Boynton gives dogs trial run on Oceanfront Park beach

BOYNTON BEACH — Boynton Beach is giving dogs their day at the beach — as a “test run” event.

On Tuesday, city commissioners granted a proposal from the Recreation and Parks Department that will allow residents to bring dogs from 9 a.m. to noon during a day to be announced in October or November at the northern end of Oceanfront Park.

Workers will show up two hours before the event to set up fencing and other necessities, such as fresh water and dog waste areas, Boynton Recreation Parks and Director Wally Majors said. Two park rangers will patrol the area.

Recreation staff plans to contact local businesses, such as Petco and PetSmart, that could provide further supplies for the pets.

“We think this will give us the best opportunity to flush this thing through,” Majors said. “There are people interested in making this happen in a safe and fun manner.”

If the event goes well — dogs aren’t creating problems and owners follow proper protocols — it could allow residents to bring dogs to Oceanfront Park on a regular basis with time and area restrictions.

Mayor Steven Grant agreed to the event but is concerned about dogs being off leashes, and he proposed fencedoff areas for different dog sizes. Majors responded to the mayor’s concerns, saying it wouldn’t make sense to keep a dog on a leash at the beach, and it also would be hard to enforce.

Vice Mayor Christina Romelus opposed the event, stressing that it is a waste of money and resources.

Commissioner Mack McCray was on board but brought up concerns about potential injuries, how the event should be advertised and making sure residents are clear about rules, such as cleaning up and keeping dogs under control.

Commissioner Justin Katz expressed excitement about the event, as did Commissioner Joe Casello, who has multiple times pushed for dogs to be allowed at Oceanfront Park.

“There are lots of people who would love to have the opportunity,” Katz said. “This is the minimal possible accommodation to see if this will work.”

One factor that could possibly delay the event is turtle nesting season, Majors said. Recreation staff needs to speak with environmental groups and check with the county to see if it can be held during nesting season, which ends Oct. 31.

Although popular in the state, dog beaches are scarce in Palm Beach County. A beach in Jupiter at A1A and Marcinski Road lets dogs run free without leashes. Owners are expected to pick up after the dogs and put the waste in the trash can. A beach in Boca Raton also allows dogs, but in a specified area monitored by a park ranger.