Council Receptive To Allen Harbor Dog Park Proposal

North Kingstown appears to be on the verge of having its own dog park, following the Town Council's positive reaction Monday to a plan put forward by Friends of the Animal Shelter.

A vote on the proposal could come at the Council's next meeting, on Aug. 5.

The park is proposed for a town-owned parcel of land located across from Allen Harbor at the corner of Bruce Boyer Street. Money to pay for fencing and installation – which is estimated to cost around $15,000 – would come from the Kayla Jean Ricci Memorial Foundation. Kayla was 12 years old when she died from a strep infection in 2001. According to her father, Kayla loved animals. 

"It would be a great honor to my daughter," said Jim Ricci in brief remarks to the council. 

Years ago, the town set aside $10,000 to dedicate an open space area in Kayla's honor that was never used. That money would now be available to spend on benches and other items for the area around the dog park. 

With the stipulation the dog park not be paid for by taxpayers, one possible hitch was the town's insurance bill, but according to Town Manager Mike Embury, insurance liability costs would not go up significantly upon creation of a dog park.

"It's a living memory, a living tribute to a girl that loved animals," said Town Council President Liz Dolan. 

Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops in North Kingstown have pledged to help build and maintain the park, which would include separate areas for big dogs, medium-sized dogs and small dogs. 

Barbara Szepatowski, of Jamestown, a longtime member of the North Kingstown Animal Shelter, was involved in creation of the dog park in Newport. 

She said the Allen Harbor park would not be difficult to build, taking a "maximum" of two weekends. If the council approves the park at its meeting Aug. 5, Szepatowski said the park could be ready by Labor Day.

And she said the experience in Newport showed that dog owners will work to maintain the park. 

Szepatowski was adamant that rules be posted clearly and fines imposed for those dog owners who do not follow the rules. 

"There has to be some sort of fine imposed" after a second transgression. She suggested $50 or even $100 – "something serious."

"People will report. They do it all the time,", she said. "We find in Newport that people are really responsible."

If you are interested in helping out, contact Jim McGwin at jmcgwin@ccatalyst.com.