Dog Parks
Photographed by: Mark Lindhult
The Amherst Dog park opened in July 2022, after 7 years of planning and design. In the 2017 Town Meeting the desire for a town-wide dog park was expressed, which lead to the creation of a dog park task force. The task force held over 30 public meetings, vetted potential sites and worked with the Community Preservation Act Committee, the Conservation Commission, the Design Review Board, the Disability Access Advisory Committee, LSSE Commission, the Planning Board, and the Town Council.
Ultimately the site where it sits today was selected and designs finalized in 2019. Located on a portion of the former Amherst Landfill on Belchertown Road, the design is fully accessible and includes a one-acre fences area for large dogs, a half-acre fenced area for small dogs, double gated entry, entry plaza with kiosk, dog watering stations, two shade structures, concrete walks through each dog area, benches, irrigation, and parking for 18 cars.
The old landfill cap is shallow and could not be disturbed so the park is built entirely on fill with special footings for the perimeter fence and shade structure support posts. The landfill is also a breeding site for endangered Grasshopper Sparrow. The project team worked with NHESP to time construction to protect the Sparrow's life cycle.
Amherst Dog Park
Amherst, Massachusetts
Photographed by: Mark Lindhult
The South Hadley Dog Park project introduced one of the most visited off-leash dog parks to the Pioneer Valley. Following years of effort by the Town of South Hadley and dedicated residents, the Grand Opening of the park in October of 2021 represented a final celebration for everyone's commitment and dedication to the project.
The park is integrated into the surrounding landscape. The larger all dog area benefits from the naturally sloping hillside and wooded ledge outcrops by creating open-use areas separated by stairs and a split rail fence. The Park and upper terrace offer unparalleled views across adjacent farm fields to the north and the Holyoke Range in the distance. Other amenities include a woodland grove, rain gardens to handle storm water runoff, native herbaceous and woody plantings, and a combination of peastone and lawn surfacing.
Funded by a grant from the Stanton Foundation, the project developed a publicly accessible dog park on just over 2.5 acres of previously undeveloped town owned land. The park is located off Mulligan Drive in South Hadley. The park features an 18-space parking lot off Mulligan Drive which brings visitors to a main entry plaza and gated entrance area. The entrance to the park incorporates double gates, dog drinking fountains, benches, and a concrete plaza, In addition to a large, fenced area for all dogs, the Park also features a separate fenced area for smaller dogs. Both areas feature a looped walking path and benches to allow park enjoyment from a range of locations. The Park is generally open year-round from dusk to dawn, as no site lights are installed. A portable restroom is also provided during the summer months and a kiosk at the main entrance includes park rules and other important notices.
While this park is located on Town poperty and is among the selection of public parks offered in town, the South Hadley Dog Park is entirely maintained and managed by the Friends of South Hadley Dog Park, a local non-profit run and supported by residents and park visitors. Continued support for the Friends group will ensure ongoing care for the park and that it remains open as a valuable public asset.
South Hadley Dog Park
South Hadley, Massachusetts