Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges Select Board to pursue dog park on former Mettowee Valley Community Center site
Summary
A resident told the Dorset Select Board that the former Mettowee Valley Community Center property is heavily used as an informal dog park and urged the town to consider operating the site or creating a dedicated dog park; the Board asked proponents to organize a formal request.
Ellen Maloney, a resident speaking during public comment, asked the Dorset Select Board to consider operating the former Mettowee Valley Community Center property or creating a dog park somewhere in Dorset, saying the site has been "heavily utilized as a dog park from residents of the 3 towns."
Maloney told the Board that the original nonprofit that leased the building stopped operating years ago and the lease has expired, and that many residents now use the property off Route 30 for off‑leash activity. "This makes it difficult for those that follow the rules," she said, arguing there is significant backing for a dedicated space. Chair Henry Chandler responded that supporters should organize and present a formal request to demonstrate need.
The Board did not take action at the meeting; Chandler suggested a group presentation so the Board can evaluate location, maintenance, liability, and funding. The Town noted Manchester Rec Park already has a dog park; any Dorset effort would require identifying a suitable parcel and costs for operation and maintenance.
