Guided by Acton's Select Board, and Land Use department, and the Town Manager, the ADPC has:
  • Reviewed the research, which consistently supports the benefits of dog parks
  • Reached out to the community through public events (AB Farmers Market, Acton's Winter Carnival, WAVM Oktoberfest, etc.); surveys, email, newspapers, Acton TV and social media
  • Documented the characteristics and site requirements for a desirable and successful dog park 
  • Gathered input from town committees, such as the Commission on Disabilities, Open Space Committee, Land Stewardship Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, and more
  • Met with representatives from neighboring towns' dog park groups to learn from their experiences
  • Visited dog parks in Ayer, Chelmsford, Maynard, Cambridge, Salem, Provincetown; Nashua, New Hampshire; New York City, and Hoboken, New Jersey
  • Developed criteria for a dog park that would meet Acton's unique needs
  • Presented to the Board of Selectmen annually for feedback and direction
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In 2019, Acton's Board of Selectmen accepted the committee's justification and recommendations, and directed the ADPC to take the next steps towards establishing a dog park. The committee then:
  • Identified sources of significant funding, including, among others, up to $250,000 in grants from the Stanton Foundation, a precedent for the use of Community Preservation Act funds to build dog parks, fundraisers by local businesses, and the creation of a "Friends of" group to support and maintain the park.
  • Vetted 14 potential sites from available municipal properties, touring those that met our criteria with members of Acton's Recreation and Land Use Departments.
  • Held a public forum in 2019, gathering additional community input
  • In the fall of 2020, recommended the 348 Main Street site as the location for the dog park. See OUR VISION and  UPDATES  for more information.
  • Successfully defended the selection of 348 Main Street at Acton's 2021 Annual Town Meeting, resulting in Town approval to use the site for the dog park, and starter funds to qualify us for design and construction grants.
  • March, 2022, received a $25K design grant from the Stanton Foundation, and engaged Dale Design, Inc. to design the park.

 The ADPC continues to lead the effort to design and build the dog park and welcomes any and all input. We'd love to hear from you!
​Acton Dog Park Committee
adpc@acton-ma.gov