Dogs on leashes now are allowed to enjoy Aspinwall Fireman's Park with their owners.
Council this month approved guidelines similar to those at the borough's off-leash park at the community baseball fields when the sport is not in season. Dogs must be licensed and owners must pick up after them.
“There's a nice trail there and I think it would be a nice thing to have,” Councilwoman Jen Evashavik said before the vote.
The issue didn't pass without a few concerns from residents.
Mike Troyan noted that people rent the park's pavilion and may find it off-putting to find dog waste left behind.
“What's to stop people from not cleaning up after their dogs?” he said. “People pay a decent price for the pavilion and now they are out playing in dog poop.”
Tish Marsico said her lawn along Tenth Street is ruined year-round by pet owners who don't clean up after their dogs. She disagreed with the move to allow pets in the park.
Borough Manager Melissa Lang-O'Malley said people will be fined $50 if they are caught not cleaning up after their dogs. There are cameras in the park that can assist with the surveillance, she said.
Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2 or at tpanizzi@tribweb.com or via Twitter @tawnyatrib.
