Scout proposes making a dog park for Havre

The city of Havre may establish a city park where dogs can run free without leashes.

Boy Scout Jonathan Klein brought his proposal to Havre City Council's Parks Committee Wednesday night. Klein hopes to obtain his Eagle Scout badge by working with the city and private groups to build the park.

The proposal is still in its early stages, and it is uncertain what park will be converted into the dog park.

But committee members said they were excited to work with Klein and promised to look for the best location.

The only word of caution came from Mayor Tim Solomon who said the city's parks department is looking at the possibility of selling off some city park land because the city can't afford the upkeep. That would enable the department staff to concentrate on the parks that more people use.

"People don't realize some of this land is parks," Solomon said of the land the city wants to get rid of.

Committee chair Pam Hillery wondered if US Bank Park, between Montana State University-Northern and Northern Montana Hospital might be a good location.

Havre Trails, a citizens group, is working with the city to revitalize US Bank Park by installing signs and benches and improving the trails. Hillery suggested dedicating part of that park to dogs might fit in their plans.

Council members brainstormed about what the park, wherever it is located, should look like.

Klein said he imagined that the park would have to be big enough for the dogs to run. He proposed a gazebo where dog owners could keep an eye on their dogs. He said there would be a prohibition on owners leaving their dogs unattended.

Hillery said the area should be fenced in and suggested that it be in a circular play area. That way, she said, one dog can't force another dog into a corner.

Dog owners would have to remove dog droppings, they said.

Hillery said she would like to hear from dog owners.

"I don't own a dog, so I don't have a dog in this fight," she said, to groans from the audience.

She proposed that Havre Trails representatives and parks department officials be invited to a meeting to discuss the issue further.

Committee members said the US Bank Park location might be good because it is not in a residential area, but they didn't rule out other parks.