MILTON — The Milton common council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit domestic animals within the fenced-in portion of Liberty Park, citing concerns about field degradation and long-term maintenance.
The proposed ordinance would ban any/all domestic pets which are defined as domestic species of any kind and horses, from entering the fenced area that includes the parkÃÛèÖÊÓƵ softball and baseball fields. Service animals, as defined under Wisconsin law, would be exempt.
Alderperson Sharla Walker asked why this park should have such regulations rather than any other park in the city.
Public Works Director Mark Langer said that this was brought up as a concern to the parks commission.
There was debate about if they should include all city parks to not allow domestic animals just at fenced in ball diamonds.
Alderperson Ken Smith said that there should be an inclusion of not fenced in ball diamonds because kids playing ball in the outfield shouldn’t have to step in what dog owners don’t clean up.
Alderperson Trent Kuczynski said that as a youth baseball coach he is grateful that they are making this ordinance.
He also suggested that maybe all city parks should be included because there is a dog park in the city for dogs to play in.
Alderperson Molly Budlong said maybe they should just keep it to fenced in areas because if people want to walk their dogs in the park they should be able to.
Walker also suggested that maybe the public works department could look at putting more dog waste receptacles in all city parks.
According to city documents, the parks and recreation commission recommended the change after noticing increased wear and tear on the athletic fields, which are frequently used for both organized sports and community recreation.
“Maintaining high-quality public recreation facilities is in the best interest of all park users,†the proposed ordinance reads.
If approved, the city would incur minor costs related to posting signage and installing notices around the field.
Ultimately it was a unanimous decision to refer the ordinance back to the parks commission to include the language about all fenced in baseball diamonds in the city of Milton.
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