Lewes dog owners seek park for man’s best friend

A group of Lewes dog owners has started a grassroots movement advocating development of a dog park in the city.

Lewes city ordinance requires dogs to be leashed at all times. In a dedicated dog park, dog owners could interact with their dog and their dog could interact with other dogs without the restriction of a leash.

“It’s important for dogs to socialize. It helps with their behavior and exercise. Dogs need to be able to run,” said Taylor Abercrombie, of Lewes Unleashed, the organization advocating the dog park.

Abercrombie said he and his wife, Jayne, Rick and Linda Palmer and Larry Wiley, formed Lewes Unleashed to garner support for the dog park.

Taylor Abercrombie said the organization has registered nearly 700 individuals through its website and through person-to-person contact such as at the Lewes Farmers Market.

He said more than 30 people have responded to a survey on the website answering questions about how frequently they would use a dog park and if they would give money to develop one. He said more than half of respondents said they would use the park daily.

Abercrombie said there are seven dog parks in New Castle County, two in Kent County, some in neighboring Maryland areas, but none in Sussex County.

He said Lewes Unleashed would present its dog park ideas 7 p.m., Monday, July 18, at the city’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting.

Although two areas have been tentatively discussed for a dog park, Abercrombie said Lewes Unleashed hasn’t taken a position on any location.

George H.P. Smith Park at Blockhouse Pond has been suggested because it has an area that’s mostly enclosed by a fence. The park has gates that are open most of time but can be closed. A completely fenced area is a required dog park feature.

“There are already sanitation stations there. Many people already bring their dogs there, and there’s a parking lot,” Abercrombie said. He said allowing Smith Park to be used as an official off-leash dog park for three hours a day would be an economical and acceptable start.

Carving an area for a dog park out of a parcel the city leases from the state adjacent to New Road and University of Delaware land has also been suggested.

Abercrombie said there would be costs associated wherever a dog park goes in the city. He said in addition to fencing and gates, a park would also require signage.

He said dog parks in some areas also feature drinking fountains, mock fire hydrants and agility equipment. Abercrombie said discussions are planned with Lewes Mayor Jim Ford about park size and features, and where money might come from to create and maintain the facility.

For more information about the effort to develop a dog park in Lewes, go to lewesunleashed.org.