In 2004, the city of Boston acknowledged that despite having nearly 10,000 licensed dogs within city limits, there were no open spaces where dogs were legally allowed to be off-leash. Following the lead of suburbs Cambridge and Framingham, Boston created an ordinance that established the procedures for legally creating, maintaining, and using a dog recreation space (or dog park) in Boston. Since then, Boston neighborhoods, often led by the efforts of local community dog owners, have built and maintained places for their dogs to get some exercise and socialize. Whether you are looking for a separate space for your small dog, room for your big dog to run at full speed, or a doggie water fountain, there is a Boston dog park to fit your needs. Here are the top 5 Boston dog parks.
1. South Boston Bark Park
The South Boston Bark Park is an amazingly well maintained dog recreation space with something for every type of dog. One of the best features of the South Boston Bark Park is the doggie bubbler (or water fountain to non-Bostonians). The park is fully fenced in with benches and trees. There are tunnels for dogs to climb and explore. The ground cover is made up of pea gravel, which helps prevent mud puddles from forming on wet or rainy days. Depending on the size of your dog’s paws, however, they may find the pea gravel irritating. Although everyone is welcome, part of the reason this park is so well maintained is the dedicated community of park members. The dues from these memberships provide for bags to pick up after your pup and park maintenance. The doggie water fountain, good amount of shade, and benches make the South Boston Bark Park a favorite during warm weather.
2. Peters Park Dog Park
The first Boston parks and recreation sanctioned off-leash dog park in Boston. With over 13,000 square feet, included a 3,000 square foot fenced off are for small dogs only, there is room for even the most energetic dog to run their heart out. In addition to the open space, there are rocks, trees, benches and tables located through the Peters Parks Dog Park making this as much a space for the owners as for their canine companions.
It is worth noting that the Peters Park Dog Park would likely be ranked first, except that it is about to undergo renovations to fix drainage issues. The Peters Park Dog Park has raised more than 65% of its $100,000 goal to fund a refurbishment project what will update the surface and substratum of the park after ten years of much-loved use by the community. After refurbishment, you can expect to see this well-loved, community-built dog recreation space quickly skyrocket to the top of the local favorite dog parks in Boston.
3. Ronan Park Dog Recreation Space
The amenities at 6,000 square foot Ronan Park Dog Recreation Space include a water station, double fence, and double-gated entry. The double fence makes it a favorite for people with dogs inclined to clear a fence in pursuit of a squirrel. But Ronan Park is more than just a dog park. It is a dog-centric community center in Dorchester, created for neighborhood unity as well as outdoor space for local pups. The cost of maintaining the dog recreation space is funded in part by annual memberships. In addition to offering a place for pups to play, the Ronan Park Dog Recreation Space is committed to helping dogs stay happy and healthy in this South Boston neighborhood. To this end, the dog park holds special events including obedience classes and vaccination clinics.
4. Boston Common
Although not a specific Boston dog park, Boston Common is a favorite of dog owners. Boston Common is one of the most beautiful open spaces in Boston. Resident dog owners worked for years to find a way to share this space with their canine companions. Since 2013, Boston Common has set aside areas of the Common for dog recreation. There are currently five designated off-leash areas throughout the Common ranging from 21,000 to 57,500 square feet. Two of the five areas are open for use, during designated off-leash hours of 5 a.m through 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. through 9 p.m. The two areas in use rotate every six months, due to recommendations from the Friends of the Public Garden and Boston Parks Department. The dog recreation spaces in Boston Common are not fenced in, but the boundaries are indicated by signs at the boundaries. Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the designated off-leash spaces. Poop bags and waste receptacles are available.
5. Nunziato Field Dog Park
Although located outside of Boston proper, Nunziato Field in Somerville makes this list for a two reasons. First, for residents in the northern neighborhoods of Boston like Allston or Brighton, Somerville is more easily accessible than Dorchester and Jamaica Plain. Second, the amenities and community at Nunziato Field make it worth the fifteen-minute drive. Water bowls are available and there are usually plenty of friendly dog owners willing to share a bit of water if you’ve forgotten to bring some. The park provides poop bags, which helps to keep it clean. There are also community dog toys in the park, which always includes an ample amount of tennis balls. Feel free to bring your own toys, but there’s a good chance your pooch will be interested in checking out some of the shared community toys.
Boston dog parks are more than just space for pups to socialize and exercise. Top-rated dog parks bring neighbors together and build communities. The creation of designated dog recreation spaces has helped to make Boston a dog-friendly city. While the change in city ordinance paved the way for Boston dog parks, they have been built by the commitment of the community organizations. These same community organizations are responsible for the consistent maintenance and regular updates to the parks. Boston dog parks are more than places to let your dog run, they are outdoor, dog-friendly community centers.
2 Point Highlight
Boston dog parks are more than places to let your dog run, they are outdoor, dog-friendly community centers.
Whether you are looking for a separate space for your small dog, room for your big dog to run at full speed, or a doggie water fountain, there is a Boston dog park to fit your needs.
