Park Reopening Update

Jun 10, 2020 | Announcement

As communicated by the Chelmsford Board of Health, through the Dog Park Advisory Committee, the Chelmsford Dog Park will be opening soon.

Originally posted on the DPAC Facebook page.

We have received word that the Department of Public Health has released updated guidelines and requirements for re-opening public amenities like the Dog Park. Signage is being made outlining the requirements, and the Board of Health will enforce these guidelines, with the help of DPAC and our volunteer groups. We will share more information on the guidelines when we receive them, however, rest assured that social distancing and masks will be among the requirements. Please be aware that the regular park rules also apply to everyone.

We understand this is exciting news to the park’s many guests, and we ask that you be patient, as the park will be very busy when it first opens. We would suggest a dogless drive-by, and if you feel the park is too crowded, try again later, or another day. If the Board of Health finds that guidelines cannot be adhered to, the park could be closed again, as has happened at other area parks, and has happened at this park. Please be courteous to, and patient with, other park users, as we are all in this together. The DPW is working very hard to open a number of public parks, playgrounds, and other places, and the park will be opened in due course. Thank you for your understanding, it has been a long ride.


Please note the Park will not be accessible until the DPW has removed the barriers and proper signage has been posted. On-street parking is not allowed. Please follow all the posted rules, as now there are 2 sets of them, and please be kind to each other when another park guest asks you for help in making sure everyone is following all the rules. We know there’s a lot of them, and its natural to get defensive. Dogs and people will be very excited to see each other, please take this into consideration when using the Park. If you or your dog doesn’t like a lot of excitement, we recommend giving things a few days or weeks to settle down.


DOG PARK GUIDELINES

In accordance with guidelines issued by Governor Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

  • All human users of dog parks should practice social distancing of at least 6 feet or more
  • DO NOT bring your dog to the dog park if you are sick or if you have been in close contact with anyone that is sick
  • Dogs should not share toys, treats, or other materials with dogs that are not within the same household
  • Visitors of dog parks should supply their own bags associated with dog waste and take dog waste with them if designated trash receptacles are not available for normal use
  • Use hand sanitizer before and after touching items from the park
  • If this dog park is crowded and social distancing of 6 ft cannot be maintained, you are required to leave

Failure to comply with the above guidelines will result in closure of the dog park.


As a Reminder of the Regular Rules of the Chelmsford Dog Park:

The Chelmsford Dog Park at 52 Richardson Rd. is a public park open to everyone from everywhere.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, parking lot is closed after snow storms until plowed.

Rules and Regulations for Chelmsford Dog Park

  • The Town of Chelmsford (or its agent) shall not be liable for any injury or damage caused by dogs or handlers. Owners/handlers are responsible for any injuries caused by the dogs under their control. The dog park area is for dogs, owners/handlers and those accompanying them.
  • Hours: Dawn to Dusk.
  • Dogs are to be kept on a leash (not exceeding 6 feet) when outside the dog park fenced in areas. Do not have your dog unleashed between your vehicle and the gated entrance. Leash and unleash your dog inside the dog park, not in the double gated holding area. Do not open the outside gate if the inside gate is open. Be patient.
  • Owners/handlers must carry leash at all times.
  • No animals other than dogs permitted.
  • Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted within the park. Handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
  • Scoop your poop! Owner/handler must immediately clean up after their dog. Owner/handler must have in their possession an adequate number of bags, or other appropriate device, for removal of their dog’s waste.
  • A maximum of two dogs per owner/ handler are allowed in the park at one time.
  • Aggressive dogs are not allowed.If your dog becomes rough or unruly or exhibits aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs, leash him or her and leave the park immediately. Try it again another day.
  • Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior, as determined by the animal control officer, will have park privileges revoked.
  • Dogs must display current license and must be properly inoculated, healthy (no contagious conditions, and parasite free. In the event of a dog bite or injury the owner/handler must exchange current tag info and phone numbers.
  • All bites must be reported to Animal Control at (978) 256-0754
  • Female dogs in any stage of heat are not permitted in the park.
  • No puppies under 4 months of age are allowed in the park. Puppies under this age are not fully vaccinated and are vulnerable to disease and injury.
  • Do not bring strollers, carriages, baby carriers, bicycles, skate boards, scooters, children’s toys, or dog toys into the park.
  • Owner/handler must repair all holes dug by their dog under their supervision.
  • Owner/handler must be in verbal control of their dog at all times.
  • Owner/handler must remain in the park and keep their dog within view at all times.
  • No commercial use of the dog park is allowed without prior agreement, including dog training classes, doggie daycare, dog walkers and/or advertisements.
  • Training space is available for rental. Please contact the Town of Chelmsford at http://www.townofchelmsford.us
  • The dog park will be closed periodically throughout the year for maintenance.

Prohibited:
Glass containers, smoking, alcohol, the use of prong, spike, or choke collars, human and dog food or treats, human or dog toys

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