Essex County is imposing and proposing new severely restrictive rules on the usage of the Bookdale Dog Park.

Most residents of this county work during the day. Keeping the gates of the dog park chained and padlocked from early evening until 8:00 AM precludes the use of the park during the week for the vast majority of county residents.

An opening time of 6:00 AM and a closing time of dusk DURING THE WEEK wouldn't inconvenience the neighbors and would allow the park to be effectively utilized as it was intended.

We understand that moving the park is now being considered. Published reports say that the park will be shut down during such a move.

Such a shutdown would be unreasonably punitive to the thousands of residents who are now enjoying one of the best recreational resources Essex County has to offer.

The proposed reduction of the size of the park would only result in a crowded and potentially chaotic environment.

It would appreciated if a dialogue could be initiated amongst the park neighbors, park users and appropriate government officials so that a reasonable compromise might be reached.