Agenda Text
title
Melissa McCue Submitting Comments Re: Nunziato OLRA Being Locked at 8 AM.
body
Official Text
I’m writing to address a recent situation at the Nunziato Dog Park in Somerville. This space has proven a fantastic resource and an invaluable tool to exercising my Greyhound, Zeppelin, and get out of the house in the mornings before I start work. Until October, I don’t remember a problem getting into the park, but in the last few weeks, I have found the gates locked.
Zeppelin is usually fine with just a walk in the mornings, but on the days that I think he’d like to run and stretch his legs, I put him in the car, drive to the park, only to find the gate is locked. At this point, he has figured out where we are, and whimpers, whines, and gets wound up - and then has nowhere to channel that energy because he can’t get into the park.
Also, as a dog trainer in this city, I see a lot of dogs that need to have their exercise needs met, and as part of their training program, many of Somerville’s residents use the dog parks as a legal means to drain their dog’s energy before going to work. If the dogs aren’t getting their exercise needs met, some dogs can become destructive in the home, and barky - which irritates neighbors. I’d rather see social dogs get their exercise before their owners go to work for the day, than be called in because their dogs are suddenly exhibiting exercise related behaviors. I see many of these behaviors on a weekly basis - I’d rather not see more of Somerville’s dogs start exhibiting behaviors that are easily managed with a morning romp.
I understand the City has safety regulations, and that the parks should be locked at night to prevent illegal activity our park system - including our dog parks. However, would it be possible to ensure the park is unlocked as early as 8am (or even earlier if possible) to ensure these dogs can meet their exercise needs, and the owners can go to work knowing they have done the responsible thing for their dog?
Thank you for your time!
Best Regards,
Melissa C. McCue