Hilltop Conservancy: Off-leash dogs in the park

[Theresa Trapp]

Hello everyone:  we've received a number of complaints during the past few 
months from park visitors encountering unleashed dogs.  These complaints have 
ranged from observing dogs chasing wildlife through the preserve, to puppies 
jumping up on people and getting them wet and muddy, to large dogs growling and 
/ or barking at passersby while their owners shout "It"s OK -- he's friendly!".

The Hilltop Reservation is a great place to walk the dog(s), but just like all 
other Essex County parks, there is a leash law in effect.  That law says that 
all dogs must be leashed at all times -- there are no exceptions.  Park rules 
are posted at the main / eastern entrance to the Reservation, as well as on the 
County's website:  http://www.essex-countynj.org/Park_Rules.pdf 

Essex County has several off-leash dog facilities, and there are additional 
designated dog parks in many of our local towns.  I have included the County 
listing, as well as a local search link at the end of this note.

I hope you all agree that visiting the park should be a peaceful and enjoyable 
experience for everyone, not just dog owners.  And that it would be a shame if 
more complaints about off-leash dogs resulted in the County having to send in 
deputies to issue citations for leash law violations (there is a hefty fine).

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the beautiful weekend.     TMT


Theresa Trapp, Treasurer
www.HilltopConservancy.org
theresa_trapp at yahoo.com
973 239-3331



Essex County Off-Leash Dog Facilities 
Dog Park Rules and Regulations
 
Essex County Off-Leash Dog Facility
Essex County Watsessing Park, Locust Avenue, Bloomfield
Access to Locust Avenue from Prospect Street
Open dawn to dusk

Essex County South Mountain Dog Park
Essex County South Mountain Reservation, Crest Drive, Maplewood/Millburn.
Entrance to Crest Drive is off of South Orange Avenue in South Orange
Open dawn to dusk

Essex County Brookdale Park Dog Park
Essex County Brookdale Park, Bloomfield/Montclair
Access from Bellevue Avenue in Bloomfield or Grove Street in Montclair
Parking is available inside Essex County Brookdale Park
Open November 1st to March 31st from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 1st to October 
31st from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 

  
Looking for Other Dog Parks in NJ --

 
http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Different_Outdoor_adventures_NJ/DOG_PARKS_NJ.HTM