It was a packed room of Westminster residents Monday night time, as folks got here collectively to talk out in opposition to advised plans to take away off-leash access for a majority of the Westminster Hills Open Space Dog Park.
“What we lose is the flexibility to roam freely in an space with our dogs,” stated Gene Tarlton, a Westminster resident.
CBS Colorado first spoke with Westminster canine homeowners earlier this month about a proposal to show the prevailing 420-acres of off leash canine access on the park into over 300-acres of leashed access and embody a smaller off-leash canine park.
However, some residents felt just like the proposal got here as a shock and say they didn’t even know {that a} examine of Westminster Hills Open Space was within the works.
“They should be clear with us, which I really feel like they haven’t been clear with us,” stated Greg Carberry, a Westminster resident.
On Monday, residents wore inexperienced canine leashes round their neck and introduced images of their dogs to indicate metropolis council leaders how vital open house has been as a useful resource for bringing each dogs and neighborhood collectively.
“I’ve simply developed a complete good friend base and I do not really feel as lonely anymore,” stated Laura Poyd about her expertise ever since taking her canine out to Westminster Hills Open Space through the pandemic. “I believe we are able to work on an answer, however to take a lot house from that park and to pack us in, is just going to be harmful for our dogs.”
Other residents spoke out through the council’s open remark portion and expressed opposition of the prevailing off-leash house.
“I encourage metropolis council to cut back the dimensions of the canine park and reclaim a lot of the Westminster Hills Open Space for walkers, bicyclists and wildlife,” stated one resident. “The Westminster Hills canine park is vastly bigger than another metro canine park, which has contributed to its overuse and conflicts. Several dogs have been injured and a few killed on this chaotic setting.”
Similar factors within the examine performed by the town in regards to the park house, some residents concluded that the canine park has created an unsafe setting for dogs, residents and wildlife.
Yet, others stood agency, saying dropping this house can be a detriment to the neighborhood.
“It’d be good to know if there is a chance of remediation. Is there a chance that the residents or the people who use the canine park incessantly might take part in upkeep or take part in any means potential to nonetheless permit us to make use of the canine park however have slightly extra management,” stated Tarlton.
Those who need to see open house stay open to off-leash access hope council will hear their concepts on how the park can stay inviting and accessible, whereas lowering waste and environmental considerations.
“We are a useful resource for them to make use of. We are the neighborhood, and I believe using us to assist remedy that is certainly one of their greatest plans of motion,” stated Carberry.
While the subject of the way forward for Westminster Hills Open Space was not a part of the council’s agenda Monday, members of the council did acknowledge residents’ talking out in regards to the concern throughout public remark. Some added that they hope to work with the neighborhood on an answer that advantages everybody who makes use of the house.
There is a neighborhood assembly on the park scheduled for March 6.
