Opinion: Unlocking the Potential of Ringwood's Dog Park
As a Ringwood resident and proud dog owner (cute pup photo alert below), I’ve spent plenty of time exploring our trails, chatting with neighbors, and appreciating the small-town charm that makes this place feel like home. But one community space has left me scratching my head: the dog park tucked beside the library.
At first glance, it’s a great setup: spacious, shaded, with access to water and seating. But it’s also locked. And that locked gate is more than just a minor inconvenience…it’s a symbol of a much larger issue with how we treat access to shared public spaces in our town.
Why Is It Locked?
To access the dog park, residents must complete a registration process that includes proof of vaccination, liability insurance, and a $25 annual fee. Once approved, you’re given the code to unlock the gate. While safety and accountability are understandable priorities, this level of control is out of step with the vast majority of public dog parks in neighboring towns, where access is free and rules are clearly posted for everyone to follow.
Dog owners are generally respectful and capable of managing their dogs responsibly, and most communities leave it up to them to do so.
Financial Frustrations
Given the already high taxes Ringwood residents pay, it feels unreasonable - if not outright insulting - that access to a public dog park requires an additional annual fee. While the intention may be to cover maintenance or encourage responsible use, asking residents for more money to access a basic community amenity sends the wrong message. It’s hard not to ask: shouldn't this already be covered?
More importantly, this fee structure discourages casual use, spontaneous visits, and even turns away dog owners from neighboring towns who might otherwise explore Ringwood, visit the nearby library, or stop in for lunch at local businesses like Goldberg’s Bagels, Ringwood Pizza. You could even get your dry cleaning done at Skyline Cleaners. Instead of encouraging foot traffic and fostering community, the cost and restrictions create a closed-off, uninviting experience.
And Then There Are the Rocks…
Let’s talk about the surface. The rocky terrain is uncomfortable to walk on, especially for older owners or high-energy dogs who want to run and play. It doesn’t feel good underfoot, and it certainly doesn’t feel like the kind of place you want to hang out and connect with neighbors. A softer, more paw-friendly surface would make a big difference.
A Park With So Much Potential
Here’s the thing, the park is great in many ways. It has water access, shade, seating, and plenty of room for dogs to run. It’s in a perfect location, close to the library and local businesses. It could be a vibrant hub, where dog owners gather, kids pop over from the library, and folks support nearby shops while their pets get some exercise.
But right now, it feels needlessly restricted.
A Few Simple Fixes Could Go a Long Way
Unlock the gate and post clear rules, just like other parks do.
Replace the fee with an optional donation box to support maintenance.
Improve the terrain to make it safer and more enjoyable for both dogs and humans.
Encourage more use to benefit nearby businesses and build community connections.
With just a few changes, the Ringwood Dog Park could go from underused to a true community asset. Let’s make it easier for people (and their pups) to enjoy the place we all call home.