Dogs will soon have their own play area at a busy Centretown park.

In a couple of weeks, the City of Ottawa will enclose a section of McNabb Park, near the intersection of Bronson and Gladstone Avenues, so that dogs can run freely without interfering with other patrons, according to the area's councillor.

"We're going to fence it off and put a gate there," said Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney.

McKenney told CBC News residents have been expressing concerns about unleashed dogs roaming around the park.

Coun. Catherine McKenney said she heard from many concerned residents about unleashed dogs at McNabb Park while campaigning for office. (CBC)

"It is something that I hear about at McNabb that I don't hear about nearly as much at other parks," McKenney said.

"The complaints I'm getting are mostly about dogs leaving their area and coming into the play area. And if it's a large dog, it can frighten a child. It can frighten an adult."

McNabb Park currently has signs posted indicating when dogs are allowed inside and when they can be unleashed, but some owners disregard them and allow their dogs to play untethered at all hours.

That's worried parkgoers, especially those who are afraid of dogs.

"I am a dog owner. I have a large dog, I know it can be frightening," said McKenney.

Tensions between parents, dog owners

Pamela Lawler has two young children and supports the idea of having a fenced-off area at McNabb Park.

"I'm sure most dogs are safe, but how would I know? I've brought the children here to play ... and there have been dogs that have just ran at them. And that was scary for them."

Pamela Lawler supports the idea of having a fenced area for unleashed dogs at McNabb Park. (Idil Mussa/CBC)

Lawler said she's seen first-hand how conflicts between dog owners and parents can escalate.

"I've been here for a few incidents where there were yelling matches between a dog owner and a parent, said Lawler.

"[I've seen incidents] when the dog owner didn't respond very positively when they were asked 'Can you control your dog around my child, because my child is afraid of dogs?'"

Park's landscape is changing

Lawler said McNabb Park's changing landscape — last summer, the city opened a skate park there — has attracted more people, and McKenney agrees.

"We've got the skate park. We've got a children's area. We've got a very large area where dogs are able to run. And a lot of people visit McNabb for that reason," said McKenney.

McKenney said the gated area will reduce tensions and help make the park more accessible and enjoyable.

"This will resolve that conflict between the park users and the people who enjoy taking their dogs to McNabb who also need that space."