Council Expected to Move on Dog Park

Construction on the Phelps Park dog run is largely finished and the township will soon take up an ordinance allowing dogs in the newly built area, Township Manager William Broughton said. 

"The dog park is just about done," Broughton told the town council Tuesday night. 

Public works crews have working to convert the former above-ground swimming pool site to the town's only off-leash dog run. The finishing touches include installing water fountains and benches, Broughton said. 

With work almost done, the town council will soon take on an ordinance allowing dogs in the park, the town manager said. Officials will also develop regulations for visitors. 

The dog park was first proposed years ago and the town ran a pilot program allowing owners to have their dogs off leashes in Phelps Park. Officials have said the test didn't lead to any resident complaints. 

The town council first considered upgrading the Phelps Park pool to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, but nixed the idea when bids came in at around $700,000. 

One proposal to build the dog park across from Temple Emeth on Windsor Road was dropped when officials learned the area could be considered wetlands.

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