Thanks to Grant, Dog Park a Possibility in Reading

Town Manager Bob LeLacheur told the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night that grant money is available and as a result, the town may want to look into whether residents would support the construction of a dog park.

According to the Town Manager, the grant opportunity “fell into the town’s lap,” and would offer 90 percent funding for a potential park. There is significant funding available, so the grant is expected to be a possibility for the foreseeable future, though LeLacheur said the money is first come, first serve.

During a 2012 survey, a significant number of residents selected a dog park as a wish for something that could be built in town, LeLacheur said. In 2013, a total of 2,469 residents applied for dog licenses, a 32 percent increase from the 1,867 licenses in Reading in 2002.

In order to receive the grant money, three things would need to happen. A potential site would need to be agreed upon, approval for the land would need to be granted, and a proposed budget that reflects construction costs would need to reached.

LeLacheur said Town Forest is a potential location for a dog park, though one resident in the audience at Tuesday’s meeting asked selectmen to consider parking issues there before making that decision.

No action was taken on the dog park issue on Tuesday, but town officials agreed that there are several items that can be done to begin the process. Nothing will likely be done until at least January.

A Recreation Committee subgroup will be formed to discuss the park, a proposed design and budget must be agreed upon, support must be gained from the town’s residents, and the town must reach 10 percent funding before a dog park would become a reality.

“It’s a discussion the community at large would need to have,” said LeLacheur.