Selectmen refer proposed Byram Park dog park to Planning & Zoning for MI consideration

Parks & Recreation presented a proposal to convert a former Rosenwald site at Byram Park into a second dog park on the towns west side and asked the board to refer the item to Planning & Zoning for municipal-improvement consideration.

Joe Siciliano outlined a plan for roughly 11,000 square feet of enclosed space, a capacity of about 10 dogs at one time, private fundraising of approximately $30,000 for fencing and amenities, and Parks & Rec maintenance responsibilities. He said the health department provided approval for off-leash use in that location and that parking would be available at the gatehouse and within the park; however, members asked for clearer estimates of ongoing maintenance costs and confirmation about passes required to access interior park parking.

Residents and board members raised points about restoring a historic dry-stone wall, water‑quality concerns at nearby Byron Beach, gatehouse access during the off season and the potential for off-leash dogs to move to beach areas when the dog-park season ends. Parks staff said park rangers and signage would be used to encourage compliance and that the project would return for a second read with additional detail. The board agreed to continue the item and refer it to Planning & Zoning.