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Residents urge stricter enforcement at Timber Creek park after repeated off-leash incidents
Summary
A Gloucester Township resident described multiple encounters with unleashed dogs at Timber Creek park trails and parking areas, urging the council and police to coordinate with county park rangers on signage, plain-clothes patrols and enforcement; the police said they will follow up with county staff and consider solutions.
At the April 28 meeting, resident Altha Vale urged the council to address repeated safety hazards from unleashed dogs in portions of county-run Timber Creek park.
Vale, a resident of a nearby 55-plus community, detailed several incidents in which off-leash dogs approached her and her leashed small dog on wooded trails, owners failed to respond and dogs exiting vehicles caused parking-blocking incidents. She also cited a previous rescue when a woman fell through ice while walking dogs and argued that leash compliance would reduce such hazards.
Vale asked whether township police could patrol the county park, use plain-clothes enforcement and add signage to improve compliance. The police and council said township officers have authority to issue citations in county parks but do not typically patrol them; Chief Harkkins said he would coordinate with Camden County park rangers and follow up with the resident. Council asked Vale to share contact information for follow-up.
Council did not enact a policy change during the meeting but directed officers and staff to work with county staff on enforcement options and signage.
