Jonny LeonidasThe Belmont Recreation Commission voted last week to recommend replacing the current off-leash dog program with the “Paws in the Parks” pilot program starting in January.
The new program, like the old, will allow dogs to run freely in four Belmont fields: Grove Street Field, Winn Brook Elementary, Pequossette (PQ) Park and Town Field. However, there will be stricter oversight and enforcement, more clearly defined hours, an online registration process, and increased park signage, among other changes, according to Recreation Department Director Brandon Fitts.
“A lot of thought, a lot of energy, and a lot of care has gone into sort of the revamping and the rehashing of this program,” Fitts said at the Dec. 4 meeting.
The commission had considered banning off-leash dogs altogether this summer, due to concerns animals were digging holes in the park, leaving droppings and having run-ins with residents, sometimes leading to injuries. Instead, the commission formed a working group of recreation and health department staff, commission members, and residents, who came up with the pilot program idea.
“There’s a lot of people in a very condensed area utilizing these precious resources that we have,” said Fitts at the commission meeting. “The challenge has really become how to address the needs of the community in a safe and equitable way.”
Some residents at last week’s meeting were against any program allowing off-leash dogs.
Lisa Pargoli, who lives near PQ Park, said she’s seen the steady decline of the field for years, and avoids the park because of spirited dogs.
“I don’t understand how people can say…that hundreds of dogs running around a whole playground for people and children to play in — defecating and urinating — is not a health problem,” Pargoli said.
Patrick Whittemore, who also lives near PQ Park, said he is especially concerned about safety after he says an off-leash dog bit a resident this summer.
He said dogs do belong in the parks, but the town must enforce limits to prevent future maulings.
On the other hand, dog owner Jennipher Burgess called for the program to be expanded to places like Payson Park, Claypit Pond, and Underwood Park.
She also called for stronger communication from the Recreation Department.
Paws in the Parks Details
Under the new program, all dog owners must buy a license from the town clerk, and if they plan on using the parks, must register for either the free on-leash dog tag or the $50 off-leash dog tag ($100 for non-residents).
Dogs will not be allowed within 50 feet of a playground, and must always wear town-issued tags. All registrants must attend a 15-minute Zoom orientation and sign a code of conduct.
Each park will have specific off-leash hours, which will change seasonally, depending on school and youth sports schedules. Fitts said they would share the schedule online and via email, and would send updates related to weather or other issues as needed.
Dog Owners React
On a crisp, dewy morning last week, several people walking and playing with their dogs at PQ Park reacted to news of the new pilot program.
Martin Chistiansen, who owns dogs Chip and Ivy, said bringing his dogs to the park has helped him build a network in town. And he said dogs are generally good natured, as long as their owners keep watch.
“Dog owners need to do their part in making sure their dogs are socialized and respond well to voice commands,” said Christiansen.
Kim Cassello said a few people are responsible for most of the problems.
“There are people that aren’t [responsible] and they give the rest of us dog owners a bad name,” she said.
And Alex King, who said she moved to Belmont in part due to the parks, thought the new pilot program sounded “fair,” as long as it allows dogs an appropriate amount of time in the parks.
However, Robert and Eloise McGaw wrote a vehement letter to the Recreation Committee, the Belmont Recreation Department, the Belmont Board of Health, and the Select Board, opposing the program.
They said dogs have jumped all over their 7-year-old grandson, who is allergic, and they want the pets to be leashed any time children are around.
Next Steps
The Board of Health and the Select Board are both expected to discuss the plan by the end of the year. Once approved, the pilot program will run from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2024, during which time the Recreation Commission will meet with residents and collect data to assess the program’s effectiveness, Fitts said.
“My big takeaway is that we’re just really trying to engage the residents [and] engage the community. This was a really collaborative process, and I’m really proud of how it came out and how the group came together,” said Fitts. “I’m excited for what’s going forward.”
