HAGERSTOWN, MD - Dogs may be barking up the trees of Hager Park if a Dog Park proposal passes.

Renee Burgan owns three dogs and says, "A socialized dog is a happy dog, and an exercised dog is a happy dog, which leads to lower rates of aggression overall."

However, the American Little League in Hagerstown says they already use the park for practice.

Amanda Burker with the Little League says, "We would definitely be at a loss. Most of our tee ball teams practiced there this year and it was always really great to have such a close space."

They're not against building a dog park in the city. They just don't want it to be at Hager Park.

"This year we had picnics there, team pictures there the year before," Burker says, "just a number of things. Not to mention the area. Kids hang out at that park before and after baseball."

Safety's a top concern, along with who'll pick up the poop and if two-thirds of an acre at Hager Park can accommodate the dogs. 

The demand though is evident.  Many at the public meeting agree it's up to dog owners to watch their pets.

Burgan says, "I believe this is long over due, so I don't care where it goes. I just want a dog park, but certainly if people do have concerns that are proven to be valid, then they should be heard."

The City Engineer, Rodney Tissue, says, "There's probably at least 4000 homes in the city statistically that have dogs. Of those there's probably a portion that would like to have their dogs be able to get out and have exercise in these kind of facilities."

After the public meeting at the City Council Chambers, residents were encouraged to sign up to be on the Dog Park Task Force.