Assessment of Possible Dog Park
Northampton Dog Park Assessment
We received a request from a City Councilor to explore the interest and feasibility in developing a
dog park where dogs are allowed off leash within an enclose area. Northampton does not have a
dog park.
The Northampton State Hospital is the biggest single off-leash walking area in the city, in part
because it is a spectacular site and in part because state leash laws do not apply on state land. Many
people refer to this site informally, although incorrectly, as the “Dog Park.”
Dog parks typically develop in urban areas where the density of people is enough to financially and
socially support a dog park. Since Northampton residents have good places to walk their dogs on or
off leash (State Hospital, the Meadows, Look Park, Manhan and Norwottuck Rail Trails, and other
open space and undeveloped parcels), Northampton has less of a need than many communities.
To help us do an assessment, we solicited the community, through the media, City Councilors, and
other boards, to complete a non-random survey. Respondents are self-selected, in part based on
their strong passions on this issue. The goal was not to create a survey that is representative of the
community but to identify interests and demand.
Based on our review of the available information, we make the following findings:
1.There is interest in a dog park but that interest may be limited.
2.To reach the critical mass needed for a dog park to thrive or even survive, it needs to be located
near population centers-- within a mile of Northampton and/or Florence centers.
3.Given resource needs, the only possible City role for a dog park would be providing land and
possibly initial infrastructure (CPA, grants, and contributions). Operational costs would need to
be donated (with labor or cash).
4.Any next steps require a new user group that wants to partner with the city and do leg work.
Survey Findings (sample size 234, with 229 from Northampton, and 62% owning a dog):
74% of respondents supported a new dog park where dogs could safely play off leash. 18% said no
while 7% didn’t have a strong opinion. Some people, among both supporters and opponents,
indicated that a dog park should not be a priority for public funds. There were complaints about
owners not cleaning up dog droppings and about running free without fenced enclosures. Some
supporters and opponents suggested a dog park could reduce these problems.
Dog walkers walk their dog at: Northampton State Hospital 64
Their neighborhoods 55
On private property 16
Mill River and Smith College 15
Rail Trails 12
Respondents suggested possible dog park locations: Northampton State Hospital 16
Close to Downtown 13
Look Park 9
Bean and Allard Farm 7
Other small park 6
Near the River 5
Veterans Field 4
Childs Park 4
Willing to travel to an off-leash dog park
(cross-tabulated with frequency of use):
Dog owners do much of their dog walking
on the weekends and weekday afternoons
and mornings.
Maintenance was the biggest concern both from people who owned dogs and those who did not.
“Other” includes public cost, cleanliness, aggressive dogs, fencing, and irresponsible pet owners.
People who own dogs People who don’t own dogs
Not surprisingly, people who own dogs are more likely to be willing to pay for a dog park than
others. Some individuals (other) expressed a willingness to donate time to support a dog park.
People who own dogs People who do not own dogs