Doggone It: No Park Yet for Pooches

On one hand, could have provided a good site for an off-leash dog park, as it wasn't located along any busy streets.

However, that was probably the only plus the site had going for it.

The Parks and Recreation Board Monday discussed the viability of such a park at the neighborhood site, but it became quickly apparent that a lack of parking and its small size would keep the park out of the running as an exercise area for dogs.

Parks Director Craig Anderson pointed out that Minooka Park in Waukesha had such a park, but met minimum criteria for acreage.

"There are actually two areas — one that's about three acres for small dogs, and the other is about 15 acres for dogs 30 pounds and over," he explained. Schmidt Park is 6.5 acres.

In addition, was also too small to accommodate such an area.

The question of having a dog park has been brought up in the past, but Anderson said that the only area that the potential for a park exists at Park Arthur, in the southeastern corner of the city And that could only happen if more land was acquired for the park.

Other "natural" areas like Engel Conservation Area on Henneberry Drive and Racine Avenue, and the newly-purchased  are also not likely, as the intent of those properties was for conservation. Having dogs roam those areas would compromise that intent.

Dogs are not allowed in city parks, but the recreational trail does allow dogs on leash.