LETTER: Dog Park Proposal Being Drafted by Watertown Group

To the editor:

As a member of the Watertown Dog Park Task Force, I'd like to let town residents know what we've been up to the last few months.

We have approached town councilors and managers to let them know of our goal of a dedicated park in Watertown where dogs can run off-leash, and we've been pleased with the reception. We are now drafting a specific proposal to bring before the council for its consideration, basing it on dog parks in neighboring towns. We have our eyes on the site of the soon-to-relocate recycling center on Grove Street. Fenced off, and provided with a few basic amenities, this recovered park land would make an ideal site.

Our experience as (uninvited) guests in other dog parks teaches us that these gathering spots are not only great places to exercise dogs (and as every dog owner knows, a tired dog is a quiet dog), but they are good for building the community as well. United over their love of dogs, people overcome their reserve, and often make good friends. Watertown is the only town in the area that allows for no off-leash privileges for dogs. We'd like to change that to become one of the more welcoming towns for responsible dog owners.

We welcome anyone interested in joining our cause, however peripherally they may become involved. Feel free to send an email to our tech goddess, shannon@newleaflegal.com, to be added to our email list. Things will be moving quickly now! 

Panting in anticipation,

Josh Passell
Shattuck Road
Watertown Dog Park Task Force member