Westport Dog Park Proposal Gains Traction

It's May 2nd.

Welcome in.

This is Hartford News Today, where local news meets AI.

I'm Corey with the story.

Westport folks are rallying behind a push for a fenced-in dog park at Winslow Park.

Local resident Andrew Colabella, whose English Cocker Spaniel Charlie, chases every bird

in sight, teamed up with Staples High School Student Emmy.

Dorfman to make it happen.

The idea is a secure spot where dogs can run off leash, play safe, and owners can chill

without worry.

After this week at the planning and zoning commission meeting, Colabella's pre-application

got big cheers from members.

He's gearing up to drop a full proposal in the next two weeks and eyes completion by

summer.

This builds on years of community buzz, including his change.org petition that snagged over

900 signatures.

Dog lovers are fired up, sharing stories like Tiona Johnson's pup Winnie the Pooh, who got

hit by a car years back while chasing another dog on Compo.

Social media lit up too when Dorfman floated the plan, pulling in dozens of yes votes.

It's clear folks want a spot that keeps tails wagging without the risks.

The setup would split into zones for small and large dogs, using a 30 pound cutoff and

a split rail fence between.

Funding comes from donations for the fence installed by local crew, plus an annual membership

fee to cover upkeep.

Funds of residents and visitors alike, while the rest of Winslow Park stays free and

open.

Colabella, who's on the representative town meeting, calls it a long overdue fix using just

a slice of the park.

With momentum like this, that peace of mind for pet parents could be reality soon, letting

dogs be dogs the safe way.