MA public off-leash dog parks abound with rules to ensure safe fun - Wicked Local

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By all accounts, off-leash parks offer wellness benefits, both for people and dogs.

The ASPCA supports dog parks for off-leash exercise, in particular for dogs in cities with limited exercise options, and as a chance to socialize with other dogs.

However, most parks have rules to ensure safe and healthy enjoyment of the parks. 

Many dog parks are run by volunteers, and need users' help to keep them clean and in good condition.

More: MA Off-leash dog parks are fun for people and pets -- but users must follow rules

More parks are proposed or in planning stages in several communities, including Westford, Framingham and Brewster, where an opening ceremony is set for May 21.

Coming attractions

The Brewster Dog Park will include an acre-sized space for large dogs, and a half-acre space for smaller dogs, with a common entrance.

"The town owns the park, but it is open to everyone free of charge, and is handicap accessible," said Carmen Scherzo, president of Friends of Brewster Dog Park.

The Select Board approved a set of park rules.

A decade in planning, Scherzo said proponents researched other off-leash dog parks, as advocates sought a place in a community with limited public spaces to take dogs.

"This is going to be a real asset," Scherzo said.

Where to find public dog parks in Massachusetts

The following area off-leash parks are open to the general public. Please check all park rules, including hours and safety guidelines, before making your plans. 

Barnstable

Barnstable Dog Park, 1431 Phinney's Lane, Barnstable

Rules include:

• Parking is for dog park patrons only.
• Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and wear a collar affixed with tags at all times.
• Dog exhibiting excessive barking and/or aggressive, intimidating or dangerous behavior must be removed from the park.
• Female dogs in heat are not allowed.
• No other animals besides dogs are allowed within the Dog Park. 
• Alcohol, smoking or E-cigarettes are not allowed at the Dog Park.
• Owners/handlers must be at least 16 years of age. Any person under 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult.

Billerica

Billerica Dog Park, 270 Treble Cove Road, Billerica

Rules include:

• Use park at your own risk.
• Dogs must be leashed entering and exiting the Park.
• Dogs must be licensed and have rabies tags.
• Limit two dogs per owner.
• Owners must remain inside fenced area, monitor dog's behavior and keep possession of leash.
• Owners must pick up and dispose of dog waste immediately.
• Owners must fill in holes dug by their dogs.
• Small dog area limited to dogs less than 25 pounds.
• Children under 8 years not allowed. Children 8-15 years must be accompanied by an adult.

More info: Visit the dog park Google site or Facebook page.

Chelmsford

Chelmsford Dog Park, 52 Richardson Road, Chelmsford

Rules include:

• Do not bring the dog to the park if you are sick or if your dog is sick.
• Dog park users should bring their own waste bags and bring them to appropriate disposal facilities.
• Use hand sanitizer before and after touching any items in the park.

More info: chelmsforddogassociation.org.

Danvers

Danvers Dog Park, Endicott Park, 57 Forest St., Danvers

Rules include:

• All dogs must be legally licensed and have proof of current rabies vaccination.
• All dogs must be leashed upon entering and leaving the dog park.
• Dogs in heat or younger than 4 months are not allowed in the park.
• No more than two dogs allowed, per owner or custodian, at one time.
• Dogs must be removed at first sign of aggression to other dogs or humans.
• The owner or custodian of the dog must remain in the dog area with the dog.

More info: danversma.gov.

Dedham

Dedham Dog Park, 269 Common St., Dedham

Rules include:

• Children under the age of 8 not permitted inside park, including infants, babies and toddlers in strollers and carriers as well as walking children under 8.
• Dogs and puppies must have a current dog license and be vaccinated as required by law.
• Do not bring dogs with contagious conditions, diseases or parasites.
• Female dogs in Heat are not allowed in the Park. 
• Park users must be at least 16 years old to bring a dog into the park unless accompanied by an adult. (waiver must be signed) 
• Please do not bring any food, dog food or dog treats into the park.
• Owners must immediately clean up after their dog.

More info: dedham-ma.gov.

Falmouth

Falmouth Dog Park, 257 Brick Kiln Road, East Falmouth

Rules include:

• Dogs must be kept on leash within the first gate enclosure.
• Clean up after your dog. The poop-scoop law is in effect.
• Any person under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• No smoking or vaping.

More info: Falmouthdogpark.com.

Maynard

MayDOG Park, Waltham Street, Maynard

Rules include:

• Dogs must be up to date on rabies vaccinations and in owner's town of residence.
• The following are not be allowed: aggressive dogs, dogs in heat, puppies younger than 4 months, and children under 9.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from other park patrons and their dogs, whenever possible.
• Limit your use of the Park to 30 minutes or less if others are waiting to use the Park.
• Avoid touching any dogs other than your own.

More info: maydog.org.

Provincetown

Pilgrim Bark Park, Crossing of Route 6 and Shank Painter Road, Provincetown

Rules include:

• Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, and wear tags at all times
• Dogs must be spayed or neutered
• Dogs must be at least four months old
• Dogs must be within view and voice control of the owner at all times
• Dogs must not be sick or suffering from parasites
• Dogs must be leashed when outside the gated enclosure

More info: provincetowndogpark.org.

Quincy

Quincy Dog Park, Off Quarry Street, Quincy

More info: quincyma.gov.

Scituate

Scituate Dog Park, 167 Drift Way, Scituate

Rules include:

• Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting dog park to avoid injuries.
• Handlers are limited to three dogs and must keep leashes for all dogs at all times.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, but the park strongly recommends keep children under 12 out of the park.
• Owners and handlers must immediately remove problem dogs from the park. Problem behavior includes aggressiveness, attacks, and annoying people or other dogs. 
• Owners are legally responsible and liable for any injuries caused by their dogs.

More info: scituatedogpark.com.

Stoneham

Sheepfold Park, Middlesex Fells Reservation, 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham

Rules include:

• No trespassing on Town of Winchester Water Supply Lands
• Dogs must be on a leash (Unless in designated off-leash area)
• 4 dogs maximum per handler
• Mountain biking only allowed on designated trails
• No personal vessels allowed on the water

More info: mass.gov/locations/middlesex-fells-reservation

For more local dog park listings, visit Bringfido.com.