Letter: Leave Willards Woods open to dogs
Thursday, March 16, 2006
The prospect of closing down Willards Woods to dogs for the freedom to exercise off leash is extremely upsetting to me. Willards Woods is not only a wonderful haven for friendly dogs to play, run and get their needed exercise, but it is also a wonderful haven for friendly people to converse as they get their needed exercise as well!
The residents on the streets near Willards Woods who are unhappy with dog walkers’ daily ritual offer a number of complaints. Among them are the following: That traffic on and near Brent Road causes a traffic hazard, that there are dogs who run off leash on the street, that the woods are no longer available for dogless families to enjoy, and that "doggie poop is everywhere."
As far as a traffic hazard posed by autos heading to the park, I, who visits the park almost seven days a week, have never been witness to a car going over the residential street speed limit. As a matter of fact, because we animal lovers are always looking for that rare little pup who might be underfoot, (or should I say under wheel?) we appear to be traveling even slower than the average motorist.
As far as dogs running loose on the street, we can certainly comply to having our dogs on leash until we are well into the park. And if it is really necessary to clear the woods of dogs in order for dogless people to enjoy the woods perhaps a schedule needs to be arranged whereby certain times are stipulated for dog use (people use?). And as far as a dog excrement problem, while the many dog walkers I meet pick up after their animals always, it is absolutely reasonable to insist on 100 percent compliance.
I have found that the Willards Woods regulars are some of the warmest (even in 10 degree weather!) people I have ever met. We speak of our families, our friends, our jobs and our beautiful town of Lexington.
At the first Conservation meeting of March 9 there were some angry voices. There were also children who spoke from families on both sides of the fence. Living in a world of constant conflicts between people, communities and countries our children need to witness a community that can come together and reach an agreement. Through work and compromise this can be achieved.
Fran Detweiler
Farmcrest Avenue
| |
|
