Last updated on April 3, 2017
Here’s some gggrreat news for dog lovers! The Department of Conservation and Recreation will be presenting a proposal for an off-leash dog park near Anson Street in Jamaica Plain at a public meeting on April 5th.
After a presentation, DCR officials would like to fetch receive feedback on the proposal. A DCR memo said the park is “part of an ongoing initiative by DCR to designate additional off-leash dog areas within state parks.” DCR officials were scheduled to talk about a proposed off-leash dog park in Hyde Park on March 21st.
JP residents have howled for an off-leash dog park for many years. District 6 City Councilor Matt O’Malley has led “the sled” for an off-leash dog park in the Southwest Corridor Park for several years. Residents also bonded together and formed the Dog Park Association of Southwest Boston in hopes of finding a spot for a dog park.
In June 2016 the city announced that the Beecher Street Park would no longer be an off-leash dog park. In an announcement to the Beech Street Park Community, Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Chris Cook said the department was trying to find spaces for dogs in JP, but so far had been unsuccessful. He added the department would continue to advocate for spaces for dogs in the neighborhood. An online petition to have an off-leash dog park in JP was created after the Beecher Street Park became off limits to off-leash dogs.
The presentation will be viewable (possibly only in black and white) on the DCR’s website after the public meeting. A public comment period will be open through April 19th and can submitted a DCR website link. Public comments can also be submitted by writing to the DCR at: Department of Conservation and Recreation, Office of Public Outreach, 251 Causeway Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114.
The meeting will be on Wednesday, April 5th from 6:30 to 8 pm in the English High School Auditorium (144 McBride St.).