LI-DOG proposes the creation of an off-leash program at Coindre Hall. This recreational program for dog owners and their dogs would be located in two areas of the park based on a seasonal schedule. The program and the schedule are designed to accommodate other uses of the park and reflect conditions in the park.

Summer Schedule - May 1 - September 30
      Sunrise to 9 AM and 4 PM to Sunset - Upper Field, center
      9 AM - 4 PM* - Lower Field, near pond
      Events – Lower Field, near pond

*Summer Camp – No mid-day summer hours--a
practice already adhered to by dog owners

Winter Schedule - October 1 - April 30
      Sunrise to Sunset – Upper and Lower Fields
      Events – Upper Field, westside

During the Summer in the daytime and when there are events in the mansion, off-leash activities take place on the hills and lower field near the pond. The summer daytime program covers the time when the park is most likely to be used by other park goers, including the weekends. This area was originally designated for off-leash recreation under a County-sponsored pilot program from 1999 until 2001.

During the Winter and before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. during the Summer, when park users other than dog owners are few, off-leash activities take place primarily on the upper field in the center of the park. The regular presence of dog owners and their unleashed dogs when the park is lightly used is a deterrent to vandalism and other undesirable activities in the park.

LI-DOG recommends the addition of a specific rule for the off-leash program.

New Rule for Off-leash Program
    Dogs must be under voice control and in sight of their owner at all times.
    Failure to maintain control of one’s dog(s) is subject to a fine.

Proper Signage would be required to direct park users to the appropriate location for off-leash recreation depending on the time and season.

Benefits of the Program

• Dog owners finally will be able to exercise and socialize their dogs off-leash, without the threat of fines and without being herded into a small, fenced dog run in the woods.
• Neighbors and other park goers have access to the majority of the park during times of the year when they are most likely to use the park.
• Neighboring homes are not disturbed because off-leash activities take place in the fields at the center of the property
• Off-leash activities on the upper and lower fields provide security for times when the park and mansion are minimally used or unoccupied
• By avoiding fencing or other permanent modification to the property, the off-leash program does not affect the Historic Status of the property in any way
• The County and Town avoid unnecessary expense. The costs of the program are minimal—a few signs, some trash cans and regular maintenance is all that is needed.

Summary
       LI-DOG’s proposal represents a low-cost, innovative solution to an issue that has bedeviled the park for years—how Coindre Hall can be shared by its various constituencies. In the end, it is critical that a solution at Coindre Hall meets the needs of dog owners. Dog owners are the largest group of regular users of the park. A solution that is viewed as fair and reasonable by this majority, while at the same time meeting the needs of other interested parties at the park, represents a win-win solution for everyone.

As always, keep in touch by e-mailing us at lidog_news@yahoo.com.