Brookline Officials Reminding Dog Owners About Off-Leash Program

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Police Department is reminding residents about the town's Green Dog Program, which allows dogs to go off-leash at 14 designated areas around town.

"The (program) permits registered dog owners to have their dogs off-leash in certain parks at certain times," said Sergeant Robert Disario of the BPD's Community Service Division. "Signs are clearly posted at the entrance of these open spaces with guidelines that must be followed. "

The specific off-leash hours have been established by the town's Park and Recreation Commission, according to Brookline officials.

The off-leash Green Dog Program is open to all who register and pay the appropriate annual fee to participate. Details about registration and fees are available online.

The Town of Brookline also reminds participants that the Park and Recreation Commission has the authority to temporarily or permanently close or modify the boundaries of the off-leash areas for reasons including: failure to comply with rules and regulations, public health or safety concerns, environmental damage or serious unanticipated problems affecting other park users.

People who violate these rules are subject to fines, removal from the off-leash area and suspension or forfeiture of off-leash privileges, according Brookline officials.

A Green Dog hotline has been established to offer information about field closings due to wet conditions or other reasons. The number is 617-879-4850.

Additionally, a field closure calendar on the Town of Brookline website offers updates on field closures due to weather or other reasons.

• These parks feature off-leash hours from dawn to 9 a.m.: Coolidge Playground, Corey Hill Park, Emerson Garden, Boylston Street Playground, Lotta Bradburn Schick Park, Margaret E. Robinson Playground, Waldstein Playground and Soule Recreation Center.
• These parks feature off-leash hours from dawn to 1 p.m.: Armory Playground, Griggs Park and Daniel W. Warren Jr. Playground.
• These parks feature off-leash hours from dawn to 1 p.m. (March through November) and dawn to dusk (December through February): Brookline Avenue Playground, Harry Downes Field and Larz Anderson Park.

More information about the Green Dog Program is available here.