EVERYONE to do their part, and keep the park a clean, fun and enjoyable one.
Thank you,
Chris
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 