|
Tails wagging over new Beloit dog park |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Dennis Hines/Stateline News
|
|
Tuesday, 11 December 2012 13:32 |
Dennis Hines/staff
Philip Allen, left, and Jonny Longstreth let their dogs, Summer and Delta, get some exercise at the new dog park located near the corner of Leeson Drive and Milwaukee Road.
BELOIT — Summer, a golden lab, appears more than happy to have a place to get some exercise without being confined to a leash.
Beloit Parks and Leisure Services opened the dog park last Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. The 2.5-acre park features a 1,700-foot linear fence, which can be accessed through Lesson Park near Milwaukee Road and Lesson Drive. The park is divided into two areas, a 2-acre area for large breeds and a half-acre area for small breeds.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said Philip Allen, who was at the park with Summer. “I think it’s great to have a place where you can bring your dog off-leash and let them run free.”
Brian Ramsey, director of Beloit Parks and Leisure Services, said the city has been working on the dog park for about two years.
The dog park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Owners only may allow their dogs to run off-leash in the fenced-in areas, and they must pick up after their dog. Waste bags and receptacles are available at the park. Visitors may have three dogs in the park at a time, dogs cannot be left unattended and dog treats are only allowed for training purposes. Dogs must be at least 4 months old in order to enter, and the park is for dogs only. No other types of pets are allowed.
“The main rule is that the owners have to be in control of their dog at all times,” Ramsey said. “If the dog doesn’t behave, it will be asked to be removed.”
The cost to use the park will be a $5 daily fee for both residents and nonresidents and $20 for an annual ID pass for residents and $30 for nonresidents. Fees can be placed in a drop box located near the park, unless the dog has the appropriate ID. Fees will go into effect as of Jan. 1.
Passes can be purchased at the city hall clerk’s office, 100 State St., Department of Public Works Operations and Park Building, 2351 Springbrook Court, and Beloit Parks and Leisure Services office, 1003 Pleasant St. Residents also can purchase a combination dog park ID and dog license for $25 a year at the city hall building.
“People can purchase their ID and purchase a license for their dog at a reduced rate,” Ramsey said.
Ramsey said city officials visited other communities that featured a dog park to obtain ideas for how to design Beloit’s dog park. He said, during the past few years, several residents have requested that a dog park be established in the community.
“Dog park facilities are a growing trend. Many people felt it was a great idea. There were many residents who wanted it,” Ramsey said. “Some residents said they had to drive to Janesville or some other community to use a dog park. It’s something we looked at a few years ago, but it was put on the back burner.”
Ramsey said he hopes the park also will help reduce the number of phone calls that the city receives about dogs running at large.
“One of the compliants we’ve gotten from residents is that people were letting their dogs run unleashed,” Ramsey said. “Now, we’ve provided a park site where people can let their dogs run free. There’s a lot of other parks where people can’t let their dogs run free.”
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed