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Johnson Memorial Park Is Going To The Dogs
By Keith Hagarty
Describing her 3-year-old German Shepard as "an absolute angel" and "a cherished member of the family," Deanna Carvel was overjoyed to learn that her prized canine will now have a new place to play.
Where? At Johnson Park. The township is set to unveil a new dog park at John Johnson Jr. Memorial Park.
"I can't even tell you how happy I was
when I heard about that," Carvel said as
her dog Midnight sat quietly by her side. "I moved here two years ago, and that was
one of my main concerns was where can Midnight go and run around. Last time, let her loose and let her run in this park, I was told almost right away that she had to be on a leash. I know she wouldn't hurt a fly and has such a good heart, but understand their concerns."
The park on Cooks Bridge Road and Kierych Drive has been undergoing several upgrades over the past year, including parking, basketball courts and a tennis court.
According to township officials, the dog park will be divided into two sections for dogs of differing sizes. The first area will be for dogs 35 pounds and over, while the other area will be for smaller dogs. In addition, the dog park would have a seating area for dog owners, possibly an obstacle play course for the dogs and trash dispensers so owners can immediately dispose of their dog's waste.
With fencing being reused for the dog park from the Jackson Justice Complex, which is currently in the process of installing new synthetic turf playing field, Mayor Mark Seda and Township Administrator Phil Del Turco believe the cost of the new dog park would be minimal.
The project is similar in design to the dual section dog park currently residing at Ocean County Park, according to Del Turco.
Since no dogs are currently allowed in any of the township's parks, the township council had to give approval to amend the canine restrictive ordinance at their August 14 meeting.
Carvel is glad they did. "I had no idea dogs weren't even allowed in these parks," she said. "I mean, when you think of parks, you think of dogs running around, like playing Frisbee or whatever. I can't wait to see it finally up and open. I know Midnight's going to love it."
The town is expecting to have the dog park open to the public within the next few weeks.
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