Woof. In Spring Garden, a potential dog run has stirred differences in opinion among locals. For years, many in the neighborhood have used a corner of Clemente Park, at 18th and Wallace Streets as an unofficial dog run.

Clemente Park

But recently, the City hung a sign that announced dogs were prohibited in the park, according to park director Terrance Smith. Before that, according to Terrance, an average of 150 dogs a week frequented the park grounds, which include a ball field.

The newish signs

The posting happened after a group of neighbors involved in the Spring Garden Civic Association planned to meet with commissioners about making part of Clemente an official dog run. But before the meeting, one person informed someone in the City about the prevalent use of the unofficial dog run and officials scampered as if from nowhere to hang the aforementioned sign.

Another sign, on 19th St.

“It’s a real sensitive subject,” said Pat Freeland of the SGCA about the ordeal. “There was very vehement opposition.”

Apparently, someone doesn’t like dogs, or kids running around close to dog droppings, which Freeland admitted could be the case. She said there is a group who plan to meet with officials about making the plot of land along Kelly Drive across from the Azalea Garden at the Art Museum an official dog run, and added the SGCA is interested in establishing a dog run in the neighborhood.

Behind the prison

There used to be dog run behind the Eastern State Penitentiary along Brown Street, between 23rd Street and Corinthian Avenue. That location closed a few years ago after one individual filed a lawsuit because people failed to pick up properly after their dogs. City Council President Darrell Clarke helped neighbors establish that park, but has since gone on the record saying he would be reluctant to be as helpful a second-time around. Clarke did not return a call seeking comment. Nor did the Department of Parks and Recreation, who we called to figure what the actual legal process is for establishing a dog park.

Pipe dream perhaps, but could this spot work?

For now at least, dogs are out at Clemente. According to Smith, there’s a Green Street driveway between 18th and 19th Streets between the church and the school where a sinkhole exists that could be a good location for a dog park. We think it is common sense that if Philadelphians want to consider themselves to be citizens in a world-class municipality, that dog runs are part of that equation. Where could one be established in Spring Garden? And why does it seem like some folks (at least one in every neighborhood) are so opposed to them?

–Lou Mancinelli