Margate Has a Dogpark. What About Ventnor? Future Bark-Park?

Ventnor mayor Beth Holtzman

A proposed place for your puppy to play could be called Ventnor Bark Park. That’s if Ventnor volunteers can traverse a gauntlet of regulations and raise about $70 grand.

The 600 block of Lafayette Ave. has been considered for the park. It might include a section of the now-abandoned Ventnor Golf Driving Range, on the side furthest from the VECC. Myriad regulatory hurdles & local concerns still remain.

It took time to find out who had authority over the use of this land. Volunteers hope to create the Ventnor dog park with no taxpayer funds.

Nearby at the Margate Dog Park, it’s open to Margate residents only, who pay an annual fee. It cost about $70,000. to build.

Features of a potential Ventnor Bark Park:

  • Double-gated entry area to keep newly arriving dogs safe as other dogs tend to “rush the gate” to sniff out newcomers.
  • Standard heights for fencing.
  • Separation of large dog play areas from small dog areas.
  • Advisability of variable terrain surfacing materials (sand/stones – natural grass – pathways – doggie-turf)
  • Agility equipment
  • Water supply, shelter/shade
  • Electrical supply if there are to be “Paws Pass” keycards issued to users

Ocean City and Margate have pass-key protected locked gates and user fees. Margate charges $30; Ocean City – $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents.

Ventnor City Commission listened to dog park presentations, for both a temporary and permanent dog park. – Fees, pass-keys, city registrations, proof of vaccination would be some of the conditions needed in order to get full Ventnor City approval.

The Margate facility was largely undertaken at taxpayer cost; the Ocean City facility is the result of a citizen-initiated and funded effort more aligned our model.

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