Although many dogs run off-leash in Edmands Park (aka Cabot Woods), their owners risk getting a warning or a fine for allowing them to do so. However, a local group is working to change the designation of this wooded area, so pets can romp free without violating the rules.
Cabot Woods Canines, a group of residents who are working with the city “to get Cabot Woods / Edmands Park approved as an off-leash area for dog walking,” recently held a community Zoom meeting and shared results from an opinion poll. The City’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Department encouraged the organization to hold the meeting to get feedback on the idea.
The group said it “is committed to responsible dog walking, both on and off-leash to make Cabot Woods enjoyable for all residents.”
If the new designation for the Newtonville park is approved, owners who want their dogs to be able to be leash-free must get a specific license.
According to current requirements, a leashed license costs $20 for a spayed/neutered dog or $25 for one that is unfixed. An off-leash license costs $70 for a spayed/neutered dog or $75 for one that is unfixed. Fees pay for enforcement and poop bags.
Support for idea – with concerns
While most participants at the January meeting said they supported making the 32.6-acre park off-leash, several attendees voiced concerns about the ability of all owners and dogwalkers to control their animals if they’re allowed to roam untethered.
“How do we make sure that the rules and etiquette are enforced” so everyone can enjoy the area, asked one participant who said his wife was bitten by an off-leash dog at Edmands.
A member of Cabot Woods Canines said that off-leash etiquette should be a part of responsible dog ownership and acknowledged, “We have a lot of educating to do.”
According to the slide show, the group aims to create clear signage to enforce rules and provide poop bag dispensers.
“We want this to be a really good … place for all of our community, not just dog owners,” said a member of Cabot Woods Canines, who noted that he and his wife regularly pick up other debris and dog waste when at Edmands.
In terms of dogs acting aggressively, he said, “We can hold each other accountable,” with self-policing.
A woman who has two dogs said many who regularly enjoy the woods see themselves as “stewards of the park,” and would help ensure it stays safe and accessible for all.
Poll results
Cabot Woods Canines initially conducted a survey June 25-July 10, 2023, to learn more about people’s thoughts on the initiative. The group reopened the survey on December 28, 2023, to get additional feedback. As of January 16, 2024, the group had received 444 responses. Percentages listed have been rounded:
- 385 (86.7%) support off-leash dogs
- 343 (77%) support off-leash parkwide at all hours
- 108 (24%) support off-leash parkwide with restricted hours
- 41 (9%) support off-leash in a dedicated dog park at all hours
- 38 (8.5%) do not want Edmands Park designated an off-leash area
- 117 (26%) visit with children. Of those, 89 (76% of the 117 respondents) favor off-leash parkwide at all times.
- 58 (13%) selected that, for their own personal safety, they want to walk their dogs off-leash.
As of January 30, a member of Cabot Woods Canines said she did not know of any upcoming public meetings on the matter. Inquiries by Fig City News to the City did not result in additional information on next steps and meeting days and times.
