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Park is threatened with closure after formal complaint filed

 

LANDRUM – A petition is being formed to support Landrum Dog Park after a formal complaint has been filed to have the park shut down.

Landrum Dog Park, located at 1522 E Rutherford St. behind Stone Soup Restaurant, has been open to the community since December 2016.

The complaint, originally filed on July 26, 2021, describes the park as “a nuisance.” It also addresses concerns of “noise and smell, as well as continuous barking and loud and disruptive noises of the dog owners.” The document claims “the excessive noise, noxious odors and activities from the Defendants’ property have worked to hurt, inconvenience, and damage the Plaintiffs and their property and unreasonably interfere with the Plaintiffs’ use and enjoyment of their lives and Property.” 

The plaintiffs want the dog park shut down permanently and say they are entitled to punitive damages. 

Past petitions in support of the dog park have earned over one hundred signatures.  

“Our park is a great place for the dogs to run and play. It’s clean and well-maintained, with a large dog side and a small dog side. There is plenty of seating and shade for both dogs and owners.” said Patti Wansor, a past petitioner. “I have met so many wonderful people there (and dogs), local as well as people just passing through, or visiting from other towns and states.”

Another frequent attendee that wished to remain anonymous said, “I take my dogs daily to the park so they can socialize and run off-leash. My health doesn’t let me take them for long walks and they always have to be on a leash. I very much appreciate the park and the dogs and I have made many friends there. I will definitely be signing the petition.” 

The area where the park is located is zoned commercial, so there are no zoning violations. Owner Suzanne Strickland also constructed a privacy fence and spent three thousand dollars on trees for privacy. Strickland says she tried to set up a meeting with the plaintiff, which the plaintiff denied.

“I think it’s a real asset for the community, and it would be a real shame if it weren’t here,” said Strickland. “It brings the community together. That’s what I’m about.”

Susan Thurlow is designing the official petition to keep the park open and hopes to have the final document available soon. The court case does not have a confirmed date yet. It was originally set to be heard in April, but may now take place in May or June.