We support preserving the Farmhouse field in its current state or as a green space as indicated in the Highland Park Master Plan. While we support having an off-leash area (OLA) in the vicinity, we do NOT support converting the Farmhouse field into an OLA for the following reasons:

Loss of Frequently Used Play Space: The Farmhouse field is the only playing field in Highland Park. It serves as the neighborhood backyard for Highland Park families and is heavily used informally by children playing ball, Frisbee, soccer, flying kites or simply running. Adults walk around the field for exercise as well.

Child Safety: Dogs are not allowed at playgrounds in the City of Pittsburgh, and the Farmhouse playground is used primarily by families with young children. Some dog owners will unleash their dogs outside the OLA, and this will bring the dogs into conflict with young children. The idea of dog owners utilizing the Farmhouse porch as shelter is an example of the conflict between children and dogs.

Parking and Traffic: We do not wish to see increased traffic and parking at the Farmhouse which is not on an arterial. The roads surrounding the Farmhouse do not have sidewalks, and increased traffic will increase risk for pedestrians, especially families with strollers.

Size: The Farmhouse field will not provide enough space for large dogs to run – especially since the field will be divided into two spaces.

Aesthetics: The OLA may not be maintained annually, and the field does not drain well. This will lead to a muddy location which is unappealing to residents and dog owners. The area is unshaded and will be hot in the summer as well.

In 2012, a number of us initiated the planting of 100 trees at the Farmhouse with the help of the City, the Parks Conservancy and TreeVitalize. We did so because we, like the Master Plan, envision a future of the Farmhouse and the field as our community back yard and playing area.