GOLD BEACH – The Gold Beach City Council on Monday began discussing the possibility of a dog park after the city was approached by a citizen’s group about the possibility of establishing such an area at the city’s Buffington Park.

“They had information about a dog park in Harbor at McVay State Park Wayside and one at the city of Bandon,” City Administrator Jodi Fritts said. “They are proposing a 90-by-60-foot park.”

Fritts said she had discussed the proposal with Public Works Superintendent Will Newdall.

“We both felt that we didn’t have room for a 90-by-60-foot area, but that we could accommodate a 30-by-50-foot area behind the former park host trailer,” she said. “It is quite a bit smaller than the initial proposal, but the way the park is laid out we don’t have a lot of open space like McVay Wayside.”

Fritts said there could be problems with large dogs and small dogs loose in the same area.

“I love the idea,” Councilor Tamie Kaufman said.

Mayor Jim Wernicke said there should be some study made of the idea and the space available.

Councilor Jeff Crook said he had heard other people who like the idea of a dog park.

Councilor Brice Gregory did not like the idea.

“Kids are there,” he said of the park. “Dogs fight.”

Wernicke said dogs are currently allowed in the area.

“On a leash,” Fritts said.

“You’re talking about a space not much larger than this room,” Gregory said of the council chamber at city hall.

“Why can’t they take the dogs to the beach?” 

He said Gold Beach, with its beaches, is a great place for dogs.

“I don’t see why we ought to just have another big kennel,” Gregory said.

Fritts said that people bringing their dogs to the beach must be aware of what happened a week ago when a small dog was swept into the ocean and his owner disappeared wading into the water after the pet.

“Don’t go out to the beach when the surf is high,” she said.

Fritts said she would get more information and bring the idea back to the council.