Why a Dog Park?

A dog park is a park for dogs to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners. Dog parks have varying features, although they typically offer:

• a 4' to 6' fence
• adequate drainage
• benches for humans
• drinking water

• separate double-gated entry and exit points
• parking close to the site
• shade for hot days
• facilities for disposal of animal waste, regular maintenance, and cleaning of the grounds

Dog parks vary in size and are found in both urban and suburban settings. They are typically run under a set of rules and guidelines and are often managed and maintained by a citizens-run board or “Friends of” group.

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Who benefits from a dog park?

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, ​91 percent of Americans believe their community benefits from a dog park, and -- as of 2018 -- fifty-five percent of local park and recreation agencies provide at least one dog park in their community.

Dogs Benefit

Dog Owners Benefit

• Like humans, dogs benefit from regular and vigorous exercise.
• Ensuring that a dog is properly socialized with both humans and dogs is important for fostering positive and healthy habits. 
• Well-socialized dogs are less likely to have altercations with other dogs.
• A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is one that has plenty of canine companionship.

Communities Benefit

• When dogs learn positive and appropriate behaviors, fewer dogs are surrendered to shelters.
• Incidents of dog aggression towards humans are reduced.
• Dog parks make towns more attractive to home buyers.
• There are documented therapeutic benefits of interacting with dogs. Children, the elderly, disabled, depressed, or isolated individuals can benefit from just being around dogs.
• Dog park visitors spend money at nearby, local businesses.

Read more...

• How cities may benefit from dog parks
• ODU News: Dog Park Research (video)
• Providing a Place for Pooch to Play 
• What Makes a Great Park -- for Dogs and People
• Neighborhood Eyesore to Gathering Place for Pooches and People
• Recommendations and Guidelines for Dog Park Site Selection, Design, Operations and Maintenance

• Opportunities to be outside and exercise.
• When dogs owners interact, their common interests foster supportive relationships. They share ideas, insights, and supplies and learn responsible dog ownership skills.
• Apartment and condo dwellers with limited outdoor space and homeowners without fenced yards can give their dogs an opportunity to run free.

There are nearly 800 dog parks across the U.S., and over 50 in Massachusetts. In a 2017 survey, 76% of 579 respondents (440 people) supported the establishment of a dog park in Acton.

Acton's 2,000+ registered dogs occupy about 25% of Acton households, and a dog park is included in the Town's Open Space and Recreation Master Plan.​  Let's bring a wonderful dog park to the Town of Acton!

​Acton Dog Park Committee
adpc@acton-ma.gov