Tilton resident requests dog park

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Spaniard’s Bay council had agreed to consider the creation of a dog park for the canine-loving residents of town and their pets.

The idea got an airing at council’s February 4public meeting following a request from a resident of Tilton.

To give the matter some context, Deputy Mayor Tammy Oliver pointed out there had been a committee meeting the week before to discuss potential spending initiatives for the Town’s gas tax money. A list of possible initiatives was compiled during that session, she added. As for the idea of a dog park, Oliver said it is a great one, whether it gets established in the area suggested by the resident or somewhere else in town.

“The need seems to be growing,” said Oliver, who surmised the most expensive part of such a project would be the fencing.

Councillor Darlene Stamp cautioned against making any decision about a dog park just yet.

Oliver agreed, but said a dog park was on the list of possible initiatives the Town could invest in. Stamp admitted a dog park is a good idea, but pointed out she and councillor Sherry Lundrigan were not at the gas tax meeting and therefore unaware of the other initiatives discussed.

Stamp said all of council should discuss where the gas tax money will go, and she would like to see the list of initiatives.

Councillor Lundrigan, a dog-owner herself, also agreed that a dog park is a good idea but argued there could be an issue in establishing one near a playground, referring to the location suggested to council by the Tilton resident.

Councillor Eric Jewer added that some people might not want a dog park next to their house due to potential noise.

While no decisions were made regarding a dog park, Mayor Paul Brazil said it is something the Town will continue to explore.