By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Dog owners in Bowling Green are looking to unleash support for at least one dog park in the community.
A small contingent of dog owners pitched their request Monday evening, giving the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Board something to chew on.
The licensed dog population in Bowling Green grew during COVID to 3,477, according to Raul and Jo Ascunce, who adopted Charlie during the pandemic – “to help us to simply get through the lonely days of our isolation.”
Since then, the Ascunces have traveled throughout the U.S., taking Charlie with them.
“We have experienced some absolutely lovely city-sponsored dog parks,” Jo Ascunce told the parks and rec board.
The couple and Charlie aren’t big fans of the county dog park next to the Wood County Dog Shelter on East Gypsy Lane Road.
“The dog park we are proposing would be much more accessible, being located within existing parkland,” Jo Ascunce said, listing the possible sites of Wintergarden Park, Conneaut-Haskins Park, City Park, or the city arboretum located on city land in between Pearl and West Wooster streets, near Wintergarden Road.
Creating the dog park would qualify for COVID relief funding – since it would be a one-time funding opportunity, she said.
“We truly feel that a more accessible, well appointed dog park would be most beneficial to the dog owning residents of Bowling Green, and a real attraction and asset to our community,” Jo Ascunce said. “It will bring all types of people in the community to one spot.”
Such an amenity could help attract young professionals to the city and help keep BGSU students in town after they graduate, she said.
In a letter to the parks and rec board, Amy Craft Ahrens also asked the city to consider creating a dog park.
“As a local dog owner, I know the value of having the chance to let my dog play and romp with other dogs,” Craft Ahrens said.
“One of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis was that a lot of folks got new pets over the last two years,” she wrote. “Having access to a dog park could play a part in making those pets, along with their owners, happy and healthy.”
The county dog park does not fit the bill because of its location and because so few dogs use it – defeating the purpose of using the park for canine socialization, Craft Ahrens said.
“I believe a more centrally located dog park would get more use,” she wrote. “Having a more accessible dog park would be beneficial for both dog owners and the community at large.”
Bowling Green City Council member Jeff Dennis has been hearing from a lot of dog owners who would like a park dedicated to dogs in the city.
“I’ve been surprised myself at the number of people showing support,” Dennis said.
Yes, Wood County has a dog park next to the dog shelter on East Gypsy Lane Road. But that isn’t good enough, Dennis said.
“The location is very far from ideal,” he said of the park which is not walkable from the city. “That’s a huge obstacle for a lot of folks.”
The city parks and recreation department has suggested that the city could do a better job educating residents about that dog park on the edge of Bowling Green. But Dennis believes the city can do more than that.
“The city can do better,” he said.
In fact, Dennis believes the city should consider a dog park in each of the city’s four wards.
“I think this is a fantastic idea. They are extremely popular with young professionals and families,” he said. “It gives an opportunity to meet and socialize with people with like interests.”
City officials have identified a desire to attract more young professionals and their families to Bowling Green. That target demographic wants dog parks, according to Dennis.
“Dog parks are the top priority being offered by parks,” he said.
But adding a dog park did not make the cut in the recently proposed master plan for the city’s parks and recreation department.
According to a recreational needs survey conducted in 2021, the number of people wanting a dog park was similar to those wanting outdoor pickleball courts – less than 2% for both, Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley said.
Pickleball courts are in the planning stages now, Otley said, but that is because the city already has a dog park on the outskirts of town – and local pickleball players are raising funds for the courts.
Otley estimated it would take at least an acre to create a dog park, with separate areas designated for small, medium and large dogs.
“It’s one thing to build it – it’s another thing to operate it,” Otley said. “It’s not just putting up a fence.”
Plus dog parks are not always popular among neighbors.
“We’re always taking neighbors into consideration,” Otley said.
Park board members expressed support and concerns about dog parks.
“I’m a proud dog owner myself,” Cal Bowers said, asking if the former BGSU Forrest Creason golf course property has been considered for a dog park.
Linda Cubberley asked about the liabilities involved if a dog were to attack another dog or person. Dennis mentioned that a couple dog parks in Toledo had been leased to non-profit groups because of that concern.
“All these other communities have figured it out,” Dennis said.
Cale Hover said he understood the appeal of dog parks, but added that his dogs probably wouldn’t use them. “I have two dogs who are horribly behaved.”
While using an existing park would save on expenses, Hover pointed out that the original purposes of those parklands need to be considered.
“Where you put it, you’re also taking space away from people who use it,” he said.
Hover also questioned how many people want a dog park in Bowling Green, adding, “I’m open to listening about all sorts of proposals.”
Emily Keegan suggested those advocating for a dog park do some research on the best location, the space needed, the types of amenities desired, and the cost to maintain the park.
Jodi Anderson said if a suitable location was found, the site could be fenced in, then amenities could be added over time.
City Council member Bill Herald suggested that a committee of parks and recreation people and interested citizens be formed to research a dog park.
Dennis suggested Ridge Park as a possible location. But Otley said the proximity to neighborhood residences could be a problem.
“I can assure you there are some neighbors who would not be happy,” she said.
Raul Ascunce asked about some space at Wintergarden Park. But Anderson said that acreage is intended for a nature preserve.
And then there’s the issue of all the poop.
“Most dog owners are responsible, if they are going to dog parks” they will clean up after their pet, Dennis said. “They respect other dog owners and do their best to keep it clean.”
But a volunteer group could also be created to help keep the dog parks clean, he said.
“We’re not reinventing the wheel here,” Dennis said.
