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Date: 12/16/2020
EASTHAMPTON – A recent dog park proposal was turned down by the Parks and Recreation of Easthampton. The city evaluated between seven to 10 possible sites, before proposing a location behind the cemetery off of Williston Avenue.
City Councilor Owen Zaret said, “Some sites were promising, but not likely to be the perfect site for any possible dog park.”
The Park Commissioners vote to determine which sites, if any, will be evaluated.
Zaret was a paramount individual behind the plan. Alongside him, City Councilor Dan Rist and Parks and Recreation Director John Mason were of assistance. Zaret claimed that Mason was an avid supporter of the proposal but the deciding factors were not up to him, as the majority of his team voted it down.
“I understand the feedback from the community. There were concerns. The feedback from neighbors was valid,” Zaret said. Some of these concerns include maintenance and costs.
“Part of the underlying issue is that the parks department is not funded for what they currently do. With a new project, there’s an understanding for hesitations,” added Zaret.
Easthampton is participating in a program from the Stanton Foundation, which offers funding for the design and construction of a dog park. This consists of a two stage process. “First, we identify and formalize the site, apply for a design grant and receive up to $25,000 in funds,” claimed Zaret. Next, the city may apply for the construction grant, covering labor and materials up to $225,000.
Following this two step process, the Stanton Foundation offers capital improvement grants. Zaret informed that these opportunities are offered at 12, 18 and 24 months after the park opens. “The only catch is that it has to be on city owned land; couldn’t be on private space,” he added.
The next step for Zaret is to sit down with Parks and Recreation, along with the commissions, to discuss a new tactic. They will search for ways of funding and maintenance costs.
“Easthampton is a dog-centered city. Prior to COVID, people would bring their dogs to breweries and local places. We’ve had many requests from residents for a formal dog park,” Zaret stated. Many residents have been using Nonotuck Park to walk their dogs, but they cannot be off leash here. “Having an amenity such as a dog park will offer so much to this community,” he said.
Zaret asked for any residents in the city or people involved with Parks that have ideas to contact him directly at ozaret@easthamptonma.gov.