CLOSED Hi, Thanks for your inquiry regarding extended off-leash hours for the Green Dog program and for using Brookonline. The Parks and Recreation Commission is currently researching the possibility of a designated dog park in Brookline. An ideal location has not been found yet, and is still very much in the theoretical stage, but several options are being explored. This designated park would be part of the Green Dog program, and allow visitors to have their dogs off leash from Dawn-Dusk without conflicts from permitted events. As for extended hours at the existing parks with Off-leash hours, while it is possible that hours could change, it is unlikely due to the following reasons. 1. In order to reduce conflict between various park users, dogs are not allowed offleash during permitted events. This rule is clear in the application and exists to protect both the permitted groups and dog owners and their pets. Except for July 4th, Amory park alone is permitted to baseball teams every single evening until the second weekend in August, and then a few weekend days after that. Having off-leash hours during a baseball game, and dogs potentially running on the fields would be disruptive to the players, and potentially dangerous for the dogs. 2. Some people are afraid of dogs. Even if you have a gentle dog, other people do not necessarily know this, and many people may still be uncomfortable. They should also have a time when they can enjoy the park without the possibility of a dog approaching them. Even if no one else is in the park, once you take your dog off-leash, the park is no longer an option for those who are afraid of dogs, and are not comfortable entering the park. 3. Not all dogs do well with other dogs, whether on or off-leash. These dog owners need to know there is a time when they can take their leashed dog to the park for a walk without the possibility of another dog approaching or running up to their dog. 4. The off-leash hours in our parks helps us keep track of field usage/impact, and allows the Parks and Open Space Division time to maintain our fields to the level the community expects. 1 5. There are already dawn-dusk hours at three of the parks during the winter. 1 6. Dogs are allowed on-leash at the vast majority of Brookline parks from Dawn-Dusk, allowing owners to use them for recreation anytime of day. - almost 10 years ago #6976