Year-’round dog park being proposed in Aspinwall
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Aspinwall officials are pondering a permanent spot to put a dog park.
The borough has such a space during the winter months at Ben Killian Field along Field Avenue. It’s open from Nov. 1 through March 31.
Council members earlier this month talked about having a dog park in the lower fields the rest of the year.
The idea has some support, but no official action is expected for at least a few more meetings. Details such as size of the park, who may manage it and how to pay for it have yet to be determined.
“This is just really preliminary,” said Marcia Cooper, councilwoman and property and parks chair. “There is nothing being voted on. We’re still collecting feedback from residents, and I’m collecting feedback from council members.”
She also noted the winter park has been frequently used without problems.
“The residents seem to love it,” Cooper said. “We really don’t have any negative feedback from the winter dog park.”
One reason the site is open to dogs only in winter is so the pets don’t interfere with Fox Chapel Area Baseball Softball Association games in the spring and summer.
“I personally like the idea of a year-‘round dog park, but not 100% sure that’s the right spot,” council President Tim McLaughlin said. “The residents proposing the idea offered to help defray costs, but we have yet to explore what those costs are. It’s not as easy as putting up a fence.
”I do have two pitbulls and would use the park if we had one. I use the riverfront dog park on occasion, but our dogs just enjoy patrolling the streets of Aspinwall on our daily walks.”
Cooper credited resident Carolyn Haas for the idea for a year-round dog park. Haas declined to comment.
FCABSA spokesman Eric Marlo said the organization has about 425 youths that make up more than 35 teams with players ages 5 to 18.
It utilizes fields in Aspinwall, Sharpsburg, O’Hara and Indiana townships.
“We love working with and being a part of the community,” Marlo said. “If there’s a way we could make something happen (for a dog park) that wouldn’t interfere with the baseball softball experience for the kids, we’re absolutely willing to discuss those plans.”
Residents who wish to comment on the dog park idea can contact the borough office, email Cooper at Mcooper.aspinwall@gmail.com or email McLaughlin at Tim@321Blink.com.