It is reasonable for the East Hampton Village Board to consider whether leashed dogs should be allowed in Herrick Park. However, there are concerns.
Following the policy of keeping dogs — and their defecation and urine — away from sunbathers and swimmers on village beaches, the village should carefully look at where dogs could safely and sanitarily be in the park. This would mean keeping dogs out of the playground and off recreational fields entirely. Hell hath no fury like a dog owner told where he or she cannot go. Whether village police and traffic control officers are up to the additional task is a question.
Looking at the regulations in New York City parks, there are limits that could serve as examples. These include no dogs on the Great Lawn, ball fields, playing courts, or most running tracks. Rules at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park include the requirement that dog leashes be no more than six feet long. Given the fact that Herrick Park is largely dedicated to recreational spaces, many used on a daily basis by middle school students, the areas in which dogs could be sensibly allowed is more limited than one might think.
Unless there is significant community opposition, leashed dogs in Herrick Park is something that could be tested, as long as there are clear rules and adequate enforcement.