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Off Leash Dog Recreational Area
Pilot Off-Leash Dog Area on Rosemary Trail
August 12, 2025 Update
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback to the Needham Select Board and Park & Recreation Commission during their June 23rd public hearing at which the Boards considered piloting an off-leash dog area on the Rosemary Trail.
Based on the feedback and concerns presented by several Needham residents, including many abutters to the Rosemary Trail, the Select Board and Park & Recreation Commission have decided to not move forward with the pilot off-leash dog area at this location.
The Town understands that there is continued interest from some community members to have off-leash dog areas in Needham and alternative options may be explored in the future. For now, we encourage the continued use of the dog park on Pine Street for off-leash dog activities.
Public Hearing Scheduled for June 23, 2025
The Park & Recreation Commission and the Select Board will hold a joint public hearing to consider piloting the Rosemary Trail as an off-leash dog area. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 23rd at 7 pm in the Memorial Park Fieldhouse, 92 Rosemary Street, and via Zoom. Town staff will present the pilot proposal and Board/Commission members will solicit feedback from abutters and the community on the proposal.
How to Provide Feedback at a Public Hearing
There are three ways to do so:
- Attend the meeting in person and speak
- Attend the meeting by Zoom and raise your virtual hand to ask to speak
- Send written comments in advance to parkandrecreation@needhamma.gov or by postal mail to: Park and Recreation Commission, 178 Rosemary Street, Needham, MA 02492.
Zoom link for June 23rd meeting:
https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/83404301905?pwd=YsbP3XKuLnvQYkaGnawWWwrXooOV1h.1
Additional Information:
Abutters Notice for June 23, 2025 Abutters Meeting and Public Hearing
April 25, 2025 Memo Re: Pilot Off-Leash Dog Area on Rosemary Trail
Town of Needham Off-Leash Dog Recreational Area
LOCATION
End of Pine Street (off Central Avenue) next to Needham Community Farm.
WHO CAN USE THE DOG AREA
Only dogs with up-to-date Needham dog license.
Trifold Flyer about the Off-Leash Dog Recreational Area (PDF)
How to submit a comment, complaint or issue about the Off Leash Dog Area.
TIPS FOR SAFELY USING THE OFF-LEASH DOG AREA
1. Take it slowly. Consider coming to the dog park with your dog and staying outside the fence the first time. Let your dog get used to the idea that this is a place to come play with other dogs. If they are pulling to get in there, then consider giving it a try. If their tail is between their legs, just watch this time.
2. Take it slowly. Don't allow you or your dog to have a negative first visit. When your dog first comes through the gate, there may well be a bunch of dogs that want to come over and say hello. This can be intimidating for your dog. Stay close to them and put yourself between the other dogs and your dog if you can.
3. Watch your dog. If their tail is between the legs, they are uncomfortable. If they are getting chased by more than one dog and keep looking back over their shoulders, they are uncomfortable. If they are getting rolled multiple times by a chasing dog or dogs, and can't seem to turn the tables, they are uncomfortable. Go get them and remove them from the situation until they are ready to try again. Take them out of the park for a few minutes if they need it. Stay close to them so they know you are with them.
4. Watch your dog's body language. If they are showing signs of being over stimulated or aggressive in any way, remove them from the situation. Most fights can be avoided.
5. Watch your dog. If your dog goes to the bathroom, it is your responsibility to clean it up.
6. Watch your dog. Don't assume that everyone else is watching their dogs.
It is fun to chat with your friends and neighbors but your first job is to make sure your dog is enjoying their experience at the dog park.
This is a learning experience for your dog but once they get it, they will love coming to play with their friends.