Brockton is selecting Lobies Park in Walkerton for a one-year off leash dog park pilot project.
This comes after council heard from Director of Community Services Colleen Gillis during a meeting on April 23, recommending the park at 20 Hannah Street be used for the pilot.
“We are planning to do this for a year just to evaluate the location and we have got a feedback form out there right now just so we can get our community to get involved and let us know if they like the location, if they have any other suggestions. It is just something that the Parks and Rec Committee has been advocating for years to move forward, so we are happy to put this in place,” says Gillis.
During the pilot, there will be temporary fencing, but future design plans call for more permanent fencing and would extend the size of the park closer to Younge Street. Additionally, trees will be plated at the east end this spring to provide a future shade canopy.
Gillis says the park is now open and they have seen a lot of visitors.
She adds while there were a couple of other choices for the pilot, Lobies Park was selected for its easy access to washrooms, its large open area, and is already maintained by the municipality.
“It gives a safe and secure place for dog owners to take their dogs to socialize and get some good exercise, and for the dog owners themselves to have that option to socialize and meet other dog owners,” says Gillis.
Gillis recommends those who attend the park to read the rules posted outside before entering.
Those who would like to provide feedback can do so through an anonymous survey found on the municipal website here.