Scrapped dog park plan further limits off-leash options for dogs in Waltham

The Planning Department has scrapped a proposal for a new off-leash dog park at the Koutoujian Playground due to concerns over land use. According to Ward 8 Councilor Cathyann Harris, the possibility of dogs digging on the capped environmental waste area poses such a risk that a dog park isn’t possible.

This development means that the Waltham Dog Ranch on Metropolitan Parkway is the only official off-leash area for dogs in the city. It features two rectangular fenced-in areas with agility obstacles and open space for dogs and their owners to socialize. 

While dogs are often off-leash in Waltham locations such as baseball fields, the Beaver Brook Reservation or the Woods at Stonehurst, this constitutes illegal off-leash activity.

Waltham’s city website provides suggestions for nearby off-leash areas such as Cat Rock Park in Weston, Howe Park in Watertown and Danehy Dog Park in Cambridge.

Dog owners shared their dismay over the limited options for their pets to play off-leash.

“We went to the Waltham Dog Park near the old hospital and we did not even get out of the car,” said Waltham resident Jill Iluliano in an email to The Waltham Times. Iluliano said she was concerned that the space wasn’t big enough to properly stimulate her dog, adding that the park’s proximity to the old Metropolitan State Hospital administration building made her concerned about asbestos contamination in the soil.

Tak Yamashita, another Waltham dog owner, expressed similar frustration. Yamashita participated in an initiative put forward by residents to advocate for a dog park at Nipper Maher Park which, much to his disappointment, did not pan out.

”Waltham has many lots that are completely underutilized,” he said. “Dog parks can be compact and still provide a wonderful area for dogs as well as community building.”

While there are no current plans for additional dog parks in Waltham, there is still public interest in the idea. “I would love to work on a committee to look into a new dog park and see it to fruition,” said Iluliano.