The ADPC is both excited and honored to be granted the use of the 348 Main Street property as the site for the dog park. It both meets our requirements and benefits a variety of Acton residents -- dog owners and non-dog owners alike.
The Main Street parcels offer a unique opportunity to beautify a central property in Acton. Acton's Select Board recently included development of a comprehensive plan to visually unite the 348 & 352 Main Street parcels and ensure compatible design with that of the the AHA housing development.
Taking advantage of the natural land contours, we envision positioning two enclosed dog parks -- one for small dogs and one for all dogs -- on 348 Main Street (closest to Route 2). The upper (352) parcel, closest to Isaac Davis Way and Acton Housing Authority's future housing development, will be utilized for a small parking area and otherwise remain as open space, with potential for walking trails, pollinator gardens and picnic tables. We will also advocate for completion of the sidewalk on the west side of Main Street from Rt. 2, past the park, to the Acton Housing Authority's development.
The Main Street parcels offer a unique opportunity to beautify a central property in Acton. Acton's Select Board recently included development of a comprehensive plan to visually unite the 348 & 352 Main Street parcels and ensure compatible design with that of the the AHA housing development.
Taking advantage of the natural land contours, we envision positioning two enclosed dog parks -- one for small dogs and one for all dogs -- on 348 Main Street (closest to Route 2). The upper (352) parcel, closest to Isaac Davis Way and Acton Housing Authority's future housing development, will be utilized for a small parking area and otherwise remain as open space, with potential for walking trails, pollinator gardens and picnic tables. We will also advocate for completion of the sidewalk on the west side of Main Street from Rt. 2, past the park, to the Acton Housing Authority's development.
A preliminary conceptual sketch illustrates this vision:
348 Main Street Advantages
- Suitable size & appropriate terrain. The dog park site is 1.32 acres in size or about 57,000 square feet -- the same size as a football field. By comparison, Ayer's dog park is about 43,000 square feet; Maynard's park is roughly half an acre.
- ´The surface is cleared, undeveloped land — some consider it an eyesore. The park will beautify the first view of Acton from the Rt. 2 exit.
- Site of the future septic field for the Acton Housing Authority (AHA) housing development, which limits its use for other purposes. Acton's Health department has assured the Town that a dog park can be situated atop a leach field, and we will consult with both the AHA's designers and the Health Department to ensure a seamless integration.
- The parcel is not part of the AHA purchase agreement. The Town retains control over its use but has no funding for its improvement.
- The site is expected to meet the criteria for Stanton Foundation grants that would cover all design costs and up to $250,000 of design and construction costs. Stanton grant funds provide an opportunity to make beneficial environmental improvements with little financial impact to the town.
- AHA housing development residents could enjoy nearby outdoor open space where others gather, potentially reducing the isolation commonly found in the elderly and disabled population.
- The central site is easily accessed from multiple locations, for both pedestrians and vehicles and is in walking distance to Kelley’s Corner.
- Safety enhanced by proximity to Acton’s Public Safety Facility.
- Town water available.
