Canton Dog Park
Last Updated: 01/28/2008
 
The Sniff Test
July 10, 2006
Dog parks are such a simple idea - fenced-off pieces of public land where dogs can run around to their hearts' content without a leash and without annoying or biting or assaulting any human passers-by - that it's no wonder they're springing up everywhere. New York has 40 of them. Anne Arundel has a bunch. So why does Baltimore have just one?
Cathi Webster, president of the Friends of Canton Dog Park, on Toone Street, can tell you why. The simplicity of the idea is deceptive - because a dog park is not just a fence. It requires serious volunteers, running water, a double gate, a monthly cleanup, a mowing of grass, a dedication to fundraising and a commitment to enforcing the rules. "A dog park is like a golf course," Ms. Webster says. "It's a 365-day living thing." Canton's annual maintenance budget is about $2,500 - and a lot of volunteer hours.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. It's good for the dogs, and it's good for everyone else. Ms. Webster, who owns a Chihuahua-basenji mix named Scout, says she hates to see dogs running free in Patterson Park - or dashing off into Eastern Avenue. "If my dog saw a squirrel, he'd be in Dundalk before I could stop him," she says. "An animal off-leash is just so dangerous in the city. Why, if you love your dog, would you put him in a situation where he can fail?"
Two years ago, the city's Department of Recreation and Parks came up with rules for dog parks. The first rule is that a community group has to take the initiative. It has to be willing to build the dog park and maintain it. So far, there's been some interest from neighbors of Patterson Park, but that's it. Connie A. Brown, the chief of the department, says he gets regular complaints about loose dogs and "after-hours barking" all over the city. He'd love to host additional dog parks - if the public would step forward.
"We'd looooooooove about 10 more dog parks in the city of Baltimore," says Ms. Webster, because that would take some of the pressure off Canton. People drive from miles around to bring their canines to Canton. (Aggressive behavior or too much barking or any interest in reproduction of the species gets them kicked right out, if they're caught.) The owners like it for the human interaction, too. Becky Robbins of Canton says she just wishes there were a coffee bar and margarita bar at the entrance. That might make it too popular.
Dog owners of Baltimore, get organized. The city needs you. Your dog needs you. You have nothing to lose but your leashes - at least, inside the fence.
Copyright © 2006, The Baltimore Sun
4th Annual Picnic a BIG SUCCESS!
The Friends of the Canton Dog Park's 4th Annual Picnic/Anniversary Party was a big success thanks to you! Thanks to you, our wonderful friends and our generous sponsors, the Dog Park Committee was able to make our goal of earning $2,500 at our June 10th event! Read more »
The Paws Are Here!
Now through Sunday, October 1st, you can register your dog on the…
2006 Canton Dog Park Walk of Fame!
For only $40 you can have your dog’s name painted on a paw print located in the Canton Dog Park (only one name per paw). Names will be painted once a month at clean-ups and will last approximately 4 to 5 months.
If you are interested, please complete the form below and mail it with a check for $40 made out to Canton Dog Park.
LOVE YOUR DOG…LOVE YOUR DOG PARK!!!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PAW PROJECT DONATION FORM
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Support the City's only Dog Park!
If you are interested in helping out or learning more, please contact Gina Schwind, President, Friends of Canton Dog Park!
If you would like to make a donation to the Canton Dog Park (ANY amount is always appreciated!), please send it to:
Canton Community Association/Canton Dog Park
PO Box 5125
Baltimore, MD 21224
Checks should be payable to CCA, but be sure to write DOG PARK in the Memo section.
Or, if you like, you can make a contribution via PayPal:
Click Here for more information or to see a list of sponsors.
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The Canton Community Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization that strives to enhance our community for neighbors, businesses and visitors.