FAQs

What is MayDOG?

MayDOG is the Maynard Dog Owners Group, a new community organization in Maynard, MA that is dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership and safe, legal off-leash recreation in Maynard and the surrounding communities. MayDOG is registered as a public charity and has a current certificate for solicitation. We are incorporated as a 501(c)(3) (tax exempt) not-for-profit under Chapter 180 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

What does MayDOG want to do?

We would like to establish an off-leash recreation area (OLRA, a.k.a. dog park) in Maynard.  

Why should Maynard support a dog park?

Dog parks improve the quality of life for dog owners as well as for their dogs, they promote a healthy lifestyle for people and pets, they help build our community, and they help to promote responsible dog ownership.

  • Providing space for residents to exercise with their dogs off-leash is about meeting the needs of the residents, not the dogs. Off-leash recreation is a form of passive recreation that should be supported by the town, just as the town has many acres of space for various other forms of recreation such as hiking, soccer, basketball, tennis, etc. There is currently no space in Maynard for residents who want to enjoy throwing a ball or walking with their dog off-leash.
  • A tired dog is a good dog. Providing opportunities for off-leash play means dogs are better behaved (less nuisance barking and other problematic behaviors).
  • Dog parks are often very popular places with regular visitors who get to know each other and develop bonds that help build the community.
  • Dog parks can increase property values, bring visitors to town who patronize town businesses, and attract new residents.
  • A dog park would enhance Maynard’s reputation as a unique town with lots of amenities.
  • Using open spaces as off-leash recreation areas is a good use of public property. Is it really in the best interest of the town to have unused public land in town when it could be providing a positive benefit to a significant number of residents?

Where could we put a dog park in Maynard?

We have limited open space in town, but one possibility is to designate the old landfill on Waltham Street as an off-leash area, then convert part of it to a fenced dog park. A gradual process would allow MayDOG time to raise the necessary funds through grants, private donations, fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships, while still making the space usable right away.

Is the landfill safe?

Yes, according to the Maynard Board of Health there are no health risks from walking around in the area. Numerous other former landfills in Massachusetts have been/are being converted to recreational areas, such as Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor. The landfill area is monitored for safety by the Board of Health by order of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Will there be parking?

There could be plenty of room for parking at the site.

Aren’t there No Trespassing signs and a locked gate?


There are several No Trespassing signs in the area, and a gate to prevent cars from driving in. We are working with the town to allow access to the site at a future date.
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What about the wildlife?

First, the area will mostly remain untouched – only part of the site is being proposed as a fenced park. Second, the area will only be used from dawn to dusk. Third, Maynard is approximately 5 square miles in area, and 2 square miles are taken up by the Assabet Wildlife Refuge – there is already plenty of designated space in Maynard for wildlife.

How many Maynard residents might benefit from a dog park/off-leash recreation area?

We estimate that about 1,500 Maynard households have at least one dog, or approximately 35% of all Maynard households. That’s more than the number with a child under age 18 (29%).

Do you have a concern that is not addressed here? Please contact us and we’ll do our best to address it.