A champion dock-diver; a therapy dog; some royalty; a Halloween Monster; and a singer… These are just a few of the canines competing for “Top Dog” in the Acton Community Dog Park’s calendar contest and fundraiser, running through May 31.
Thanks to support from local residents, the Stanton Foundation, Acton’s Community Preservation Committee, and the Town of Acton, the park’s location and construction monies have been secured, but certain amenities included in the design, such as a shade pavilion and walking trail, remain unfunded, with initial estimates upwards of $175K, inclusive. The Friends of Acton Community Dog Park, a non-profit organization established to help fund and maintain the park, is managing the contest, which is sponsored by our local pet store, Wag N’ Wash.
To participate, dog owners or fans submit a photo and some background on a dog for a $10 fee, then encourage family, friends, and neighbors to vote in increments of five votes for just $5. The photo with the most votes will be awarded the cover of the 2026 Acton Community Dog Park calendar. The 2nd-13th place finishers will each be the featured photo for one month in the calendar, and all entries will be included in a photo montage, so everyone who enters is a winner. Calendars can be pre-ordered for $25 and make great holiday gifts.
“You don’t have to be a dog owner to take part,” says Friends board member and project organizer, Karen Martin. “Check out the contenders; vote for your friend’s dog, your neighbor’s dog, or whichever one tugs at your heartstrings. Set up a friendly competition between dogs, or pre-order some calendars. Your tax-deductible purchase supports the dog park, which will soon be a centerpiece of Acton.”
Tom Gillispie, current Acton Dog Park Committee (ADPC) chair, adds, “We’ve been working on this project since 2017 and are excited that we will finally have a dog park by this time next year. We’ve engaged a construction firm to build the park, but groundbreaking is awaiting the completion of the Main Street sewer extension, as that work is occupying the dog park site at this time. Meanwhile the ADPC has been busy working out the final details, such as selecting benches, water fountains, and other equipment.”
“Our biggest challenge by far was securing a site. But as part of the 4.5 acre ‘Main Street Campus,’ we have an opportunity to make a really positive impact on the Town’s appeal to both dog owners and non-dog owners alike. Considerable effort has been put into creating design synergy between the three projects that will occupy 348 to 364 Main Street: the dog park, McManus Manor, and the future senior park. We’ve tried to be as inclusive as possible, working with those project teams and a number of committees to make sure everyone had a voice. The park will be attractively landscaped, with a facade that integrates with the historic nature of our Town. The Acton Community Dog Park will be the primary fenced-in dog park for the Town, with the current off-leash areas remaining unchanged.”
A shade pavilion is a necessity as summers get increasingly warmer, and the walking trail around the perimeter will ultimately connect to the future senior park, providing a safe and attractive walking path for residents of McManus Manor, currently under construction. While parking for 16 cars will be available, the dog park will also be walkable for many residents, which is unusual as far as dog parks are concerned.
Tom adds: “We believe residents are going to be very pleased once the park is built, and we’re very grateful for the support and hard work of so many that have brought us to this point.”
To participate in the contest or pre-order a calendar, visit https://www.gogophotocontest.com/actoncommunitydogpark.
For more information about Acton Community Dog Park, visit actondogpark.weebly.com or facebook.com/ADPCActon
Clare Siska is a member of the Acton Dog Park Committee and the owner of Acton Critter Sitters.