A majority of residents in east Hays adjacent to one proposed location  for a new dog park say they support “Friends of the Hays Dog Park” in their project, but also say “NIMBY-Not In My Back Yard.”

About 20 people met Tuesday night in Hays City Hall to hear an update on the project from Friends president Dr. Kim Perez, chairman of the FHSU History Department, along with several other group officers.

More than a dozen locations have been scouted with the assistance of Hays Director of Parks Jeff Boyle.  The best site is east of the Kiwanis park at 13th and Harvest Road.

Most of the neighbors are concerned about a possible decline in their property values.  They also say there’s a problem with stormwater runoff in the area  and fear a buildup of trash and possibly dog feces.  Perez  says Friends of the Hays Dog Park  would vigilantly keep the park clean.  Dog walkers would be required to clean up after their pets.

Boyle will report the meeting’s discussion points  to Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty.  The issue is expected to re-appear in an upcoming city commission work session.

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