Over eight years ago, a small group of dog owners pitched an idea to Acton’s Select Board: Why not a dog park for Acton? Aware that dog parks benefit communities, and that substantial grant funding was available through The Stanton Foundation, they convinced Town leaders to form an exploratory committee in August 2017.
Then the work really began: multiple meetings with the Select Board and various town committees; surveys; public informational and input sessions; site selection; fundraising; design work, permitting and more.
Tom Gillispie shared, “It has been my privilege to be the most recent chairperson of the Acton Dog Park Committee, which is made up of a set of passionate, dedicated and talented residents, members, and friends. The journey — from establishment as a town committee, through site selection, preliminary and final design, fundraising, establishing the Friends of Acton Community Dog Park, bidding, and now, construction — has been long, full of ups and downs, but always with a collective heart aimed at bringing this benefit to Acton and surrounding communities.”
Now supporters are starting to see the fruits of their labor. In late September, a construction team cleared the land and is currently working on drainage and subsurface preparation. In the coming month, the dog park footprint and some of its features will emerge. Boulders excavated from the site of the River Street park project are being re-purposed to create a seat wall for park visitors, and Acton Dog Park Committee members are busy selecting amenities such as trash receptacles and signage.
Construction will then pause for the winter and resume in the spring, and the park is expected to open before next summer. Features will include separate fenced-in areas for small and all dogs, benches, water fountains, double-gated entryways, a bike rack, and a 16-car parking lot. The completely ADA-compliant park will utilize environmentally sensitive engineered wood fiber ground cover, earth-friendly composite waste stations constructed from recycled plastics, and compostable waste pick-up bags. Looking forward, committee members hope to add a perimeter walking path, and a pavilion to protect users and their pets from the elements.
The finished park, located at 348 Main Street and part of the master plan for the “Main Street Campus,” will feature an historical design and landscaping coordinated with that of McManus Manor, also currently under construction, and the future seniors-oriented park planned on the hillside between the two projects, at 352 Main Street.
Behind the scenes, Friends of Acton Community Dog Park, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, raises funds for park amenities and supplies, and will ultimately be responsible for park oversight in partnership with Acton’s Recreation Department.
The Friends leadership extends their gratitude to supporters who provide financial assistance and offer their time and talent establishing the park. The Friends recently held an Acton “Top Dog” calendar contest. The 2026 calendars, which are now on sale and feature local dogs, their stories and photos, make great holiday gifts. Visit the website for details: www.actondogpark.weebly.com.
Residents Brigid and Brian Brady are enthusiastic about the park. “We’re thrilled that work is underway for the new Acton dog park! When finished it will be a tremendous asset for the community, and we can’t wait to take our dog, Seamus, to get some exercise in a safe setting. And maybe he’ll make some new friends along the way!”
Amy Barber, who lives close by, echoes their sentiments. “I am thrilled! My two pugs are looking forward to the dog park. A place to run around, socialize and connect to our community in an open, dog-friendly space. No more long drives to surrounding dog parks!”
Tom Gillispie adds, “Special thanks to our Select Board representatives Joan Gardner and Dean Charter, various Select Board chairs, our initial designer Dale Design, Inc. Landscape Architecture and final designer WDA Design Group, contractor Woodall Construction Co., Town Manager John Mangiaratti, Assistant Town Manager and Project Manager Thom Begin, Town of Acton Community Preservation Committee, and especially all of our supporters at Town Meetings. Without you, we could have never gotten to this point!”
Cathy Fochtman is president of the Friends of Acton Community Dog Park, Inc.
