Windham Presents Dog Park Plans to Planning Board

WINDHAM - Using the language of those for whom the spot is intended, it might be a “woof woof” and “bow wow” future in Windham.

Town supervisor Thomas Hoyt, in a phone interview earlier this week, said plans for a Dog Park have been presented to the local planning board.

A public hearing is scheduled for February 1 on the park which, if approved, would be located at the Windham Path, along Route 23.

“This is something that has been on a back-burner for a year or so,” Hoyt said, noting the idea was first brought forth by private citizens.

“There were other things going on back then. like the new ambulance building, and now interest is being shown again,” Hoyt said.

The town owns the Windham Path property, prompting Hoyt to bring the preliminary sketches of the park to the planning board, last week.

“We have to go through the process the same as anybody else,” Hoyt said, making available an extensive outline of the proposed park, prepared in March, 2023, by resident Joe Gorberg. The goal is:

—“to establish a conveniently located fenced in, off-leash dog park by providing a clean, safe place for people and their dogs to play, socialize and promote responsible dog ownership without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife;

—“to develop a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions;

“This park will be a community project, in partnership with the Town of Windham, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike,” the outline states.

Providing design ideas, the Gorberg outline states, “a dog park typically includes three areas; large dog area, small dog area for dogs up to 25 pounds and a transition area.

“A minimum of a 4-foot tall chain link fence, either galvanized or vinyl coated, [would] be installed around the perimeter of the site. 

“Black vinyl coated fencing tends to blend into the background better and is more aesthetically appealing.

“The fence should include both top and bottom rails, with the bottom rails installed as close to the ground as possible,” the outline states.

“If the budget and site permit, and if it is necessary to buffer the dog run

area, vegetation should be planted on the outside of the fence to aid in the aesthetic quality of the site and to assist in mitigating the minimal noise associated with the dog park.

“An entry corral or transition area, consisting of at least an 8 foot x 8 foot fenced area with two gates and preferably 100-150 sq ft., should be provided to allow for pet owners to safely unleash their dog prior to letting them in the dog run area,” the outline states. 

“The two sets of gates needed for the transition areas or entries should be self-latching, with both opening toward the interior spaces. These gates should also be wide enough to be ADA compliant.”

The outline recommends, “hardscape surface for the transition areas or entrances, as well as a swath of hard surface for an apron just beyond the transition area enclosure, always an area of very high traffic within the main fenced enclosures.

“Dog parks should be located so as not to detract from the aesthetic

quality of a park or open space. Ideally, the dog park should be designed to integrate well into the existing site.

“A variety of surfaces may be used within a site. Crushed fines at the entry are recommended as this area has a concentration of use. If possible, lawn areas should be rested periodically to allow the turf to recover.

“Rules shall be clearly posted, including codes of behavior, hours, and requirements for entry,’ the outline states.

Regarding ADA accessibility, “barrier free access to the site should be provided, as well as an area through the corral and at the entry.

“Trash containers and waste removal bag holders shall be provided in the dog run area, making sure that they are located with easy access for maintenance vehicles.

“Ideally, several benches should be provided in convenient locations to allow for gathering and resting throughout the dog park area.”

The outline also covers items such as a walking path around the perimeter, shade trees, drinking fountains, lighting and agility equipment.

Hoyt said a private group is currently working on raising money, although a combination of funding sources could emerge.

The park, if approved, was initially estimated to cost between $37,700 to $50,900, adding up to $15,400 for optional agility equipment, etc.

“If we do this, it will be done in a very professional way, like our ambulance center and highway garage, and a benefit to the community,” Hoyt said.