Mulberry Dog Park gets reprieve after meeting with Recreation Director Rohan

The Mulberry Dog Park has been granted a reprieve after Recreation Director John Rohan met with dog owners about their “stewardship” responsibilities.

The Amenity Authority Committee last month had threatened to close the dog park because dog owners had reportedly not been living up to their promise to keep it clean.

Rohan told AAC members Wednesday morning he met with dog owners at the dog park in the Marion County section of The Villages.

AAC member Ann Forester asked about the cleanup responsibilities at the dog park.

“There are rakes and shovels there, but who are we asking to use them?” she asked.

Rohan likened the responsibilities to those on the golf course.

“If I make a divot, it’s my responsibility to fix it,” he said.

Villager Morgan Jenkins said there had been confusion over responsibilities at the dog park.

“There was no understanding of what was expected. The meeting cleared that up,” Jenkins said.

One point of contention remains a barrier between the area for large dogs and the area for small dogs.

Some dog owners, including Jenkins, think a barrier would be useful.

However, not all dog owners are in favor of a barrier.

“Some dog owners don’t want the barrier. They like the interaction. They make noise, but they’re dogs,” said Villager Jim Ness.