Toms River’s four-legged residents will have a new hangout come Nov. 1.
The township’s dog park at Silverton Park, off Maine Street, is poised to open next Tuesday, with the township council having adopted rules for the park at its meeting this week. Construction on the park – which includes separate, fenced-in areas for small dogs and large dogs – took place over the summer and early fall.
The dog park at Silverton Park, Toms River, N.J., Oct. 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The dog park at Silverton Park, Toms River, N.J., Oct. 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The park’s amenities include 6-foot-long benches anchored into concrete, a walking path, a pet waste station with a concrete foundation, natural berms, plus decorative themes and trash and recycling receptacles. The park has also been newly landscaped. The “berms” form a fun surface on an incline on which dogs can run up and down; one was created in each of the two areas.
Several guidelines were adopted this week to govern the use of the park. The facilities are unsupervised, and visitors use the parks at their own risk. Dogs must be licensed, and each human is allowed to bring a maximum of two dogs at a time. No more than 20 dogs are allowed in the park at once, and time use is limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting. Pet owners must register their dogs with town hall before bringing them to the park. The initial registration will be valid through Dec. 31, 2023, and should be renewed each Jan. 1 thereafter.
The dog park at Silverton Park, Toms River, N.J., Oct. 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The dog park at Silverton Park, Toms River, N.J., Oct. 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The dog park at Silverton Park, Toms River, N.J., Oct. 2022. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
“Patrons are responsible at all times for the behavior and safety of their dogs,” the regulations state, and puppies must be six months old to attend. Dogs must be leashed on their way into and out of the park, and humans must keep leashes with them while their dogs are playing. Dogs do need to wear a collar, and owners must bring water with them for their pets to drink. Dogs are also required to have rabies shots and other typical vaccinations. Treats, food items and toys are not permitted, and children under 14-years-old must be accompanied by an adult. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
The park will be open from 6 a.m. to dusk daily. It may be closed on occasion for weather or other unforeseen issues.
A full copy of the ordinance is embedded below:
