Dogs will get a park all their own this fall

By jamie dougher
Staff Writer

By jamie dougher
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG — Dogs will soon be allowed to run free in a new dog park without disobeying the local leash ordinance.

Councilwoman Barbara Carpenter worked with Ralph Albanir, the Middlesex County director of parks and recreation, for over a year to make the dog park a reality inside the county-owned Thompson Park.

"It’s very important to me," she said. "I’m sure everyone will love it. It will be good socialization for dogs and their pet owners as well."

The dog park, slated for a late-September opening, was officially approved by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders at its June 5 meeting, and Carpenter was also recognized by that board for her efforts.

"This is a good opportunity to let dogs run loose," she said. "Any given day people walk dogs [in the park] constantly."

The Thompson Park location will encompass 2 acres and have two fenced-in areas separating dogs under 20 pounds from larger dogs. About 70 percent of the site will be reserved for the larger dogs. Visitors can gain access to the park through the Perrineville Road entrance to Thompson Park near the comfort station and the horse corrals.

The dog park, which people can enter free of charge, will be partly wooded and partly open space.

A smaller dog park, about 1 acre in size, will be constructed in Donaldson Park in the town of Highland Park.

Before the Jamesburg park can open, workers will have to clear a portion of land and install benches and water fountains. There also will be biodegradable bags and containers throughout the park for people to clean up after their dogs, which will be a requirement of the park.

The Middlesex County Department of Parks and Recreation also will prepare rules for the park governing dog and owner behavior and the number of dogs allowed in the park at one time.

County Freeholder Stephen Dalina noted that dog parks originated in California and grew in popularity as people sought out areas where their dogs could exercise and play without having to be on leashes.

Carpenter said she heard about dog parks a few years ago, and when she became a councilwoman she made it a priority to see that a dog park became a reality.

"As the owner of two [Labrador retrievers], I am very excited about the dog park and I intend to bring my dogs there on a daily basis," she said.