Scooping the poop in village parks will be more convenient
Heed the message: Pet Waste Management Keeping Parks and Shoes Clean’ Warwick Nothing can ruin a day in the park more than stepping in well you know that warm package left by the adorable cocker spaniel that walked by earlier. Even though there is a scooper law in the village, some dog owners do not always comply. Just ask the village’s Department of Public Works employees. They are the people who mow the parks and whack the weeds. They walk the parks in the village year round. And they most often find those packages that can really ruin your day and your shoes. What could the village do to make cleaning up after your dog easier? How about a Pet Station Dog Waste Disposal System? The system is a sturdy aluminum, 10-gallon steel trash receptacle with rolls of plastic bags attached. Trustee Eileen Patterson first noticed the waste receptacles in Homestead Village. They were inconspicuous but certainly helped improve the walkability of the sidewalks and grassy areas in the complex. “This is generally a problem, but mostly for the DPW,” said Patterson. “If we can make it easier for people to pick up after their dogs, it will be worth it.” The board agreed. Three Waste Disposal Systems from Barco Products will arrive in Warwick within the next few weeks. They will cost about $400 each, plus another $100 for the sign that will be attached to each. Instead of the ordinary sign that says “pick up after your pet,” Patterson decided to bring some creativity into it. She went to the Middle School and had a seventh grade class come up with just the right message. The result: “Pet Waste Management Keeping Parks and Shoes Clean.” Two of the receptacles will go in Stanley-Deming; the other at the Railroad Green. Patterson said they will be the testing grounds. If they prove effective, the village will look into buying more waste receptacles for Veterans’ Memorial Park, Southern Lane and Pond Hill. While the DPW crews will soon be able to breath easier when weed whacking the parks, they won’t escape the odorous parcels altogether emptying the receptacles will be under their domain.