River may demand closure of dog park
By Ben Saylor
Rocky River

Rocky River is expected to ask Lakewood to shut down its dog park until a solution to what the city concerns an intolerable noise issue is found.

The dog park, located on Valley Parkway near the Lakewood Water Treatment Plant, has been a source of noise complaints from Rocky River residents since the park opened in 2003.

City officials have met with Lakewood officials in the past to try to curb the noise generated by barking dogs at the park. Last fall, additional signage was posted at the park, and Lakewood Mayor Thomas George met with dog owners regarding the issue. However, according to Rocky River officials, Lakewood’s measures have not been enough.

In addition, Rocky River Mayor Pamela Bobst said that last fall, Lakewood officials had discussed the possibility of erecting a noise buffer of some kind to help alleviate the issue, but she said nothing has come of that initiative to date.

“I appreciate the efforts, but it doesn’t solve the problem,”  Bobst said.

Ward 3 Councilman Frank Gollinger, who has been involved with the issue for some time, was unequivocal on his position regarding the park.

“It [the barking] needs to be stopped,” Gollinger told West Life. Like Bobst, he has pressed for the park to be shut down until a solution is reached.

Councilwoman-at-large Linda Bartolozzi paid a visit to the park (dog in tow) to assess the situation.

“Nobody really makes an effort to control their dog,” Bartolozzi said. The councilwoman acknowledged the difficulty of getting a dog to stop what, for it, is a natural behavior. However, like Bobst and Gollinger, she said the city has had enough.

“I think Rocky River has been more than fair in trying to work with Lakewood,” Bartolozzi said.

Gollinger said that another upsetting aspect of the issue is that in his view, Lakewood’s inactivity on the issue has put Rocky River in a “tenuous position” by making the city seem insensitive.

“I love dogs,” Gollinger reiterated.

Bobst echoed Gollinger’s sentiment.

“I love dog parks,” Bobst, a dog owner, said.

Bobst said that shutting down the park until a solution is reached would send a strong message that Rocky River is tired of the barking. Both Bobst and Gollinger said the barking violates noise ordinances in both communities.

“There needs to be a definite decision made on the future of the dog park and the noise it makes,” Bobst said.

The mayor was expected to meet with George today. Law Director Andrew Bemer and Lakewood Law Director Brian Corrigan were also expected to attend the meeting.

An attempt by West Life to contact dog park officals was unsuccessful.