The never-ending battle over the Lakewood Dog Park has once again reared its ugly head. For those of you who thought the lawsuit had gone away, it hasn’t. For those of you who do not know about the fight, allow me to bring you up to date.

The Lakewood Dog Park opened its gates in June 2003 as a fenced area where dogs could exercise and socialize with one another. Visitors traveled from all over Cuyahoga, Summit, Lake and Lorain Counties to allow Fido a chance to romp with friends. 

Soon after, two households in Rocky River began complaining about the “noise and odor” emanating from the park. In 2007, the two couples convinced the City of Rocky River to file a lawsuit against the City of Lakewood in hopes of closing the park. The action has left most people wondering why Rocky River opted to side with these two households, versus the thousands of others who either want to see the park remain open, or who have no opinion on the matter. The case was ultimately dismissed, and the dismissal was later appealed. Now, we are back at the beginning, with an active lawsuit that is currently in the discovery process. The trial is set to begin on January 19, 2010.

To date, Rocky River has spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on this suit, per an itemization of costs provided by the city’s law director. With the court case in preliminary stages, this number will continue to increase over the next few months. In today’s economy, is it prudent for a city to spend limited taxpayer funds on the closing of a park that many of those taxpayers use, but don’t pay for? How has the Rocky River administration allowed its priorities to weigh so heavily in favor of a handful of residents, while it virtually ignores the interests of many others? Perhaps Rocky River should instead consider using this money to open its own dog park to serve its residents and neighbors.

If you have not visited the dog park, you may not realize that the park is adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant. As you can imagine, on hot, summer days, the odor from the plant can be noticeable and unpleasant. Predictably, the Rocky River plaintiffs have armed their case with accusations that the smells are actually coming from the park. Now, it does not take a brain surgeon, or even a team of local attorneys, to determine that the odor is caused by the plant, not the dog park.

Regarding the barking that has remained at the forefront of arguments, how is it possible to determine where the alleged barking is coming from? The complainants’ homes sit at the edge of the Rocky River Reservation and the walking trail where dogs and their owners hike year round. Could the barking be coming from these dogs? These two homes are also within equal distance of the Lakewood Animal Shelter. Is the shelter the next facility on the Rocky River hit list?

In the shadows of the turmoil and chaos of fighting cities lies a park full of bouncing dogs and puppies. As one of the west side’s most utilized parks, dozens of volunteers dedicate their time to maintain and enforce the rules of the park. Citizens from all over the area continue to bring their best friends for a romp with other dogs. There are currently twenty-two cities represented in the park’s member list, though many non-members use the park, as well. Nearly twenty percent of the overall members are Rocky River residents.

The park does not only cater to dogs, but to humans, as well. It is quite common to see small buses parked along the edge of the fence, allowing the elderly and physically challenged riders a front-row seat for the action. These visitors acknowledge the therapeutic benefit of watching and visiting dogs. The most recent tour bus to visit the park was full of residents from a Rocky River nursing home.

With so many problems in the world, why would anyone want to close one of the few places that makes people (and dogs) happy? If there wasn’t such a need for a dog park in the area, there would not be so many visitors there everyday. Chances are, either you or someone you know uses the Lakewood Dog Park. Why not speak for those who have no voice, and help save the park. A short email or phone call to Rocky River’s mayor, Pamela Bobst, is a quick way for you to do your part in saving the park. Please place a call to the mayor at 440-331-0600, or send her an email at mayor@rrcity.com. For additional information regarding the lawsuit, or for a way to contact Rocky River's council members, please visit the park's website at www.LakewoodDogPark.org.