Woof: Woonsocket's Building a Doggie Park

WOONSOCKET, RI—Portsmouth just built a brand new one. Newport's had one for years. Now, Woonsocket is about to join other dog-friendly communities with its own dog park. Planning is underway, Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt announced on Tuesday.

The Community Dog Park committee is now official. It is tasked with developing recommendations for a future dog park in the City. City Councilor Melissa Murray, a longtime dog park advocate and dog owner, is the chairwoman, and four other volunteers have been appointed to sort out the logistics and the details.

“As a long-time advocate on this issue, I am thrilled to see the City moving forward with a dog park,” said City Councilor Melissa Murray. “This is a long awaited project for many residents. Additionally, investing in our public parks and having diverse recreational spaces attracts visitors to our city and helps to build a stronger community.”

Other committee members are:

- Director of Public Works Steven D’Agostino or his designee.
- Amy Devereaux, Legal Assistant.
- Eric Boyko, Rescue Lieutenant, Woonsocket Fire Department.
- Kelly Wilson, City resident and veterinarian technician.

The committee will review potential sites and study the best practices before submitting recommendations to the mayor. Expected topics of discussion will include “pop-up” dog parks, multiple sites, park footprint, and ideal location(s).

“Creating a dog park within our community enhances the options of public recreational spaces offered to residents and addresses the needs of the many dog owners in the City,” the mayor said. “Dog parks have proven to be wildly successful in cities across the country and I know we can replicate that kind of success within Woonsocket. As a proud owner of a rescue dog, I am sensitive to the competing uses of our beautiful parks and believe this project will bring a new dynamic to the City in addition to providing space for our beloved canines.”

Image via Shutterstock