The Town of Saugus recently announced plans for a Dog Park at Stocker Park. The dog park is proposed to utilize approximately 0.64 acres of the 6.35-acre open space and recreational parcel known as Stocker Park. The multi-faceted, dog park area is proposed to include dedicated, separated play spaces for large and small dogs, agility courses, shaded areas, and natural features such as trees, boulders, and grass to create a safe and enjoyable environment for both pets and their owners. The existing playground, ballfields, open areas and kayak launch are to remain.

As a resident of the Town of Saugus, I support this project and the revitalization of recreational spaces in the Town for the enjoyment of all Saugonians.

A dog park being included at Stocker Park in Saugus would offer an added range of benefits for the local community, enhancing the park’s community value, landscape, and use while bringing the community together:

Fosters Community Connections:

A dog park would create an accessible social hub for residents, providing opportunities for neighbors to meet, connect, and build stronger relationships, fostering a greater sense of community in Saugus. This centrally located park is walkable for thousands of Saugus residents and dog owners and is close to the popular community rail trail. Additionally, this park contains a large parking lot for those who choose to drive making it accessible for all.

Encourages Outdoor Recreation:

By providing a safe, dedicated, local space for dogs to run and play, the park would promote outdoor activity for dog owners and their families, making it easier for them to stay active close to home.

Maximizes Use of Stocker Park:

Adding a dog park would make better use of the existing underutilized space at Stocker Park, turning it into a multi-purpose area that benefits pet owners and the community at-large. It also will prevent dog owners from bringing their dogs to parks that are not designated as dog parks.

Minimizes taxpayer impact:

The design and construction of this park will be primarily grant-funded through the Stanton Foundation which has provided design and construction grants for dozens of Dog Parks across the State. This minimizes taxpayer impact. As Stocker Park is already budgeted in DPW’s maintenance plan for parks and playgrounds, the addition of a 0.64 acre dog park on the footprint of the decrepit basketball/tennis courts will not meaningfully impact the Town’s pre-existing maintenance budget.

Improves the existing environmental conditions:

The park design will comply with all local, state, and federal environmental and regulatory standards. It will incorporate sustainable development principles by reducing impervious surfaces and will feature native plantings and drainage improvements to protect and provide a new buffer to adjacent wetlands and enhance the site’s ecological value.

Promotes a Dog-Friendly Community:

A dog park would demonstrate Saugus’s commitment to supporting dog owners, making the town more attractive to current and future residents who value amenities for their pets. In 2022, Town Meeting unanimously supported articles, amending the Town’s bylaws, that would explicitly permit dog parks in Saugus. This amenity would be the only space in Saugus where off-leash play is legally permitted for dogs other than the small park that is located in Breakheart Reservation which is not easily accessible to handicapped and seniors.  

A dog park at Stocker Park would not only be consistent with the Town’s commitment to revitalize parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas but also enhance the sense of community and provide a valuable resource for all Saugus residents.

You are encouraged to show your support and attend a critical Conservation Commission meeting which will be held on February 12th at 7:00pm in the Town Hall Annex (25 Main Street) to hear more about the proposal.

More information can be found here: https://www.saugus-ma.gov/home/news/town-saugus-announces-plans-stocker-field-dog-park-ensuring-full-compliance-environmental

The Plans and Notice of Intent can be found here: https://www.saugus-ma.gov/home/pages/stocker-field-dog-park-information