Resident Asks Council for Downtown Park Dog Relief

Haverhill city councilors are expected to hear concerns from a member of Haverhill Brightside Tuesday night about a so-called “dog problem” at Columbus Park on Washington Street.

Christine Rau, Brightside member and Buttonwoods Museum board member, is asking the council to consider dog restrictions in the park after her requests for dog owners to restrain their pets from relieving themselves in a flower bed have been ignored. In a letter to the council, Rau said she adopted the park in 2011 after it had become neglected, planted new flowers and made other cosmetic improvements.

Suggestions she is making to the council include enacting a dog ban at the park, a $100 fine for owners not cleaning up after their dogs or install a three-foot high fence around the garden area.

Without a solution, Rau said she would remove the flowers and replant grass in that area. “The park give residents and visitors a glimpse of Haverhill’s history, artwork from local artist, and beauty with the flowers,” said Rau.

The Haverhill City Council will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, in council chambers at Haverhill City Hall.