The Dog Days Are Here

After a year of planning, fundraising and hard work, Shelton now has its very own Dog Park. And boy is it something to bark about! Located at the corner of Route 108 and Nell’s Rock Road, the Shelton Dog Park covers almost two acres of lovely semi-wooded land. It has separate fenced areas for small dogs (under 25 pounds) and large dogs (25 pounds and over). There is a common gated entry, off of which open two gates leading to the different areas of the park.

The folk on the Dog Park Committee worked together over the past year to make the park a reality. John Pappas, a city alderman and head of the Dog Park Committee, was one of the forces behind the park. He worked closely with another committee member, Ron Herrick, who is the director of Shelton Parks and Recreation. Ron was, and remains, the Dog Park action man: getting quotes on the fencing, working with the city engineers on park layout, coordinating fund raising and generally getting things done. (NOTE:  I am also a Dog Park Committee member, and worked closely with Ron and others on the fundraising efforts for the park).

I recently spoke with Ron about the park and he is excited to see Shelton residents and their dogs making use of this facility. “I can’t believe the numbers of people using the park,” he said. “Every time I drive past the park, there are five to nine cars in the lot.”

I asked him about community support for the park. He stated, “The Dog Park has been very well received by the community. We get comments from the public regularly and they are 99 percent positive.”

This is borne out by the feedback I have received when speaking with local dog owners about the park. Every dog owner that I have spoken with over the past several months who has visited the park has had good things to say it. I stopped by the park this week to speak with some dog owners utilizing it. I met two nice people and their dogs who were both regulars and were really enjoying their time at the park (both the dogs and the humans, that is!).

Carole Ludwig, owner of Amber, a playful yellow lab, said, “I think the park is a fantastic idea. Those who worked to make this happen should be thanked. We love the open space and that we get to meet other dog owners and socialize while our dogs play.” 

Her feelings were echoed by George Dietrich, owner of the cutest beagle/sharpei mix you ever will see who goes by the name Kayley. “The whole thing is a phenomenal idea. The dogs play and have fun and you get to meet your neighbors and their dogs.”

Both Ludwig and Dietrich said they love that the park is close to them, and they try to visit regularly. 

Lynn Reid, a Shelton Trails Committee member, dog owner and dog park regular, also had lots to say. “The park is just as beneficial to humans as it is to the dogs. The humans socialize while their dogs play. People have become friends. We even know the names of each other’s dogs.”

Reid reminded me that one of the Shelton trails runs along the back fence line of the park.

“Dogs can let off steam in the park, then walk the trail with their owners. In fact, plans are in the works by the Trails Committee to offer a dog-friendly hike, beginning and ending at the dog park.”

Reid said she would keep me informed of the details, and I will be sure to share them in this column as the come in.

It was nice to visit the park this past week to see the finished product, and to see it being enjoyed by dogs and their humans, just as it was meant to be. I often drive by on my way here and there, but have not had time to stop since the signs went up and the park opened. One of the things I really like is that the park is in a very natural state. Trees, big and small, dot the park preserving a woodland setting. There are also outcroppings of rocks for dogs to climb and investigate. 

“Everyone likes the naturalness of it.  The park is not at all like most city parks, which are nothing but pavement,” Reid said when I spoke with her. I agree.

There are still finishing touches and ongoing projects to be completed, though. There are currently just two benches in the park, both provided by generous donors. 

“We are still seeking donors who wish to sponsor a bench,” Ron said.  Benches cost about $500 and will carry a plaque identifying the name of the individual or business donor. Anyone interested in sponsoring a bench can drop by the to speak with Ron at Parks and Rec, or call him at (203) 925-8422.

The ‘Buy a Brick’ fundraising campaign is ongoing, as well. Members of the public or businesses can purchase a brick and have it engraved in honor or memory of a beloved pet or human. The bricks will be placed into one of several walkways planned for the park. The bricks cost $50 for a fourby eight inch brick or $100 for an eight by eight inch. According to Ron, the committee has raised over $5,000 to date through the sale of the bricks. This money has been used to purchase items for the park such as dog poop bag dispensers, bag refills, fence maintenance, signage, etc. 

“The first walkway incorporating the bricks will be installed late in the spring,” Ron said. “We have to wait until the ground is no longer frozen or muddy.”

For those interested in purchasing a brick, order forms are available on the city website (www.cityofshelton.org). Alternatively, forms can be picked up at the Shelton Parks and Rec office in the community center, or from .

Ron stated, “There are also plans to improve and expand the parking areas at the Dog Park.” According to Ron, this won’t happen until the spring, when millings from road repairs will be available to create the additional parking area.    

The local community has also been helping out. A Girl Scout troop painted several 55 gallon drums and decorated them with cute doggie pictures. These have been placed in strategic locations in the park for trash disposal.

Aquarion Water has donated two old fire hydrants, which have recently been painted and will soon be placed in the park for the dogs to ‘do what they do’ with (or rather on) them.

Use of the park does come with some responsibilities. There is a list of park rules located in the common area by which dog owners must abide.  oremost, of course, is that owners ‘poop scoop’ their dog’s waste and dispose of it in the bins provided. 

“The one complaint we have received more than any other,” Ron said, “is from responsible owners who say they see others not picking up after their dogs.” The park is large, but not large enough that it won’t become unpleasantly covered with dog waste if owners aren’t responsible about picking up after their dogs. So, please scoop your dog’s poop to help us maintain the park as a pleasant place for dogs and their owners.

Finally, Ron said that, while use of the park is already in full swing, it has not yet even been ‘officially’ opened. Plans are in the works for a Grand Opening celebration once the weather improves. I will keep you posted!

In the meantime, take some time to bring your dog and visit the dog park. Your dog will thank you and you will have the opportunity to meet and socialize with your Shelton neighbors . . . and their dogs!