Dogs Go Wild: Parks and Rec Drafting Dog Park Plans
A Dedham Parks and Recreation commissioner suggested seven possible sites for the park.
Dedham dogs might just get their way.
Dedham Parks and Recreation Commission member Chuck Dello Iacono presented a list of seven possible sites in Dedham that could potentially be used as a dog park:
- The Striar Property
- a Rustcraft Road property
- Dedham Town Forest (near the Norfolk County jail entrance)
- Cutler Park
- Riverdale Park
- Memorial Park
- Condon Park
Dello Iacono said to the commission, “This is more like an inventory,” adding that he is not recommending any one property, but intends to create a plan for each property before reporting back to the board.
He said he walked each of the properties and, with the exception of Condon Park that he described as having many inclines and having a wooded area, all would make a good dog park
“I don’t know what the next step is,” he said.
Commissioner Dan Hart threw his support behind the Striar Property and a landfill on East Street.
Commissioners suggested he narrow the list down to three, and draft plans for each.
Dello Iacono also said he plans to run the plans by the town’s environmental coordinator, Virginia LeClair, and the Conversation Commission.
Dedham resident Jeff Gibbons encouraged the board to move this plan forward. He suggested the town create dog hours, seasons, or allow leashed dogs in the parks.
“Dog owners are good at policing each other,” Gibbons said. “We have to register our dogs with the town, yet we can’t use the parks.”
Commissioner Jim Maher said the town currently has a bylaw that restricts dogs from using parks. He suggested Gibbons organize the dog owners he knows in order to create motivation.
Dello Iacono said he also believes dog walkers on the street create “a huge safety issue.”
“If they had a place to go, it would be safer,” the commissioner said.
In This article
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Norfolk County Sheriff's Office and Correctional Center
200 West St, Dedham, MA -
Riverdale Park
Riverside Dr & Bridge St, Dedham, MA -
Barnes Memorial Park
Eastern Ave & East St, Dedham, MA -
Condon Park
Colburn St & Bussey St, Dedham, MA
Eileen Kelly
9:26 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Dog parks are good for everyone, Dog owners and non dog owners. Dogs who are socialized are much better behaved. Dogs need to learn socail graces just like humans. This is a great way for owners to socialize and for those who don't own dogs but enjoy spending time with them. I don't agree that dog walking is a safety issue, It's just another way to teach dogs to get along in society. Dog ownership has come a long way in the last 20 years. Dogs are part of the family, for some it is their family. A dog park would make Dedham an even better place to live
Elizabeth A. Doris-Gustin
9:51 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A dog park with a water feature would be wonderful!
Chuck Dello Iacono
10:30 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Misquoted:
My quote was “I have a concern for dogs and dog owners walking down overcrowded streets.” I feel if there is a dog park in the town that it would be a safe place for people and their dogs to enjoy time with neighbors and other dogs. My statements where never intended to be towards people getting off the streets with their loved K-9’s. I have friends who travel to other towns to use their Dog Parks. I feel it’s time for Dedham to have its own Dog Park.
If you would like to be involved in the Dog Park please contact me.
Chuck Dello Iacono
Parks and Recreation Commission
58 Sherman Rd.
chuckdello@comcast.net
Ellyn Salkin
11:22 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I would love to STOP leaving the town I live in to go to a dedicated dog park! Living in Riverdale, I often see people with dogs using the park grounds as an "unoffical" place for dogs and owners to meet and greet. A designated area would allow owners to officially and safely allow dogs off leash and keep the park clean. Although I live in Riverdale, I would travel anywhere in my town to support a local dog park.
crystalcat
9:44 am on Thursday, August 4, 2011
Please allow dogs/owners to walk in our parks. We are a part of the community, kids enjoy dogs, we feel outlawed to the concrete streets. You will better control dogs with a plan vs none.
Christina McKee
9:13 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
As interim canine control officer I think a dog park is a great idea and long overdue here in Dedham. It would be nice to have a place where the dogs could run,play and interact safely. I would be willing to help out any way I can.