Proposed Project
Our goal is to create a fenced-in dog park within Swampscott that will:
- Permit dogs to play with each other off-leash;
- Prevent dogs from escaping;
- Deter unwanted encounters between dogs and other park users;
- Provide a year round forum for social interaction among dog-owners and other interested passers-bys.
This park is intended to supplement (not replace) the current beach access permitted from late September through early May. In other words, we are seeking to provide a place to go for dogs and their owners during the excluded beach access months.
Our Budget
We are continually fundraising, as even after the park is built, it will need to be maintained. The first $30,000 will be used for the following:
- Landscaping (grading, loam, pathway construction, trees and seeding)
- Fencing
- Trash Cans
- Signage
- Clean up bag holder
Why a dog park?
Did you know that dogs require daily exercise and contact with other dogs in order to remain healthy and well socialized? A well socialized dog learns the skills required for getting along with the people and the other dogs he or she interacts with each day.
Dogs socialize with each other through subtle displays of posture and behavior that can only occur when they are not impeded by a leash. A leash limits a dog’s natural movement and can even cause some dogs to become territorial, protecting the area to which the leash confines them.
Further, walking them on a leash is not sufficient exercise: it is not optimal for their physiological and psychological well-being. It’s important for a dog to be able to run and exercise and chase things. In other words, it’s important for a dog to be a dog!
We feel the dogs would not be the only ones to benefit. A community dog park would:
- contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of Swampscott’s beaches and parks,
- be a point of distinction and interest for potential and existing residents,
- and foster a sense of community among dog owners.
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