A park for small dogs in Aspen?

ASPEN ” City officials will consider dedicating a city park exclusively for small dogs.

Members of the Aspen City Council on Tuesday directed Stephen Ellsperman, deputy director of parks and recreation, to pursue a few different sites that would allow for a park for small dogs.

Ellsperman said he will come back to the council within a month and give options for a future dog park site.

The move was prompted by a group of Aspenites who petitioned the council earlier this month to consider a dedicated spot for small dogs. Susan O’Neal of Aspen, who owns a small dog that was attacked by a large dog last year, had suggested Koch Lumber Park, near her residence.

Pioneer Park in the West End was suggested as another possible location, and one in which the council expressed interest.

Other residents have related stories of similar attacks by large dogs and coyotes. O’Neal requested that the city set up a green, plastic, removable fence for summertime use only and for use only by dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less.

O’Neal also volunteered herself and other small-dog owners to keep the park clean by picking up after the animals.

While Mayor Mick Ireland appeared to be in favor of trying the concept on an experimental basis, Councilman Jack Johnson questioned whether there is a need for it.

“I haven’t heard a compelling argument to make a distinction between small and large dogs,” he said.

Andrew Kole, a resident who lives near Koch Park, said a dog park there won’t work. He envisioned a corral of small dogs yelping and barking at volleyball players.

“Susan O’Neal should be fenced,” he said. “Well-behaved dogs get along with other well-behaved dogs.

“If they delay this long enough it will snow and this will go away.”