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It was sheer dogged determination by several Islanders to finally get a resolution before City Council that would allow dogs in the parks.

“It’s time has finally come ... The issue of dogs in the parks has come up very occasionally over the years, but a vocal minority killed any proposals that came up,” said resident Carole Roberts, who calls herself a “dog-lover.”

As the non-dog owning City Councilor Jerry Gibson once said about the issue: “Times they are a changing.”

City Council will consider a resolution Monday to allow dog owners to walk their dogs on eight-foot leashes in most city parks.

After at least four years of debating the issue and then putting it on the back burner, many residents said they are happy to hear the idea made it one step further.

“Think of the demographics of the people here. The people with empty nest syndrome. They have one or two dogs that are the light of their lives,” exclaimed resident Darcie Guerin, a member of the loosely organized Dog Lovers of Marco club.

Opponents to the idea of allowing canines in parks worked just as doggedly to prevent such a resolution due to problems such as dog waste on sports fields.

“I’m not against a dog park. I’m just not in favor of dogs using the athletic fields ... That’s where the kids are most likely to roll on the ground,” said Pat Reese of the Parks and Recreation committee.

Residents may also get a resolution that considers such concerns.

According to the proposed resolution that will be considered Monday, dogs will still be prohibited from all city playgrounds, spray parks, community centers, restroom facilities, tennis courts, concession stands and athletic fields.

The community is also not likely to catch a dog walker with arms flailing, leashes tangled in knots as they attempt to walk four dogs at once. The park-related leash law would limit dog walkers to walking only two dogs at a time.

Dog owners will also be responsible for bringing their own bags and supplies to dispose of their dogs’ waste, according to the resolution as proposed.

“People will self-police as far as picking up after our dogs and making sure they are well-socialized ... A few bad apples can ruin it for everyone. Just make sure they are great citizens, the dogs that is,” said Guerin.

Parks to be considered dog-friendly are likely to include Leigh Plummer, Mackle Park, Veterans Community Park, Winterberry and Tract C and D on Winterberry Drive. Leashed dogs may not be permitted in at least one existing park, the smaller Jane Hittler Park and future parks may be decided separately.

“I confess while I think our parks are beautiful, I don’t use them. I’ll start going to the parks now. It’s a great way to bring the community together and socialize. When you have dogs in a community it’s what brings people together just like a community with a lot of children,” Roberts said.

Other items on Monday’s City Council agenda include an amendment to the ordinance on advertising and signs in city parks, a presentation on the Jolley Bridge Toll Feasibility Study by the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization and a discussion about the St. Paul Episcopal Church’s Farmers Market, including parking and other issues related to the market.

The regular City Council Meeting is 5:30 p.m., Monday, at the Community Meeting Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive.