HAVERHILL — A year ago, the city was all set to establish a dog park, where man's best friend would be permitted to run off leash.

But it now appears that won't happen until next spring at the earliest.

Mayor James Fiorentini announced last fall that a half-mile strip of land between Winnekenni Park and Plug Pond would be available for untethered canines. City workers cleared brush from the trail, and it appeared the much-desired canine area was about to become a reality.

At that time, Fiorentini said he expected the dog trail to be ready by Oct. 15, 2008.

But the proposal immediately drew opposition. Neighbors of the proposed park protested, saying the dogs would venture on their property. City councilors also opposed the plan, and it was shelved.

So the mayor appointed a committee, headed by attorney Thomas Sullivan, to come up with another dog park site. The committee proposed three possibilities: an area behind the parking lot at Plug Pond; the American Legion farm on North Main Street; and the old Route 110 rest area, which has been closed for several years.

About a month ago, Fiorentini, Sullivan and other city officials met with Dwight Street residents and other people who live near the Plug Pond site. Both Fiorentini and Sullivan said the neighbors were initially opposed to the dog park, until learning it would be surrounded by a fence.

They also said they did not want taxpayer money to fund the project, Sullivan said.

Fiorentini said he has not decided whether he'll put the dog park near Plug Pond or try another site.

"I have other things I have to worry about," he said, such as trying to keep the city in the black. "At some point I'll confer with (Public Works Director) Mike Stankovich about where to put it."

One challenge will be figuring out how to pay for the fence, Fiorentini noted.

Sullivan said the city won't be able to do anything at the Plug Pond site until the spring at the earliest because the area is currently overgrown. When he and several others tried to walk the area, they were unable to do so.

In order for the canine area to work, Sullivan said the owners will have to make sure they pick up after their dogs and take care of its upkeep.

"It's up to the users to be responsible," he said.

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