Mimi Duvall-Sajda’s family lived through the pandemic in New York City. When their oldest child was on the cusp of middle school, with changes happening in their neighborhood and schools, they opted for a lifestyle change.
Westport offered proximity to the city, she says, “with beautiful surroundings, top-notch schools, and a tight-knit community.” They moved here in August 2022.
Mimi is a designer/artist and life coach. She is also a dog lover. She writes to “06880”:
As a still-new resident of Westport and a dedicated dog owner (we have 2 cavaliers), I realize our wonderful community is missing one crucial element: a dedicated, fully enclosed space for dogs to run and play off-leash.
It’s time for Westport to have a dog run.
I believe it would be a huge boon for several reasons.
Currently, many dog owners in Westport make do keeping our beloved canine companions on a leash, or traveling to neighboring towns with dog runs.
While some consider Winslow Park to be dog-friendly, the lack of an enclosed space for pups to run freely excludes a significant portion of the Westport canine population.
Fences have not prevented tragedies at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Dogs need to run for their health and well-being. It’s heartbreaking to see them confined to leash-walking, as owners try to avoid repeating tragedies on Compo North and Post Road ast.
An October 2022 petition made clear that at least 1,000 Westport dog owners are clamoring for a safe, enclosed dog run.
The absence of a safe, fully enclosed space not only inconveniences us as residents, but also limits our dogs’ opportunities for physical activity and socialization.
Enclosed dog run.
A dedicated dog run would provide a secure environment for exercise and socialization, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of our community.
I believe now is the time for Westport to consider the numerous advantages a designated area would bring, and take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality.
Probably the easiest, no-brained placement would be Winslow Park along Compo Road North, where the sewer work and fencing was done. The Representative Town Meeting or Parks & Recreation Department may have other ideas, however.
Winslow Park (bottom half of photo).
From a community perspective, a well-designed dog run can have positive social and economic impacts. Dog owners are more likely to frequent local establishments and outdoor spaces when they have a safe and enjoyable place to take their pets for exercise and socialization.
This increased foot traffic can benefit local businesses, and contribute to a vibrant and active community.
Moreover, a dog run can foster a stronger sense of community among dog owners. It provides a shared space where individuals with a common interest in pet ownership can come together, share experiences and build connections.
This sense of community not only benefits the dog owners themselves but also contributes to the overall social fabric of the town.
This enclosed dog run includes amenities.
Local authorities and community leaders should consider the numerous advantages a dog run would bring to Westport, and take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality. It’s time for our 4-legged residents and their dedicated owners to see a well-maintained dog run.
By providing a secure space for dogs to exercise and socialize, complete with separate areas, essential amenities and vaccination requirements, a dog run (possibly named “Winnie’s Run,” after a dog that was killed on the road) would become a valuable asset that enhances the quality of life for both dogs and their human companions.
(“06880” frequently publishes opinion pieces by local residents. It’s part of our mission as Westport’s hyper-local blog. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
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