UPDATED: Group Wants To Create Dog Park in Framingham

A group of dog owners will meet next week to start working on plans to bring a dog park to Framingham.

The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 9 at 7 p.m. at the main Framingham Library on Lexington Street.

Anyone who owns a dog or would like to help the cause is invited to attend the meeting.

“I’ve been trying to form a group to start a dog park in the town of Framingham. I will be holding a meeting to get this initiative started! I would love your support if you would like to see one too,” wrote organizer Shannon Stevens of Framingham.

Stevens wrote on an electronic bulletin board known as FrambOrrs “When I moved to Framingham 2 years ago I was absolutely shocked that there was no enclosed safe space for dogs to play! What’s worse, the safe places to walk on leash are rendered unsafe for leash reactive dogs in places like Cushing Memorial Park because there are many folks there walking their dogs off leash! Let’s change that!”

Stens said she ”did some initial research about a year ago but had trouble getting any kind of grassroots momentum and support to get it rolling.”

She became friends with the person starting an “enclosed dog park in Natick, so we have lots of great resources to help! We just need the people.”

Stevens in an email posted to an electronic bulletin board known as Framgov, wrote that the Sept. 9 “meeting is intended for an audience of residents who want a dog park in Framingham” and “not for the discussion about whether or not to form a dog park. Those opposed will have an opportunity to voice their opposition to the
town when it comes up in regularly scheduled town meetings.”

Stevens’ invite to the Sept. 9 meeting was then circulated to dog owners in town.

Framingham Patch received more than a half dozen copies of the invite from readers.

“Dog parks provide the venue and opportunity for dogs to get vital exercise and socialization they need, which are two major factors in reducing behavior issues. Also, people tend to meet other dog owners, trainers and pet professionals at dog parks and are able to exchange information and resources that can further encourage responsible dog ownership,” according to Pet safe.net.

Dog parks can be an asset or a detriment to a community, according to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

The association list the pros of a dog park as:

• Excellent source of dog-dog social interaction
• Excellent source of dog-people social interaction
• Excellent source of off-leash exercise for active dogs

• Good opportunity for owners to learn about dogs through observation and provides the opportunity to learn from more experienced owners
• Opportunity for well-mannered-dog advocates to demonstrate how they turned their dog into a well-mannered dog
• Could provide location for community dog activities

The association listed the possible cons as:

• For People
  • Potential of danger from aggressive dogs
  • Potential of danger of physical injury from dog-related hazards
  • Potential of lawsuits arising from dog fights
  • Potential for parasites
• For Dogs
  • Potential of danger from aggressive dogs
  • Intact dogs may create problems
  • Potential for parasites and disease
  • Potential for lack of impulse control and over-excitement
  • Not appropriate for small and large dogs at the same time
  • Potential for injury
• For the Community
  • Some people will not understand the concept and will abuse the park
    • Won’t pick up after their dog
    • May leave dog unattended
    • Allow their dog to indulge in inappropriate behavior
  • Some people will not be educated enough about their dogs to know if a dog park is appropriate for their dog
  • Potential for noise
  • Potential liability issues

The agenda for the Sept. 9 hour-long meeting includes what has been done in the past in Framingham to form a dog park, possible locations for the park, the pros and cons for funding and construction, including 501c3 and grants, forming a team, and the steps needed in town including petitions and Town Meeting.

If you would like to contact the organizer email framdogpark@gmail.com

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Photo courtesy of the City of Houston, dog park

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Originally published at 5:30 a.m. Updated to include email address of organizer.