Dogs now permitted in Pioneer Park

FARMINGTON HILLS — Dogs residing in Farmington Hills, as well as some of their owners, have reason to have a little extra spring in their steps these days, thanks to a recent City Council decision.

At a Farmington Hills City Council meeting Oct. 14, an ordinance amendment that allows for dogs at Pioneer Park, located at 29885 Farmington Road, was unanimously approved.

Dogs have been permitted at Founders Sports Park for several years, and at William Grace Dog Park for approximately 10 years, according to Ellen Schnackel, the city’s director of special services.

Of the 14 parks in Farmington Hills, dogs are now permitted at three of them.

At the meeting Oct. 14, Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich did make it clear that the ordinance requires “dogs on leashes in Pioneer Park.”

According to Schnackel, the dogs must be on leashes that are no more than 15 feet long and under the control of the owner.

“(We) had some conversation with City Council and we heard from some residents an interest in allowing dogs in other parks,” Schnackel said. “City Council had some conversation about it and determined that Pioneer Park would be the next park to add to that list.”

According to Schnackel, although several parks were discussed, the reason Pioneer made the most sense is due to its similarity with Founders Sports Park.

Like Founders Sports Park, where there are sporting activities, “Pioneer is also a pretty active park in that respect as well,” she said.

She shared examples of other options that would not have been a good fit, in particular Heritage Park and Woodland Hills Nature Park.

“(It’s) not conducive to have dogs in those spaces,” Schnackel said. “They’re nature parks. It’s an opportunity for residents and guests of those parks to take walks on the trails (and) understand and observe nature. It’s not suitable for dogs.”

Farmington Hills resident Doug Gray said that he would like to see more parks where dogs are allowed.

“It frustrates me that there aren’t more parks I can walk in,” Gray said. “I understand some dog owners aren’t responsible, don’t clean up after their dogs, but I am a responsible owner. I would prefer to be able to walk the dog wherever.”

Farmington Hills City Councilman Jon Aldred weighed in on the issue at the meeting Oct. 14.

“As council liaison to Parks and Recreation, this is a topic that we discussed in Parks and Recreation, and the pros and cons of having more dogs where it’s appropriate, where it’s not,” Aldred said. “Obviously, we’re a city that loves dogs and we have people that (want to) have facilities appropriate for dogs. I think this is a proposal that’s been thought through to this point and I’m glad to see it on the agenda.”

While dogs can take a stroll in Founders Sports Park and Pioneer Park, they have more freedom to roam at William Grace Dog Park, as once they are inside the park, the leashes can come off.

“I think the fact that we have a dog park is pretty unique. You don’t see a lot of those,” Schnackel said. “The county has a couple, West Bloomfield has one, but ours, originally, was for residents only. However, in the last year or so we have expanded it to allow nonresidents to our park as well. … That’s the only park where dogs are allowed to run free once they’re in the park.”

According to Schnackel, an annual pass to William Grace Dog Park, located at 29040 Shiawassee Road, is $35 for a resident and $70 for a nonresident.

The park has one area for larger dogs and another one for smaller ones.

For more information, visit fhgov.com/facilities/dog-park.

As for whether or not dogs might eventually be permitted in more parks in the city, Schnackel said, “I think we’re comfortable with the three right now.”

“So at this time I think it’s those three, but I would imagine in another year or two, council might (want to) revisit that,” she said.

Schnackel shared some thoughts that can help make park experiences more enjoyable for those who enjoy taking dogs out for a stroll in the park and those who don’t.

“We have a number of rules at the parks, and those are for everyone’s safety — first and foremost our residents and guests, but also for our staff,” Schnackel said. “I think it’s important, with regards to dogs in parks, that we really ask that people follow the rules. There’s two parks you can bring dogs to on leashes, and then there’s the dog park where your dog can run freely and engage with other dogs. … We have plenty of spaces for dogs to get out and play (and) we really would like residents and guests to follow the rules.”