West Hartford Dogs Will Get Their Park

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Folks looking to take Fido for a nice, leash-free jaunt are smiling these days after the zoning board this week approved plans for a temporary dog park in town.

After a public hearing Wednesday night in which support for such a facility was clear, the West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission voted in favor of a special permit to operate the dog park.

It will be located on a site behind the old St. Brigid School, now owned by the town, at 100 Mayflower St.

The application was filed by David Coleman and Pamela Hershinson, who serve as co-presidents of the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition, an organization looking for a permanent dog park site.

Currently, the St. Brigid School parcel will be home to a new community/senior center and library, and construction of that project is a main reason why this is a temporary location for now.

“We’re thrilled that the Town P&Z Commission approved our application for a temporary dog park on the grassy area behind St. Brigid school,” said Coleman, co-president of the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition.

“The hearing room was filled to capacity with dog park supporters, many of whom spoke passionately about how much they wanted a dog park here in town. I’d like to thank the town manager and town council members for their encouragement and support in making this a reality. This new dog park will enable both dogs and their owners to socialize and help foster community spirit.”

According to Hershinson, dog lovers may not have to wait too long to bring their beloved pets out, just in time for fall's chill to begin.

“As soon as the fence is up, which we hope will be within a couple of weeks, folks can start bringing their dogs to the dog park,” said Hershinson, co- president of the coalition, on Thursday.

“We expect the dog park will last a year or so. It depends on when construction of the new community center begins. Once the property is a construction site, we’ll be seeking another location for the dog park.”

For more information and updates by the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition, click on this link.

From Aug. 10: 'West Hartford Dogs May Get Their Park'