Dog Project At Cain Park Going Well So Far

The experiment to allow leashed dogs in Cain Park is going well so far, said Kerri Whitehouse, the spokeswoman for the Cain Park Dog Project.

Whitehouse updated city council recently on the pilot project, which began in April and runs through October 15.

She told City Council that there has been no major problems in the first month of the pilot project. She said dog walkers appear to be sticking to the path, keeping their pets on leashes and cleaning up after them.

"We're really, really pleased," Whitehouse said. "The general consensus is, we do think there are more dogs and people using the park. Overall, it appears to be increasing foot traffic and of course that was one of the main goals."

She said they have 15 volunteers who are keeping the pet bag stations stocked throughout the pilot program and are planning two events in the park to teach people about pet safety and being a good dog owner. 

The plan is to hold the first such event in June and the second in August, Whitehouse said.

Mayor Ed Kelley said he agrees the project has been successful so far.

"The park feels and seems safer," he said.

Dogs had been prohibited at Cain Park and other city parks. If the pilot program goes well, council will consider continuing it in some fashion after the pilot ends - possibly at other Cleveland Heights parks, too.

The proposal follows a survey last year about whether dogs should be allowed in Cain Park. Residents who answered the survey said they wanted dogs to be allowed in the park.

For more information, check out the program's website.