Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Dog park proposal shelved

Dog owners who want a new park in Lexington where their pets can run and play unleashed are barking up the wrong tree.

Town Council shelved the request Monday after being told it would be a costly venture.

"Let's just put it on the back burner," Mayor Randy Halfacre said.

Some dog owners asked Town Hall to explore opening a fenced area as an exercise spot for canines.

Their plan suggests those using it pay an annual fee of at least $60 to help pay for its operation.

But setting it up promises to be expensive, especially as revenue tightens in a struggling economy, town administrator James Duckett said.

"We don't have money for stuff like this," he said.

Gibson Pond Park, the newest of four town parks, cost about $350,000 to develop when it opened in 2007, officials estimate.

Dogs are allowed in the parks if leashed.

Town Hall has about 150 acres of undeveloped areas designated as future parks.

Pet park supporters requested a few acres in that inventory be set side for their plan.

Peter Buttress, a resident who promoted the project, could not be reached for comment.

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