The Friends of Westfield Dog Bark has offered to assist in building and maintaining a dog park in the city.
WESTFIELD – Officials are optimistic about creating the city’s first dog park at an unused city recreational area located off Lockhouse Road.
“This is a perfect place for future investment,” Mayor Daniel M. Knapik said this week about the area located near Powder Mill Reservoir.
City Councilors Christopher M. Crean and James R. Adams, members of the council’s Dog Park Committee, agree saying resuse of that area will serve both dog lovers and the general public.
“It is a suitable fit,” Crean said. “We can put a dog park there and bring back the park for residents living in that area of the city,” he said.
Adams said the expense will be minimal, hopefully just for fencing of the dog use area, and “this park should be revitalized.” He said the city will also address concerns over access to the park because of an overpass for the Massachusetts Turnpike located at the road leading to the park.
The park has stood unused for years, back to the mid-1980s, and has become overgrown with weeds and brush.
The Westfield Water Shed Association may have some concern because of its location near Powder Mill Reservoir but Crean said “We can work with them to resolve any issues.”
The association was inspecting the site this week.
“This has been a stagnant park for many years,” said Knapik. “We are looking at rebuilding the roadway entrance, establish some parking and fencing,” he said.
Knapik said labor provided by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department can help clear brush and other debris there. He said Sheriff Michael Ashe has been asked for assistance and that is expected next month.
Assisting the city in creation of a dog park will come from a citizen group the Friends of Westfield Dog Bark which has been looking for a site and raising funds to support a dog park for several years.
Friends officers Edward J. Phillips and Marilyn Sandidge proposed a location behind Paper Mill Elementary School in February buy that facility serves as ball fields for Westfield Little League.
The friends group has offered to assist financially in creation of a dog park and its maintenance.