Will Princeton Get A New Dog Park? Council To Discuss Monday

PRINCETON, NJ — If you have a dog, you already know how difficult it is to find a recreational space in town for your furry friends. But this may change soon. The Council is all set to look into the possibility of having a dog park in town, or at least spaces where dogs to go leash-free.

On Monday, the Council will hear a proposal for a dog park and a presentation will be made.

Back in August 2019, a Dog Park Task Force was formed which was led by Councilwoman Mia Sacks. The task force explored options for potential sites for a dog park and examined the various logistical issues involving operation and construction.

Then in mid-September this year, a petition began circulating on Change.org which called for off-leash hours for dogs in public parks. The petition has garnered 351 signatures.

“There are no public places that allow dogs to gather off leash in Princeton, NJ. The closest dog parks are in Pennington and Hopewell which both require cars to access,” said petitioner Calvin Chin.

“Dogs (and their owners) would welcome the opportunity to gather in community, and allow their pets to run free with each other. The pandemic has highlighted how important it is to provide outdoor spaces for people to gather in community.”

In October community members met with Councilwomen Mia Sacks and Letitia Fraga to express their support for a dog park.

According to the presentation being made to Council, a large dog park or smaller neighborhood dogs parks are being proposed. The dog park task force has also identified various parcels of land for this purpose.

Some of the large dog park location possibilities include Historic Overview which is now developed as the Washington Oaks condo development and Gulick Preserve. The smaller dog park location suggestions include Greenway Meadows, Harrison Park, Grover Park, and Quarry Park.

The presentation also includes the approximate costs of the project.

The Council will meet Monday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. You can see the entire agenda, including the dog park proposal presentation by clicking here.

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