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New Canaan to require dog-park fobs, ties membership to dog licensing starting in 2026
Summary
Parks & Rec reported a new fob-based locking system for the dog park that goes live Jan. 6; fobs will cost $15, membership will be aligned with dog licensing (July 1–June 30), and staff expect the system will improve tracking and reduce misuse.
In an update to the commission, staff reported that Spencer's Run (speaker 4) recorded 175 dog registrations or renewals so far this year and that a new locking and fob system will be activated Jan. 6. Staff said a $15 fob fee will be charged and the system will record timestamps on entries (fob-in and fob-out) so the department can identify misuse and revoke individual fobs remotely. "The new locking system is now ready. It's gonna go live on January 6," staff said, adding that department records will be linked to dog-license data so memberships renew on the town's July 1–June 30 cycle.
Commissioners discussed fencing replacement requests that had been added to the proposed budget and the need to limit unpermitted field users. Staff said some unauthorized groups have been moved by police following complaints from authorized users and that permitting/enforcement and lighting adjustments are being considered to reduce opportunistic use.
Practical details announced include a $15 charge for the fob, requirement that dogs be licensed, and the ability for staff to deactivate a fob if it appears to be misused. Staff also said there will be a process to collect fobs and reconcile existing memberships over time; several commissioners supported the change as a measure to improve safety and accountability.
Next steps: Staff will implement the fob system on Jan. 6, sell or distribute fobs and align membership cycles with dog licensing.
