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Closure of Barrington dog park prompts town debate over temporary site and $5,670 fencing cost
Summary
A contractor-driven closure of the long-running Barrington dog park at Haines Park prompted residents and the Parks & Recreation Commission to seek temporary fenced space while construction continues; the Friends of the Barrington Dog Park requested the town cover a $5,670 fencing rental, which the council did not approve at the meeting.
A contractor project at Haines Park that replaced a shared fence forced closure of the long-standing Barrington dog park, and residents, Parks & Recreation commissioners and councilors debated temporary alternatives and who should pay to erect rent-a-fencing for a short-term dog park.
Why it matters: The dog park is heavily used by local residents and visitors; some town residents told the council they rely on it for exercise and social contact. Parks and Recreation reported the closure could last until October but said it is pursuing ways to reopen the dog park sooner. The Friends of the Barrington Dog Park presented quotes for temporary fencing, saying rental would cost about $5,670.
What the council heard: Ashley Cabral, president of Friends of the Barrington Dog Park, said the Friends are a 501(c)(4) volunteer group with limited reserves and asked the town to cover the temporary-fencing cost or allow use of an alternate town site. The Parks & Recreation Commission voted to recommend allowing a temporary dog park on town property, provided the Friends cover the fencing expense; Parks & Rec also suggested trying to repurpose fencing removed by the Haines Park contractor.
Residents and dog-park advocates described the park as a regional draw and said closure had already produced problems: people are leaving dogs on playing fields, people are bringing dogs to other parks and some neighbors reported conflicts. Council members and staff discussed feasibility of two alternative locations suggested by the Friends and Parks & Rec'Perna Park and a wooded area near the Harbor Cove Marina'and asked about permitting by the coastal resources agency (CRMC); staff said the CRMC would not have jurisdiction if the temporary fenced area is at least 200 feet from water.
Cost and liability questions: The Friends said the short-term fencing quote (about $5,670) covers one acre and is intended to be robust (posts pounded into the ground rather than temporary chain-link panels). Councilors asked whether the Friends or the group would need liability insurance; staff said the town uses Rhode Island's recreational-use framework and some town programs require insurance, but the issue should be resolved before opening an alternate site.
Council action: Parks & Recreation offered a recommendation but the council did not authorize town funding for the fencing. Several council members expressed sympathy and asked staff to explore repurposing fencing, to check construction schedules for earlier reopening and to revisit the matter monthly. Council agreed to keep the issue on its radar and requested staff follow up with the dog-park group and Parks & Rec.
Ending: The council did not approve town payment for the temporary fence at the May meeting; Parks & Rec recommended temporary use of town property if the Friends cover fencing costs, and the council asked staff to continue seeking alternatives and to report back.
