In an editorial that ran on July 20, "Where dogs run free," the Boston Globe supports off-leash recreational areas. Citing "friction" in the relationship between dogs and people, the Globe proposes that "the solution to the problem is more controlled freedom for dogs, not less."
It can only help to promote a change for the better that the Globe has taken a stand in support of open space that serves the many and diverse needs of all residents. In the community of dog owners in Boston and environs, it is much bemoaned that, among comparable metropolitan areas in the country, Boston lags in providing safe and legal areas where people may enjoy the benefits of socializing and exercising our dogs off-leash.
I am surprised, however, that the Globe puts the onus on the public "to come up with sites for several more off-leash areas, and make a commitment to put up signage and self-police the sites."
It is the case that local cities and towns and the DCR have historically failed to provide both sites for off-leash recreation as well as rules that accommodate off-leash recreation. Across the Commonwealth, local dog owner groups have formed to work with together with government at the local and state level to correct these failures. I appreciate that the Globe acknowledges the voluntary efforts on the part of the citizens that make up these groups; at the same time, I wish Globe had taken a stronger position in favor of cities and towns and the DCR working together with dog-owner groups and supporting our efforts.
Does the Globe demand that the public come up with sites for basketball courts, softball fields and playgrounds? People who enjoy off-leash recreation are citizens and tax-payers just as people who enjoy basketball. It is the responsibility of cities and towns, as well as the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to work together with park users to ensure that the many and diverse recreational needs of the the metro area are met.
Must softball players make a commitment to put up signage on public fields? The same as playing fields, when off-leash recreational areas are sited on public property, it is the responsibility of the local government to post appropriate signage to inform park users of rules that have been established to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all park users.
Somerville leads the pack when it comes to municipal off-leash recreational areas. The Board of Aldermen, together with the Administration, convened a Dog Owners Task Force to involve citizens in the process of siting off-leash recreational areas (OLRAs) and in determining the rules that safeguard public health and public safety. Somerville plans to construct third OLRA this fall to open in Spring 2010.
