A few months ago, I wrote about the lack of dog parks within Milwaukee's city limits and this weekend the subject came up again on three different occasions.

The first was walking through Gordon Park, where dogs are only allowed on the cement pathway. I met a man and woman there with their two dogs off-leash and off the path. They told me that this is where a lot of dog owners meet to socialize themselves as well as their pets. Off to the left of us was a children's playground. To the right, a soccer field, and not far off in the distance, Locust and Humboldt.

The second encounter was at the newly redeveloped park on Meineke, near Bremen and Pierce, where dogs are not allowed at all. Of course, on a quick trip through I met up with three more people and four more dogs, all off-leash. It's a much quieter park than Gordon Park and also much safer for the four-legged companions. The busy North Avenue is just over the hill, but a relatively safe distance away.

This morning I came across a third mention in my inbox, an official plea, this time from ROMP, the Residents for Off-leash Milwaukee Parks. It must be a sign, so I thought it might be time to bring it up again. ROMP will be conducting several public information sessions about plans for new dog parks in 2009. The 2009 county parks capital budget currently includes $250,000 to build several new fenced-in, off-leash dog parks in Milwaukee County. ROMP and the Milwaukee County Parks System are seeking public input on these plans and invites county residents to attend one of three session.

ROMP is planning on having three sessions in which county residence can attend and participate: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6-7:30 p.m. at Gordon Park (2828 N. Humboldt Blvd.), Thursday, Oct. 23, 6-7:30 pm at Currie Park (3535 N. Mayfair Rd.), and Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6-7:30 pm at the Boerner Botanical Gardens (9400 Boerner Dr.) These meetings are especially important as the amount of money allotted for dog parks has been severely cut and runs the risk of disappearing altogether.

"Initially the dog park budget was $1.2 million with a goal of opening 10-12 new sites. It got cut down to $875k and again to $250k. There is a county supervisor who will be proposing an amendment to the budget that includes the removal of the $250k for new dog parks in the parks system's capital budget," says Robin Barry.

There are more than a few benefits of having some good dog parks within the city limits. While most existing parks severely limit or out-and-out prohibit canine activity posted "No Dogs Allowed" signs appear to be accomplishing very little, as evidenced in my first two encounters. Dog owners take liberties anyway; they need space to allow their dogs freedom to run and play without worrying about dislocated shoulders (human or animal) or strangling leashes.

These anti-canine restrictions occur because residents fear irresponsible waste management or may be concerned with the safety of their children around potentially wild animals. A few sponsored dog parks, however, would provide bags and a proper waste disposal system. The fenced-in locations would naturally contain any potty problems within the specified bounds, though it would be desired, if not required, for everyone to pick up after themselves anyway. A fenced in park would also remove much of the risk involved with sneaking around the backsides of parks. Dogs can't accidentally run into traffic. Children can't accidentally run into dogs.

Furthermore, dog owners are generally just as social as their dogs. Have you seen Brady Street's Dog Days? They desire to get together. They promote friendly streets. They are constantly out for walks, essentially patrolling the area. Dog walkers become more familiar with what is right and wrong about their surroundings. It seems like there is always one dog walker who happens upon any traffic accident scene. They are an important part of the community.

The upcoming ROMP meetings are a great opportunity for Milwaukee dog owners to give input on the proposed sites and show the county board that there is a need for more dog parks. Both ROMP and Milwaukee County Parks staff will be at these sessions to answer questions.

"It is important for dog owners to participate in these sessions so that county supervisors know their constituents want more dog parks. ROMP is also asking for dog owners to write, call or email their county supervisors in October during the budgeting process so funds for new dog parks do not get further cut from the budget," says ROMP's president, Robin Barry.

If residents can't attend one of these sessions, they can still share their feedback by taking the Milwaukee Dog Park Survey. The survey link is on the home page ROMP's Web site at www.milwaukeedogparks.org.