For nine years, Watertown resident Scott Gates has pleaded with the city council to approve a dog park in Watertown’s iconic Thompson Park. But the city’s new mayor, Joe Butler, was very blunt with Gates at the most recent council meeting on Monday. Butler told Gates he had no interest in approving a dog park.
Gates acknowledges there are lots of issues in Watertown that need attention, and many think constructing a dog park isn't one of them. But Gates says he’s not asking for much.
“It’s taken more of their attention than it’s ever needed to. It really should have been a simple thing. Mayor Graham once said if this was any other city it would have just got built and it’s like 'well, what does that say?' You’re the people who are making those decisions," Gates said.
Last year, former Watertown Mayor Graham led the effort to design a dog park off Factory Street, along the Black River. That effort died after Gates himself stopped fundraising for the project, claiming the selected site was unsafe.
Gates says he doesn’t intend to give up his dream for a dog park as long as its in a suitable location. He hopes to convince Watertown's new City Council to approve the project for Thompson Park once and for all.