We respectfully call upon the Boston Planning Department, Boston Parks & Recreation Department, our District 1 City Councilor, and all relevant City agencies to evaluate and authorize the interim activation of an approximately 150-foot by 50-foot (7,500-square-foot) portion of the existing paved area at 146 Condor Street, East Boston, as a public Dog Recreation Space (DRS) while also evaluating opportunities for its long-term preservation as a permanent neighborhood recreational amenity.

This proposal presents a practical, low-impact opportunity to activate an existing paved area for immediate public benefit while remaining compatible with future waterfront planning, environmental requirements, and potential maritime redevelopment.

The proposed location was selected because it utilizes an existing paved surface, minimizes site disturbance, and can be implemented with relatively modest infrastructure improvements while preserving flexibility for future planning.

 

Why This Matters

Eagle Hill is one of Boston’s most densely populated neighborhoods, yet it lacks a dedicated fenced off-leash Dog Recreation Space. Many Eagle Hill residents own dogs, but there is no safe location within walking distance where they can legally exercise, socialize, and play.

Without a designated space, many residents are forced to use sidewalks, parking lots, or other public areas not intended for off-leash recreation. A neighborhood Dog Recreation Space would improve public safety, encourage responsible pet ownership, promote physical activity, and provide a welcoming gathering place that strengthens community connections.

Meanwhile, an existing paved portion of 146 Condor Street is not currently used for public recreation. We respectfully request that only a small portion—approximately 7,500 square feet—be activated to meet this immediate neighborhood need while preserving flexibility for future planning and redevelopment.

 

Our Proposal

We propose creating a professionally designed Dog Recreation Space featuring:

Separate fenced areas for large and small dogs
Double-gated safety entrances
ADA-accessible pathways
Agility and enrichment equipment
Dog drinking fountains
Waste bag dispensers and disposal stations
Benches and shaded seating
Landscaping and privacy screening where appropriate
Durable, low-maintenance surface materials suitable for year-round use
The Dog Recreation Space would complement the surrounding neighborhood while requiring only minimal modifications to the existing paved site.

 

Phase 1 – Interim Community Activation

We respectfully request that the City evaluate the feasibility of activating the existing paved footprint using a low-impact design that minimizes site disturbance.

The proposal prioritizes use of the existing pavement and improvements that minimize—or eliminate—excavation whenever practicable. Utilizing the existing paved surface reduces construction impacts while maintaining flexibility for future site planning and environmental compliance.

This approach provides immediate public benefits while allowing the City to continue evaluating long-term planning opportunities for the property.

 

Phase 2 – Long-Term Evaluation

Following successful interim activation, we respectfully request that the City evaluate opportunities to incorporate this recreational footprint into future Chelsea River waterfront planning and broader neighborhood open-space initiatives.

This proposal is designed to complement—not replace—the City’s long-term vision for the property by demonstrating how a small portion of the site can provide immediate public benefit while preserving future maritime, industrial, and waterfront redevelopment opportunities.

Whenever feasible, the long-term goal is to preserve this community amenity as part of East Boston’s growing network of public recreational spaces.

 

Community Benefits

This project would:

Create approximately 7,500 square feet of new recreational space.
Provide a safe, enclosed area for off-leash dog exercise.
Encourage responsible pet ownership.
Promote physical activity and outdoor recreation.
Strengthen neighborhood connections.
Improve cleanliness through dedicated pet waste stations.
Activate an existing paved area with minimal construction.
Increase access to neighborhood open space.
Improve quality of life for residents and visitors.

 

Community Stewardship

This initiative is community-driven.

In partnership with the City, neighborhood volunteers intend to establish the Friends of the Eagle Hill Dog Recreation Space, a volunteer stewardship organization dedicated to supporting the facility through:

Volunteer cleanup days
Community fundraising
Beautification projects
Educational outreach
Park advocacy
Promoting responsible use
The Friends group would serve as a volunteer partner to Boston Parks & Recreation, complementing—not replacing—City maintenance responsibilities while demonstrating the neighborhood’s long-term commitment to keeping the space clean, safe, and welcoming.

 

Community Support

This proposal reflects growing grassroots support from Eagle Hill residents, dog owners, nearby neighbors, and other community stakeholders who recognize the need for additional neighborhood open space and safe off-leash recreation.

Hundreds of residents have already signed the petition in support of creating a neighborhood Dog Recreation Space, and community support continues to grow. Community members continue engaging neighbors and gathering signatures to demonstrate broad public interest in creating this much-needed public amenity.

 

Working with the City

Should the City determine that this proposal is feasible, community volunteers are prepared to work collaboratively with Boston Parks & Recreation throughout the Dog Recreation Space application, public engagement, design, permitting, and implementation process established under City regulations.

We welcome the opportunity to partner with City staff, neighborhood organizations, environmental stakeholders, nearby businesses, and elected officials to ensure the project is thoughtfully planned, responsibly managed, and serves the best interests of the community.

 

Why Now?

Boston has an opportunity to demonstrate how thoughtful, low-impact activation of an existing paved public space can deliver meaningful community benefits while preserving flexibility for future redevelopment.

By utilizing only approximately 7,500 square feet of the existing paved frontage, this proposal represents a practical investment in recreation, public health, neighborhood connectivity, public safety, and quality of life without limiting future planning opportunities. It is an achievable, community-focused project capable of delivering lasting public benefits with relatively modest infrastructure improvements.

 

Take Action

If you believe Eagle Hill deserves a safe, dedicated place where dogs can exercise responsibly and neighbors can gather, connect, and build community, please add your name in support of this initiative.

Together, we can demonstrate that thoughtful planning, community collaboration, and responsible stewardship can transform a small portion of existing public space into a lasting neighborhood asset for Eagle Hill.

Please sign the petition and help bring the Eagle Hill Dog Recreation Space to life.