Will There Be a Dog Park in North Reading?
Residents want to know if North Reading is going to open a dog park.
Welcome to You Ask... Patch Answers where we answer readers questions. We recently received questions about a dog park in North Reading. Patch readers want to find out more about dog parks in town. Here's your answer.
According to Parks and Recreation Operations Director/ Department Head Maureen Stevens, "We've never had an official one."
However, years ago residents brought their dogs to a park on Park Street that was fenced in to let them run and play without a leash. It was never an official dog park, but residents and their furry friends still enjoyed it. That was closed about three years ago after neighbors complained about noise, dog fights, animal waste and other issues, Stevens told Patch.
The selectmen met and deemed that it wasn’t a friendly thing for the neighborhood, she said.
As for the future, "nothing is on the table in regards to developing another dog park," she said. Location, parking and neighbor proximity are problems that will prevent the town from opening a dog park.
Residents frequently bring their dogs to Ipswich River Park, but there is a leash law. Still, people tend to let their dogs off their leashes at the park, Stevens said, but the Parks and Recreation Department hears a lot of complaints when that happens. Some people are not comfortable with dogs, even if they are friendly, running over to them. Sometimes people are afraid or even allergic, she said.
Michael L
7:11 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
What about a Cat park. I am sick of the discrimination
Richard Whitmore
8:25 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
so isn't this the point in question,with the leash law we are not all fortunate enough to have fenced in yards,therefore give them a place to run free. I think the majority of people who would use it do respect the " pick up what you bring in" honor system, as well as we have to register and pay for them, give them there money's worth.
Francine (DiChiara) Coughlin
9:25 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
I am in full support of a dog park in North Reading! I would even help set up volunteer monitoring if we needed it. The majority of dog owners are responsible, and with improper socialization and lack of exercise at the route of many behavioral issues, a dog park could alleviate this greatly and be a great asset to our community.
Malinda Anne Leone
9:35 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
I beleive that a dog park would be a great addition to the Reading N Reading community. Dog parks are a great way to provide excercise and socialization, for the furry friend and its owner. ;)
I also agree that a volunterr program could be put in place as well as "clean up days". I have attended volunteer days at the Fells reservation before and it is always successfull. Even business use it as an oppritunity to come out and help and network.
Joe Veno
10:15 am on Monday, September 24, 2012
I agree a dog park would be great. The problem is where do we put it? No one wants it in their back yard and I do not blame them. It should not be put in a residential area.
Maureen Vacca
7:59 am on Friday, December 14, 2012
Where there is a will...there is a way! People interested in a dog park should work together to present a list of potential sites to the BOS. One place that comes to my mind is the abandoned ball park between Walmart & the postal annex. No neighbors, plenty of parking....and it just might be partially fenced in.