Proposed lot next to Wise Anderson Park may become Cape May's dog park. Photo by Jack Fichter

CAPE MAY — A dog park may open Nov. 1 on Lafayette Street next to Wise Anderson Park.

Alison Bjork, spokesperson for the Cape May Dog Friendly Association, said the group formed last year to explore the possibilities of an off-leash dog park.

She said the association was ready to enter into an agreement with the city and Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), owners of the fenced parcel of land, located next to the former residence of Elsie Wise.

City Solicitor Tony Monzo said he was drafting an agreement that would separate using the land as a dog park from a lawsuit the city has against JCP&L to clean up the property.

The lot is part of the former site of a coal gasification plant that left widespread pollution underground in the neighborhood.

Deputy Mayor Niels Favre asked if the dog park would be closed if JCP&L agreed to a remediation plan for the property. Bjork said she was agreeable to closing the park if that occurred.

She said little would be changed on the property other than installing a double gate; placing trash cans inside, minor landscaping and install a removable gazebo. Bjork said contamination is located 20 to 40 feet below ground.

“It won’t make a major impact on that property,” said Bjork.

Water lines would not be installed on the property, so dog owners would be encouraged to bring bottled water their pets.

Bjork said the association would work with the city dog-licensing program. Dog owners would pay $20 annual fee to the city to receive a tag to attach their dog’s collar to gain access the park. She said the park would not be locked but operate on an honor system.

The group has raised over $4,000. She said the association gathered 150 signatures at an Oktoberfest celebration in the city Sept. 29 of residents and part time residents who are interested in bringing their pets to the dog park.

She said dog parks provide a location for dogs to socialize and give them the physical and mental exercise they need to be good companions. Dog parks provide the elderly with a place to bring their dogs where they can be socialized with other canines, said Bjork.

“Dog parks keep the rest of the area poop-free,” she said. “Dog parks keep dogs away from children and people who don’t like them and foster a feeling of community spirit.”

Bjork said there are over 700 dog parks nationwide.
She said it would be to the benefit of the city to use the JCP&L property for something that is “community friendly.”

Council is scheduled to vote on the matter Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.