NORTHAMPTON — Northampton may have lost one off-leash pooch playground at Smith Farm Fields, but it could gain another next year.
Sarah Schatz, 36, of Hatfield, told the Gazette Tuesday that her plans to bring a members-only dog park to Northampton started taking shape two years ago, but with controversy over the lack of off-leash areas for dogs in Northampton and Amherst, interest in the project has picked up.
“People love their dogs here, and there’s really nowhere for people to safely walk their dogs off-leash,” said Schatz, who also owns a business called Sarah’s Pet Services, which walks as many as 100 dogs a day.
Schatz said the idea for a fenced-in, members-only dog park came to her because, as a dog walker, she could not take clients’ canines to Smith Farm Fields in Northampton because there was no fence, no rules and too much liability.
“It was actually just a bizarre coincidence,” Schatz said of how her project, Pioneer Valley Waggin’ Trails, gelled at the same time that the Smith Vocational and Agricultural board of trustees recommended banning off-leash dogs at Smith Fields.
The controversial decision came because the land was designated by the state for agricultural uses — a purpose trustees said could not be reconciled with off-leash animals romping around in crops and creating safety concerns.
The dog park Schatz is envisioning, at one of two possible Northampton sites, would be a fenced-in 30 acres monitored by staff she would hire. Schatz declined to say what sites she is exploring until she has talked with neighbors.
It would feature a doggie pool, separate areas for small dogs and puppies, restrooms for human companions and a free dog-washing space.
Members would sign an agreement and pay a monthly or yearly fee to use the park. Members would need to agree not to bring aggressive dogs, and would be required to leave if an animal misbehaved. Members would also agree to keep their canines up-to-date on vaccinations, spay or neuter and pick up after them.
“There will be a little bit of an education piece,” said Schatz, who is consulting with professional trainer Kelley Bollen, owner of Animal Alliances, on a mandatory instructional video on dog body language.
“I’m not expecting everyone to be an expert at it — just to understand simple things your dog is saying,” she said.
Schatz is distributing an online survey, responses to which are helping her finalize the business plan. The plan is required for project loan applications, and the endeavor that could cost nearly $1 million, she said.
“It’s a huge project,” Schatz said.
Schatz said she has met several times with Wayne Feiden, Northampton’s director of planning and sustainability, to be sure she takes the proper steps with the city.
Feiden said Tuesday that Schatz will need a special permit and site plan approval, a public process during which neighbors within 300 feet will be invited to comment on the project.
Plans seem to be in good shape, “but the devil’s in the details,” Feiden said.
In the survey, one question asks potential members if they would be willing to spend $36 a month or $300 a year for the park. Day passes also would be available, according to the survey.
Judith Fine, a leader of Friends of Smith Farm Fields, the group advocating for continued off-leash use of the Smith Vocational property, said she is eager to see how the plans unfold.
“The city hasn’t stepped up to the plate like they should, so I think it’s fabulous,” Fine said. However, she does have concerns about how the 30 acres would work when compared with the 282 acres dog-walkers have been enjoying at Smith Farm Fields. “I’m certainly anxious to hear more and I certainly hope that she’s outrageously successful.”
Rachel Volberg, of Northampton, another member of the Friends of Smith Farm Fields, said she is interested in using a new park.
“I’m certainly supportive of the concept,” said Volberg, though she added that the annual fees Schatz proposed seem high. “Obviously, I’m interested in something that would provide me with another option to walk my dog off-leash in a safe environment.”
Schatz said she has received nearly 700 responses in the five days the survey has been available.
“I know it’s needed, I know it will be successful and I know people are excited,” she said.
Amanda Drane can be contacted at adrane@gazettenet.com.