They protect our homes and love us unconditionally. Now our dogs could help boost our state’s tourism industry.
At least, that’s the view of state tourism officials, who want to compile a list of “dog-friendly” attractions in Connecticut, places where visitors can bring the family pet along on vacations or daytrips.
That’s what Skip Bergstrom, deputy commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development, recently told Diane Smith during a television interview on the state’s $27 million “Still Revolutionary” tourism campaign.
Connecticut’s tourism industry relies heavily on visitors who drive here from large population centers, such as New York and Boston. Many of those people probably would like to bring their dogs along on those trips, Bergstrom said.
There will always be competition for shared public spaces. Fairfield beaches are available for families with dogs only during the winter months. It cost the Town nothing to administer. We have formed a group--Fairfield Beach Access--and work extraordinarily hard to manage this interaction and have done so mostly sucessfully for several years. We have a good relationship with the First Selectman, P&RC, and Animal Control. Our group supports respect for the opinions of ALL, but most especially for those who may disagree with us. We point out that dogs are NOT allowed unleashed at Penfield, and that their guardians are REQUIRED to clean up after them. We are frustrated that the reputation of the dog guardian community at-large is impugned by the transgressions of a minority of selfish and careless individuals... and wish they would just stay away. We will work on this problem. Let us know how you feel: http://www.fairfieldbeachaccess.org
Let them run freely in your own fenced (visible &/or invisible) yard!
Jennings Beach is the only of 7 Fairfield beaches available for families with unleashed dogs, and only during the "off season" (winter: October - March). During much of that time, it is cold or bitterly inclement, and Jennings is nearly or completely deserted... except for those with dogs. Fairfield spends money supporting every conceivable passive or active recreational activity in its public and open spaces, and all its residents are rightly proud of that. It's important to remember that Fairfield families with dogs are among those who pay those taxes. Unlike those other activities, however, beach access costs the Town nothing. FBA members even provide their own trash receptacle. Beach access with dogs offers an absolutely critical and irreplaceable opportunity for social interaction, which many treasure and anticipate all year. It bonds both neighbors and strangers alike into friends and strengthens community spirit. It enhances the Town's reputation across the county and tri-state area. Many families with dogs travel great distances on weekends and spend money in Town while visiting. We know families who bought homes here because of its winter beach access for dogs.