Dog park opening in Falls | News, Sports, Jobs – Warren Tribune Chronicle

Oct 23, 2022
NEWTON FALLS — With a family that has always given back to the community, resident Nicole Cutlip-Cozart wanted to continue that tradition and has started a dog park in the village’s downtown.
The Neiss Recreation Park for Dogs will open this week by the falls. The park will be available for use on a membership basis.
Cozart, of Newton Township, said the half-acre property has been used by her family since the 1930s and was the site of the former B&O Railroad tracks and various businesses over the years.
“I had thought about a dog park and we weren’t doing anything with this acreage. It was available, so I felt this would be a great place for a dog park. The idea was to have a safe dog park. We requires dogs to be vaccinated and proof they have been spayed or neutered,” Cozart said.
The park will be available for members with a swipe access key starting in 2023 and allow for bringing up to three dogs per person. There are four benches and dog stations in the dog park with plans for water amenities, dog waste disposal stations, a message board, and a smaller dog area next year. There are two gated double entrance areas to prevent dogs from getting out of the park.
Cozart said she based the local park off a dog park in Glass City, Toledo, which has been around for five to six years.
She said to prepare for the park, a few trees and shrubbery were removed and fencing was added to enclose the area. A parking area also was created.
The park sits near the falls, across from the water tower.
Cozart said plans were to have a fenced in, off-leash dog park where canines and citizens can exercise in a safe environment.
“We view this park as a community project to satisfy the needs of both dog owners and non-dog owners,” she said.
Cozart said her aunt, Madeline Neiss, who was a philanthropist, was among those involved in getting the falls and park established in the community. She said the Neiss family were animal lovers and have been members of the community for more than 100 years.
“They always donated to the city and helped in whatever way they could. As local business owners, the Neiss families knew that investing in Newton Falls would only help the advancement of the community and in return benefit the businesses that still holds true today,” Cozart said.
The Neiss Home Oil Co. properties have wildlife such as deer, squirrels and ducks.
Cozart worked with village officials to make sure the zoning codes had guidelines on dog parks. The process took 14 months.
“I have received support from the city officials and zoning. There are many community members who have wanted to have a dog park,” she said.
Cozart said there are a few public dog parks, including in Bazetta and one being proposed in Braceville by a local Girl Scout.
Steve Cozart brought Ripley, a 1-year-old German Shepherd, to the park.
“Dogs need exercise and the socialization with other dogs. Dogs like that interaction with dogs and people. There are not that many private dog parks. This is a place people with dogs can come and be in a safe environment,” he said.
Nicole said the park is in walking distance from the downtown. It will be open year round and have rules posted.
She said the park could also be used for community events in partnership with the village such as pet adoption days, an exercise location for police canine units, veterinary clinics and a training site for dog trainers.
Mayor Ken Kline said he is excited to see the dog park in the community.
He said many people, including himself, have dogs as pets and to have a local place to take them for running and to be with other dogs as a plus for the community.
“I am glad that it is opening in Newton Falls,” Kline said.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
WHAT: County commissioners’ regular meeting Wednesday PRESENT: Frank Fuda and Mauro Cantalamessa ABSENT: Niki …
WHAT: Board of education meeting Wednesday PRESENT: Mark Bodo, Sam Caputo,Cheryl Basista, Tim Gleason and Josh …
WHAT: Township trustee meetings Oct. 3 and 18 PRESENT: Doug Emerine, Rex Fee and Bill Templeton Trustees: • …
WHAT: City Council meeting Monday PRESENT: Kevin Piros, Scott Rowley, Don Moore, John Picuri, Kathy Fleischer, …
WHAT: Board of education meeting Wednesday PRESENT: Joseph Cappuzzello, Jody Klase, Jessica Krumpak, Donna Shields …
WARREN — A dog was found in a ditch with visible gunshot wounds in the 900 block of Swallow Street SW. A …
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Copyright © Tribune Chronicle | https://www.tribtoday.com | 240 Franklin Street SE, Warren, OH 44483 | 330-841-1600

source