🐾 Kids at the Dog Park: Real Stories, Safety Risks & Smarter Solutions
If you’ve spent time at an off-leash park, you’ve probably seen it:A parent strolls in with a stroller 🚼 or […]
W Dog Park is a convenient, public dog park located at 1 Maxwells Green in Somerville, MA, tucked behind a residential complex and right on a popular walking and biking trail. Known for being a tiny green space with astroturf, this park is truly a pit-stop spot for local dog owners needing a quick and safe place for off-leash exercise. Although it may look private, the park is open to the public through a city partnership, serving as one of only three official dog parks in Somerville.
Fully fenced in for safety, W Dog Park is wheelchair accessible, making it one of the accessible dog park options in the area. Thanks to its compact size, it’s best suited for small dogs and quick visits rather than extended play sessions—especially for energetic pups who need ample space to run. No on-site parking is available, so it’s most convenient for those arriving on foot or by bike. The park sits alongside pet-friendly trails, providing a handy spot for a doggy break in your Somerville adventures.
Tiny little park, but at least it’s something. Though it’s public, it looks like a private building amenity and now there is a sign on the gate that says “residents only.” This is actually open to the public (some kind of public-private partnership?) according to Somerville’s website, which lists this teeny tiny seemingly private dog park as one of only 3 to serve the entire city. Attached are photos from Somerville’s feasibility study for a sorely needed fourth dog park.
This is a tiny park which can serve as a pit stop in a pinch, but is way too small for a safe playtime. We brought our dog a few times, and witnessed pretty serious scuffles and saw both humans and dogs get nipped. Not a good spot for any pup that needs room to run – either to play or to get away from another dog.
I was unable to do more than glance at this park. There is no parking anywhere near the park, as it is set behind a private apartment complex.
The dog park it set on a walking/biking trail. Tiny, fenced area, with astroturf
Witnessed a Mexican standoff between my pup and an elder gentleman. There was plenty of tail wagging to be had and plenty of sticks to crunch. A good spot to play and have a quick lay down.
I’m not a fan of some dog parks. Because of the big mix of doggie personalities and lack of control the owner or walker have over them. Past 5-6 times I’ve been to one I have encountered a aggresive dog and a much more aggressive owner who believe they own the place and allow their pups to do as they please.