Letter: Milford's Response to Dog Park Debate

The following Letter to the Editor from is in response to ""

Milford’s recreational facilities (parks, beaches, playgrounds, trails, etc.) provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all our residents & visitors to pursue their diverse recreational interests. 

Dogs in public parks are an issue that both sides of the argument are very passionate about. ’s goal is to recognize and balance the needs of both the dog owners and non dog owners in a manner that allows everyone to enjoy their interests while ensuring their safety.

The “leash law”, bans in certain areas, and the “pooper scooper law” have been established for the safety of the public, the dog, and the dog handler.  However, it takes compliance and enforcement these of ordinances to be effective. 

Just as important and what appears to be overlooked in this issue; is that our facilities, especially , are public parks that exist for everyone to enjoy.  Unfortunately, special interest groups have attempted to claim the park as their own and do not respect the recreational pursuits of others.

Eisenhower Park should be the jewel in our park system supporting diverse activities that appeal to all generations. Its abundant acreage with thoughtful, responsible development is able to support both passive and active recreation to meet the recreational needs of today and the future.  All users, regardless of their interest, should work together to advocate for the proper improvements, including a modern dog park.

The Recreation Department encourages all residents to get out and enjoy our parks; to provide us with feedback; and to comply with all ordinances and regulations.

Below are the City Ordinances relating to this topic:

Prohibited Activities on Public Recreational Areas - City Ordinance 16-2(3)

Bring any animal into any athletic facility or play area. Bring any animal into any beach or park area, with the following exceptions:

a. Dogs on leashes not over 10 feet long will be permitted in Eisenhower Park except the model airplane field during operations hours, the gardens, soccer field, tennis court area and playing fields. The area where leashed dogs are permitted is as marked on the Eisenhower Park map on file at the City Clerk's office and is designated by signage at the park.

b. Dogs off leashes are permitted in the dog run at Eisenhower Park but must be brought to the run leashed and remain leashed at all other times. 

Removal Of  Animal Waste (Pooper Scooper) - City Ordinance 9-9

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, walking or in control of any dog to allow or permit such animal to defecate upon any private property, owned by another person, or condominium common elements or public property, including but not limited to public beaches, parks and school grounds, unless such person shall remove all feces so deposited by such animal and dispose of same in a proper manner before leaving the immediate premises.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a guide dog accompanying any blind person.