KINGFIELD —Because a handful of dog owners have abused the privilege of walking their pets in the town park, canines have been banned from the recreation area.

The Recreation Department board has petitioned selectmen to ban all dogs from the grassy acreage and children’s playground behind Webster Hall. Although owners have been expected to clean up after their pets, few have made the effort. Because of all the excrement left behind, the playground and grassy areas have become unsanitary and unpleasant, according to complaints.

“People are stepping in (dog feces),” said administrative assistant Douglas Marble.

Carrabassett Valley’s park is dog-free, selectmen Wade Browne said. He suggested Marble check with other towns to learn how they dealt with similar problems.

“The enforcement issue is a hard thing,” he said.

Several dog owners are repeat offenders, but because the park is meant to be enjoyed by all citizens, selectmen asked Marble to have a “No Dogs In the Park” sign placed in a visible location. They also reviewed other rules, including a ban on glass containers and the possibility of limiting hours of park use.

In other news, Marble will negotiate with Western Mountains Transportation to fix costs for the Sugarloaf Explorer shuttle bus.

“Due to the lack of snow this last season, ridership numbers are way down,” Marble said.

At the June town meeting, voters agreed to appropriate $3,500 for transporting skiers to and from Sugarloaf during school vacation weeks. The transportation has been free to residents of Kingfield and surrounding areas.

Selectmen also reviewed a proposed location for a “Park & Ride” lot on a piece of town land.

“The parking area would be for ATVs, snowmobilers, walkers and hikers who use the trail systems,” Marble said.

The area around the snow shed on Route 27 at the south entrance of town would provide parking for recreational access, but selectmen will review costs and design proposals . Taxpayers should not be expected to cover costs for the construction, they agreed.

“The snowmobile club comes to the town of Kingfield every year, so they should be helping out with some of these things,” said selectman Wade Browne.

Marble said taxpayers appropriated $3,500 at the June town meeting for the club, which also receives several hundred dollars from annual snowmobile registration fees.