Worcester's Boynton Park Is Ground Zero For Dog Walking Dispute

WORCESTER (CBS) -- Boynton Park is a densely forested area with trails and a big field in the middle where dogs run free all day, every day.

But lately, the Worcester-owned park just over the city line in Paxton has become ground zero for a dispute over dog walking.

Residents have been bringing their dogs here for decades, in spite of an ordinance that says no dogs, leashed or not, are allowed in Worcester's parks.

"Nobody's ever enforced the ordinance until now. That's the big deal," one dog walker told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

For the last several weeks, the parks department has been sending security guards to try to enforce the ordinance. On Sunday, one allegedly got heavy-handed.

"He just came on to the field and was really kind of letting people have it," a dog walker said.

One man says the ranger drove his SUV at him, striking his arm and breaking his watch.

The city is investigating that incident. In the meantime, some city councilors are asking the city manager to evaluate the long overlooked ordinance.

"I'm hoping that my colleagues will join and be reasonable on this and work out some solutions that will include everyone," City Councilor Gary Rosen said.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports: