CAPE MAY — Two dogs got a leg up on the competition and gave the city’s new dog park their seal of approval last week before its official opening April 5 at 1 p.m.
The fenced plot of land off Lafayette Street, adjacent to Wise Anderson Park, a half block from the elementary school, will allow resident and visiting dogs and their owners, a chance to socialize.

About 18 months ago, a group of dog owners, the Cape May Dog Friendly Association, gathered together with the idea of establishing a dog park in Cape May, according to spokesperson Allison Bjork, who led the efforts. She said the dog owners “tenaciously hung on to the idea.”

The property is owned by Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) and is part an old coal gasification plant site. The land was leased to the city from JCP&L.

City Council passed an ordinance last month allowing the property to be used as a dog park.
Those who wish to use the park must purchase an annual dog pass at City Hall for $20. Visitors to Cape May can purchase a weekly pass for $10.
To purchase a pass, proof of a current dog license is needed, which indicates a dog has had a rabies shot.

The park will be open sunrise to sunset, seven days per week.
Dog owners must clean up after their pets. A plastic bag dispenser is located inside the park.
Dogs in heat are not permitted to use the park.

“We hoping with the opening of a dog park, it will eliminate some of the dog waste on the streets of Cape May,” said Bjork.

Aggressive dogs will be asked to leave the park.

Bjork said the “psychology of off-leash dog parks” indicates dogs off leash are less likely to be aggressive. She said dogs on a leash or in their own house tend to be territorial.

“They seem to come to a common ground when they are turned loose together,” she said.

The park has two back-to-back gates producing an area where a dog leash can be removed before it enters the park with other dogs.
Children must be accompanied by an adult to use the park. No one 18 years old can bring a dog into the park.

“In small town like this, you meet people by walking your dog,” said Bjork.

She said the core group that worked to open the dog park met while walking their dogs. Fundraising events were held to cover the purchase of park furnishings.
The city is not charging the group for the use of the park but the association is paying insurance costs.

Late last week, a gazebo was under construction and benches were being placed in the park.

Bjork’s Jack R
ussell Terrier, “Mickey” became the first dog to leave his calling card in the park.
Marie Stone’s dog, “Tippi.” ran happily around the park keeping an eye on construction workers building a gazebo.

“Come and let your dog run around and sit and chat with your friends,” said Bjork.
Users of the park are asked not to bring any type of food, which can cause dog aggression. Dog owners need to bring bottled water for their pet since there is no water supply in the park.