Cape May Group Wants Dog Park

CAPE MAY — Shelia Williams and her group the Cape May Dog Friendly Association want to establish a dog park in the city.
The group formed about one year ago with Williams and Councilwoman Linda Streenrod, who operate two dog friendly guesthouses.
Williams said they hoped to loosen up dog regulations in Cape May, so there were fewer “No Dogs Allowed” signs.
“Allow a little more freedom for dog owners to walk, exercise and enjoy their dogs,” she said.
Williams said they met with City Manager Luciano Corea Jr.
She said there are few possible locations for a dog park in the city. Corea said such a park would not be on city property.
Locations suggested by members of the public have included Wise-Anderson Park, Harborview Park, the area around the Madison Avenue water tower or a section of beach.
Corea told the Herald none of those locations would be available for a dog park. He said a park would need to be located on private property.
Williams said she would like to see a temporary dog park on the former Vance’s Bar site on Lafayette Street. The parcel is privately owned and will be developed into condominiums.
She is eyeing a plot of land on Pittsburgh Avenue that houses a U.S. Navy radio tower as a permanent location.
Corea said that could be a possible location but at this time, the parcel is owned by the Navy. He said the tower is slated to be removed and the city may become future owners of the lot.
William said the dog group is investigating a site behind the Emlen Physick Estate, off Washington Street. While the site is operated by Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts, it is leased from the city, which would have to grant approval, said Corea.
Williams said she feels dog owners will need to prove they can be responsible for cleaning up after their dogs before the city becomes more “dog-friendly.” She said a dog park is a controversial.
The Ocean City Dog Park Association operates the Cape May County Dog Park at 45th Street and Haven Avenue. The association charges a yearly fee of $25 for county residents, $35 for non-residents, and $10 for use of the park for one week.
Participants receive a “Paw Pass” to enter the fenced dog park.
The park has three separately fenced areas for dogs over 25 pounds, dogs under 25 pounds and a dog run area for all dogs. It features a picnic table, water fountains for dogs and their owners and “Pooper-Scooper” dispensers and bags.
Williams said a dog park would be an inducement for tourists who travel with their dogs.
“I think more and more people have dogs and they are part of the family and they want to have them with them,” she said.
Williams is a retired teacher and participates in “Caring Clowns” at Cape Regional Medical Center and Shore Memorial Hospital. She admits at one time she was an irresponsible dog owner who let her dog out the door to do “his business.”
“Things have changed and it’s all for good,” said Williams. “I did a 180 and I feel almost ashamed of myself.”
A benefit called “Tropical Dog Days,” will be held to raise funds for a dog park at Cape May’s Designer Showhouse July 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 advance or $50 at the door which includes refreshments and drinks.
The association can be e-mailed at mans-best-friend@hotmail.com
Contact Fichter at (609) 886-8600 Ext 30 or at: jfichter@cmcherald.com