Dog park neglected, no longer fit for canines or humans

When it opened, the East Brunswick dog park was highly praised by the administration, which took great credit for providing a needed service for the community.

During the past summer, the park has been badly neglected. Maintenance is spotty at best. The water fountains leak, spreading the entire area with water and mud. Dogs urinate in the water and others lie in it.

Nearly every dog that goes to this park ends up filthy and probably contaminated. I and other dog owners have advised both the mayor and the parks department of this problem for months, with nothing being done. The dog park, once a place for people to enjoy getting together and for dogs to play together, has become a cesspool.

I was interviewed by a crew for "This Week in East Brunswick" at the dog park a few months ago, and I mentioned the problem to Mayor Bill Neary, who was also interviewed that day and proudly proclaimed his own efforts to get the park built. He promised to "have the matter looked into."

I know the town has many problems and this may seem insignificant, but if the township spends our money on a facility, it should at least remain usable. At present it is not.

Try looking in on the dog park any afternoon around 5 p.m. or any weekend afternoon to see its condition.

Bring nose plugs. Don't bring a dog, unless you intend to bathe it - and yourself - after your visit.

Jeff Harris East Brunswick