City Seeking Public Comments on Dog Park Location

Mayor Michael J. McGlynn and the Paws4Medford Committee are seeking residents’ comments on a proposed site for Medford’s dog park.

The Committee is a group of volunteers who have identified the Stanton Foundation as a possible funding source.

“Public comment is a critical step in the process,” said Mayor McGlynn. “It will be followed by a feasibility study on a specific site located behind the Andrews and McGlynn Schools at Mystic Riverbend Park.”

The Committee has done an admirable job in moving this project forward. They are presenting for public review a proposal for a feasibility study of the Mystic Riverbend Park area for the purpose of creating a Medford dog park. This location has several important features that the Committee believes makes it a prime location for such a public park. Accessibility for this location is excellent as it provides plenty of parking, ease of access, no impact to residential areas and is centrally located to city residents.

This area already supports many of the physical attributes required for a successful dog park and as such does not require any use modification in order to transform a portion of this area into a dog park. The area is presently used by many dog lovers and could benefit from improvements funded by this grant opportunity. The Mystic Riverbend area is also unique in the educational opportunities that can be explored with the local community and nearby schools. These are some of the key points that make the Mystic Riverbend area perfect for this need.

The Committee, comprised of members Patricia Flynn, Gary DeStefano, Britt Fitch, Diana Gitner, John Sardone, Michael Marks and Jim Silva, has received a site consultation cost estimate for evaluation of this site as a potential dog park.

A consultant will provide a sketch plan and budget level cost estimates for creation of a dog park at Riverbend Park behind the McGlynn School in Medford (site between walkway and river, adjacent to the community gardens). A consultant will provide cost evaluation of site preparation, access paths, alternate surface materials, fencing and related site improvements, as well as soft costs and design fees. A consultant will also contact the DEP and Medford Conservation Commission to ascertain the regulatory requirements for such a development. A consultant will meet with the Committee to present initial findings and after revising, will meet with Mayor and representatives of the City to present the plan.

A consultant will use existing plans and city GIS as base information. The need for additional survey is not anticipated at this time. A consultant will provide only sketch plans and the cost estimates. Schematic design, construction documents and construction phase services are not included. Should the city so request, a consultant can provide those services as an additional service, to be billed at our standard billing rates or the subject of a separate proposal. The consultant’s fee is $2,800 to complete this work.

All comments should be forwarded by April 24th to Linda Coletti at lcoletti@medford.org.

– Submitted by Mayor Michael McGlynn’s office