EDITORIAL: Middle ground at NARA

Acton - GateHouse News Service

Thu Jun 14, 2007, 06:38 AM EDT

The vexing thing about a new regulation preventing dogs from running free at NARA Park, as they always have, is that both canine owners and town officials make good points. Still, a compromise would be the best way to address the concerns both sides have.

It felt like finding middle ground was imminent at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on June 4. Dog owners pleaded with officials to establish hours their pets could run free — perhaps early in the morning and later in the evening when fewer people use the park. The town manager suggested such a plan was plausible and had worked in other communities. A resident who had pushed a leash-only rule at previous selectmen meetings even suggested limited hours would accomplish his goal.

But while selectmen were sympathetic to the idea, they ultimately decided to stick with the month-old new rule for at least the summer. One of the most reasonable points made was that residents deserve at least one park in town where they can go without worrying about dogs approaching them. With the Recreation Department sponsoring a summer program starting in the morning hours, it made little sense for a morning compromise now. But it’s unclear why at least evening hours would not work through the fall.

The issue of dog waste seems to be another topic entirely, and should be dealt with separately from the leash rules. It’s the owner’s responsibility to pick up after his or her pet, whether it’s on a leash or not.

Selectmen delegated the issue to the Recreation Department, which originally proposed requiring leashes at all town parks. In a way, some officials see the NARA Park move as a compromise already because dogs still have freedom elsewhere in town. Selectmen don’t expect to hear back from recreation officials in the fall for feedback — but tempers could heat up this summer if some owners defy what is essentially a rule no one plans to enforce.

Residents who live nearby and have been taking their dogs to NARA Park for years understandably see the leash restriction as drastic. A complete prohibition of dog freedom there doesn’t seem to be the will of the people, though it’s difficult to agree on an accurate barometer.

For residents hoping for a different answer more quickly, the prospects look grim now that selectmen have made their decision. Dog owners who frequent NARA would be wise to find some way to quantify their position. Perhaps a survey of NARA Park users would yield persuasive data. A petition could accomplish a similar goal. Until someone produces some evidence as to why selectmen should readdress the issue sooner, it will remain quiescent until the fall or beyond.