Members of the Harmon Field Board of Supervisors plan to take the next month to study the possibility of constructing a dog park at Harmon Field.
Ellen Thomas of Tryon presented the proposal for a dog park to the board Monday, Jan. 2, along with 236 signatures; she said more petitions continue to float around the community.
“I have been traveling around this area and in Florida over the holidays to take pictures of various dog parks because I think this is something that could be very useful here,” Thomas said. “I have no doubt that residents would appreciate it.”
Harmon Field supervisor George Alley suggested taking a month to look into the specifics of such a project – cost of fencing, the correct type of ground cover to use, signage regulations, etc.
“There’s no question that it’s [people walking their dogs] the biggest use of the park,” Alley said. “I’m not against the idea. I just think we need to make sure we have all of our questions answered.”
Thomas said she has gotten a quote on a 1/4–acre fenced area for $2,713.86, but she said she thinks that is too small an area. She said at least a half-acre would be best. Thomas has asked that the board consider placing a fenced park area at the eastern end of Harmon Field across from Tryon Presbyterian Church.
She said she would like to see separate sections for large and small dogs, water spigots and bowls, as well as gravel at the entry way and around water sources.
Steve King, a board member of the Foothills Humane Society, cautioned supporters to make sure they did proper research on the right materials to use before moving forward. He said there are animal health concerns related to areas where large numbers of animals congregate, especially in regard to the ground cover.
“The concern is not often for the dog owners themselves but for the dogs. If the area is not well-kept and not covered with the proper material, there is a concern that disease could spread,” King said.
Fred Seyfarth spoke in favor of the idea.
“It’s a proven fact that single dog households or two dog households get very aggressive unless they are socialized,” Seyfarth said. “It really helps the dogs a lot.”
Dog owner Sandra Warren spoke to the truth of that statement.
“We have a dog that has socialization problems around other dogs when she is on a leash and she has really benefited from the kind of atmosphere a dog park provides,” Warren said. “We would love to see a park here.”
Thomas said the Friends of Harmon Field have offered to serve as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for collecting funds for the project. In the meantime, the effort needs people willing to donate materials, skills, time and funds to show support in the process of seeking a larger grant, Thomas said.
If you are interested in making a donation to the effort, you can write a check labeled specifically for the “Dog Park” to Friends of Harmon Field at P.O. Box 44, Lynn, N.C. 28750.
Other inquiries can be sent by calling Thomas at 828-859-8325 or emailing her at et@prop1.org. You can also contact George Alley at harmonfield@windstream.net.
To learn more about the proposal made by Thomas, visit prop1.org/dogpark.