What's Happening in Westlake, OH…

No dogs are currently allowed in any parks in Fairview or Fairview Park, but that may be set to change.

According to a May 27, 2015 news article, city council members discussed the issue, noting they were trying to find out what residents think about allowing dogs in all the city parks, not just those designated as dog parks. The issue is controversial because of the failure of some dog owners to clean up after their pooches.

The city's parks and recreation department recently undertook a citywide survey, but the data has not yet been returned, according to at-large council representative Peggy Cleary who spoke with Joe Brown, P&R director, and says that there doesn't seem to be strong feeling in the community either for or against the measure.

Cathy Danko, who has lived in Fairview for 30 years, believes the measure should be approved, noting that parks and dogs just seem to go together. She also said dogs are allowed in both the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and in Cleveland Metroparks, and believes if owners are responsible for their pets, there shouldn't be a problem. Others disagree, citing the problems caused when owners don't pick up their dogs' waste.

The council has agreed to take another look at the proposal at a future date. In order to get more input, council members might consider working with a flyer printing company to create another survey to mail to residents, following up on the Parks and Recreation effort and asking for further input.