Peabody Dog Park Opening in Sight

PEABODY, MA – Emerson Park is shaping up to be the recreational hub of Tanner City. If fundraising goes as planned, a dog park will be listed among the park's amenities by this fall, next to the skate park.

Plans for a dog park have been in the works for years, but a grant from the Stanton Foundation kicked the project into high gear. The foundation is funding 90 percent of the design cost, or $24,000. The city is looking at a budget of roughly $200,000 for the entire park, which will run along Perkins Street.

"The dog park has been a longtime goal," said Mayor Ted Bettencourt. The Friends of Peabody Dog Park have raised more than $4,000 toward their goal of $20,000, or roughly 10 percent of the total cost. Tammy Ross, president of the Friends of Peabody Dog Park, said they will host events in the spring and summer, like a paint night and dog festival.

"We are thrilled to see plans for the Peabody Dog Park moving forward and are grateful that the Stanton Foundation has awarded the city a sizable grant to help us achieve our vision."

According to preliminary plans for the park, there will be two fenced in areas so small and large dogs can play separately. There will be a few parking spaces, and the park will be fully handicap accessible. Including the parking area, the park will be 70,000 square feet. That area of Emerson Park doesn't have any direct abutters, and is city-owned property.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Jennifer Davis is currently preparing a request for proposals for design architects, and the city may look to community preservation funds to help ease the cost of the park.

The Peabody dog park will join the recently built dog park areas in Danvers and Salem.

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