Off-Leash Dog Park Rules Moving Forward

Editor's note: This article was updated on Tuesday at 9:35 a.m.

Rules and regulations that would govern the new off-leash dog park at received an initial OK from the Melrose Board of Aldermen last Thursday night.

The Park Commission at its meeting on April 9 and construction has already begun. However, allowing dogs off leash in the park requires the aldermen to amend the city's leash ordinance. Three years ago, the aldermen told the group that if they found a location, they'd change the ordinance.

The rules recommended for passage by the aldermen's Appropriations Committee on Thursday were drafted by Ward 2 Alderman Monica Medeiros, who shared them with the Park Commission which voted favorably on the proposed rules earlier this month. They will go before the full Board of Aldermen for final approval at the next full board meeting.

Among those rules are forbidding dogs in heat; dogs without municipal licenses and up-to-date vaccinations; and aggressive dogs that engage in fighting or do not respond to voice command from entering the off-leash park. (Full list of rules at the end of this article.)

Also among the rules is a stipulation that a single guardian—whom the Park Commission's rules says must be 16 or older—may bring no more than three dogs into the park at one time.

Ward 4 Alderman Bob Boisselle found that to be problematic and potentially dangerous, moving to change the rule from three dogs maximum to two, a change that ultimately failed on a 4-4 vote.

Park Superintendent Joan Bell said a similar discussion took place among Park Commission members, who found that dog parks in the region all had three dogs as their limit.

Medeiros noted that the three dog limit came from research into similar parks near Melrose and that, as Alderman at-Large Ron Seaboyer pointed out, the city ordinance limits the number of dogs per household to three.

Medeiros added that before the final vote at the next full Board of Aldermen's meeting, she'd want to check with the City Solicitor to see if the Park Commission could reduce to the limit to two dogs without another ordinance change by the aldermen, if it's determined three dogs is one too many.

The aldermen unanimously approved one change, as moved by Medeiros and previously included in the Park Commission's rules, that lowers the park's age limit for each dog from six months old to four months old.

Policing the Park and Parking

Bell told the aldermen that the park will have two gates: a first entrance gate into a small enclosed area, where the dog can be unleashed, and a second gate into the park itself, which will have 5 feet of woodchips around the edges.

The Melrose Dog Society, which formed almost four years ago to advocate for the creation of the park, will undertake upkeep of plantings directly around the park, Bell said.

There will also be some play-things for the dogs within the park, such as fire hyrdants, but Bell said the Park Department wants the park to stay "neat and respectful," and the Dog Society and other dog owners will self-police the park and report possible violations to the city.

"I know it sounds odd, but dog parks are really self-policing," she said, adding that the Dog Society has "agreed to a partnership with us to maintain that level of dog politeness within the park."

Bell also noted, in response to a question from Ward 7 Alderman Bill Forbes, that during the school year The Knoll parking lot is under the jurisdiction of the school department, which gives permits to student for parking.

Melrosians will be able to park in The Knoll lot, subject to availability, on Tremont Street or the Lynn Fells Parkway, but Bell added that a draw of central The Knoll location was for dog owners to walk to the park.

Also, in response to Alderman at-Large Don Conn's questions, Bell confirmed that wooden outdoor physical fitness equipment was previously located at the site of the dog park, before being taken out due to disrepair and safety issues. Also, the park is on the East Knoll, away from the World War I memorial area, and 85-95 feet has been left between the park and the playing fields.

Working With Neighbors

Two Crystal Street residents spoke during public participation, saying they were unaware of the dog park's creation. Conn noted before they spoke that the aldermen were not voting to create the dog park, which the Park Commission had already done, but only voting on city ordinances related to the operation and regulation of the park.

Despite Crystal Street's relatively close proximity to the park, Bell said that notifications were sent to abutters based on footage determined through the Assessor's Office, which explained why the Crystal Street residents weren't notified of the Park Commission's meetings regarding the dog park.

One of the Crystal Street residents, Rena Walker, expressed concern over a buffer zone between the park and Crystal Street, especially during the winter when leaves have fallen from the trees. She also expressed concern about dog owners picking up waste after their pets—something stipulated in the city ordinances—and the potential effect on Ell Pond's wildlife.

Another resident, Jocelyn Walker, stressed the importance of city notification to neighbors, keeping neighbors in the loop and and responsiveness to their concerns.

"Part of what we think would make dog park more successful is notification, ensuring there’s an encouragement for people to utilize the space in a conscientious way."

Bell spoke with the residents before the meeting and also addressed them during the meeting, saying that the Dog Society and will work with neighbors to address any concerns.

"People who use it really go to great lengths to keep it neat, clean, make sure noise levels don’t get loud—those are all things we’re willing to sit and work with anyone who has concerns about them," she said, adding that the Park Commission seeks "constant feedback" and that each commission meeting is public.

Alderman at-Large Jackie Lavender Bird said she shared concerns about the park before attending a Park Commission meeting last fall, hearing from members of the Melrose Dog Society and being "struck" by young couples who spoke about the socialization aspect between dog owners in Melrose.

"I was so impressed by members of the Melrose Dog Society who came forward and expressed interest in being so conscientious and being good neighbors," Bird said. "I know your concerns are valid, but I want you to know the history behind it, too, and how thoughtful the groups have been in putting it together."

Melrose Dog Park Rules

Below are the rules approved by the Park Commission earlier this month for the new off-leash dog park at The Knoll:

Operations

The Melrose Park Department is responsible for cutting the grass and maintaining the fencing.

The Melrose Park Commission is responsible for establishing and amending the rules.

The is responsible for emptying the trash.

The is responsible for enforcing the rules and issuing municipal infractions.

The Melrose Dog Society is responsible for general oversight, improvements, and maintaining the areas inside and immediately adjacent to the park, including the flowers, shrubs and trees; structures, walkways, signs, etc.

Name

Melrose Dog Park at Ell Pond.  The sign at the field would say “Ell Pond Dog Park.”

Rules

1. The Melrose Dog Park at Ell Pond (MDP) is for use and the enjoyment of Melrose Residents and their guests.

2. Dogs must wear a current municipal license and rabies vaccination tag.

3. Guardians are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any injuries caused by their dog(s).

4. Dogs must be accompanied by a guardian at least 16 years of age;

5. No more than three (3) dogs per guardian in the park at the same time and guardians must carry a leash for each dog.

6. Guardians must keep their dog(s) in sight at all times.

7. Guardians must have voice control over their dog(s) at all times.

8. Guardians shall correct their dog’s behavior if the dog barks excessively.

9. Dogs showing aggressiveness towards people or other dogs must be immediately leashed and removed from the dog park.

10.  Puppies using the park must be older than four (4) months and have all necessary vaccinations.

11.  No dogs in heat are allowed in the dog park.

12.  Guardians must immediately clean and properly dispose of waste.

13.  Encourage dogs to use the pee posts outside the park entrance before entering the park.

14.  Professional dog trainers may not use this facility for the conduct of their business, unless authorized by the City of Melrose.

15.  Guardians must advise other patrons of these MDP rules and set an example of responsible dog care.

16.  Hours of operation are are sunrise to sunset.

17.  Violations of rules for use of the park are subject to removal from the park or suspension, and the issuance of municipal infractions.