I don't understand why people think it is ok to take dogs into a dog free zone? If it is dark, then if their dog does something, they are less likely to be able to find it and clear up (tho I suspect they probably wouldn't) As has been mentioned, goose green, where the dog could have a proper runaround is just across the way. I don't understand why the OP is getting grief for thinking this is unacceptable - I'm a dog owner and I certainly don't.