Brookhaven Park dog park improvements provide “best of all worlds”

Conrad Sloane and Otis enjoy a run in Brookhaven Park.

Brookhaven, GA, July 27, 2018 – Steps are being taken at Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Road, a popular greenspace frequented by dog lovers, that will provide a “best of all worlds” solution accommodating all visitors to park, whether they own a dog or not.

In the wake of discussions between City staff and the Brookhaven Park Association, work has begun to enclose approximately five acres designated to pet lovers and their dogs. This solution allows those without pets to equitably share the park space with those eager to give their dogs of all sizes room to roam.

A dog-friendly double-gated entry system is being designed to keep dogs within the designated area, and the proposed plan calls for at least two entries: one on the northeast side and one on the south-facing side of the area.

Installation of approximately 1000 feet of linear chain link fence is expected to take place within a month. The designated area will be located in the northwest corner of the park, near Post Brookhaven apartments.  

“We received clear instruction from City Council and the community,” said Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman. “We are now moving with all due haste to resolve this important issue and preserve this heritage area as the world-class off-leash dog park that it has become that can be shared with those who prefer to visit the park pet-free.”

Brookhaven’s ordinance (Sec. 5.5) states that all pets must be restrained while off the property of the owner, “except in city parks that are specifically designated by signage and fencing as off-leash areas.”

Since the park is home to popular events such as the Brookhaven Chili Festival, consideration had to be given to having a fence that could be easily removed so that on festival days the entire park can be utilized.

Since preparations for major festivals can take approximately 1-2 days to set up the event, during these times fencing will be removed and dog owners can have use of the park with exception of the morning of the festival. Dog owners would be allowed back into the area one hour after the advertised close of the festival. In addition, there will be an understanding that all festival food trucks will be located on the lower park fields.

A number of additional park improvements are also under consideration with dog-friendly amenities including a raised dog washing station with two bays for simultaneous washing of dogs; additional “doggy and me” water fountains; additional pet stations; and more leash stations.  These improvements would be accomplished through a Site-Specific Master Plan under development and funded with the $6 million allotted by the Brookhaven City Council under the approval of a $40 million bond referendum at the July 24 Council meeting.  The referendum will be on the Nov. 6, 2018 ballot.