“I want to thank the residents for their invaluable input and for their involvement in shaping the design of the park,” said Mayor Cicilline. “I’m satisfied that this public process has resulted in a solution that benefits everyone who uses the Dexter Training Grounds.”

The site is located towards the center of the park on the Armory side, approximately 240-feet away from the original Little League field’s home plate. The off-leash area extends along the tree line in both directions, providing shade for dog owners and will be enclosed with decorative fencing. The site and design has received approval from the Historic District Commission.

Mayor Cicilline directed the Parks Department to begin reviewing several alternative sites for a dog park at the Dexter Training Grounds after listening to residents’ concerns following a Board of Parks meeting in May. Originally, the Parks Department developed two alternative options and invited the public to comment on the proposals during a well-attended public meeting and via email. Included in the public comment were ideas for additional sites within the park.

Nearly two dozen residents also joined Parks staff for a walk through of the proposed sites last month. Included in the presentation materials were two additional options proposed by residents as part of the public comment. After reviewing all the feedback, one of these options was the most responsive to residents’ interests and concerns.

“This is a wonderful example of residents’ commitment to their neighborhood park by working closely with the City to arrive at the best possible solution,” said Alix Ogden, Parks Superintendent.

Construction on the new fence at the dog park is expected to begin in August and the project will be financed through the Gilmore Memorial Fund grant designated for park improvements and revenues generated from park rentals.