Dear Friends of Somerville Dogs,
I am pleased to report a happy development with regard to an off-leash recreational area in West Somerville. The site at Dilboy Field is eligible for full funding under the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program! An off-leash recreational area at Dilboy Field, however, would first have to be approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For further details, please see the minutes from the
Board of Alderman Parks and Open Space Committee meeting on April 5.
Come see the proposed site on Saturday, April 24, when the Somerville Dog Owners Group will be hosting a park clean up at Dilboy Field! Details below. We have lots of exciting ways for you to get out and get active in the community, including another Free Recall Clinic. Join us!
Mystic River Community Walk (dog-friendly!)
On Sunday morning, April 18, at 10:00 join friends, neighbors and members of the greater Somerville community in a 2.25-mile walk along the Medford and Somerville banks of the Mystic River that begins and ends at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive. Dogs that are leashed (no retractable leads, please), licensed and who enjoy the company of people and other dogs are welcome.
The Mystic River Community Walk is a Mayor's Fitness Challenge Event (http://www.somervillema.gov/challenge): Participants in the Fitness Challenge can earn a point for themselves and for their team by doing the walk. The walk is sponsored by the Somerville Dog Owners Group's two teams in the Challenge: Team Bad to the Bone and Team SomFit.
Dilboy Field Clean-Up
On Saturday, April 24, from 10:00 to 1:00, help clean up the Alewife Brook Reservation at Dilboy Field.
True Grounds Coffee, 717 Broadway, Ball Square, has donated free coffee for volunteers!
In conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation's Fourth Annual
Park Serve Day, the Somerville Dog Owners Group is organizing the park clean up at Dilboy Field. From 10:00 a.m. to noon we'll be picking up trash, raking and sweeping; Then at noon we'll break for light refreshments and conviviality. We are seeking additional donations of refreshments from local businesses.
2nd Annual Shape Up Somerville Road Race
Shape Up Somerville is hosting three races on Sunday, May 2: a children's race for youth ages 12 and younger at 10:00 am, a 2.7 mile walk beginning at 10:45 am, and a 2.7 mile run beginning at 11:00 am. All events begin at the Somerville High School Gym, 81 Highland Avenue. $5 for youth; $20 for adults (proceeds to Somerville Youth & Recreation Foundation). Registration deadline: April 29. Flyer and Registration Form attached.
The SUS Road Race is a Mayor's Fitness Challenge Event: Participants in the Fitness Challenge can earn a point for themselves and for their team in the SUS Road Race.
Free Recall Clinic (dog-friendly!)
City Dog Training is offering a free recall clinic to train your dog to come when called every time Sunday afternoon, May 2, from 1:00 to 2:00 at Ed Leathers Community Park on Walnut Street between Pearl Street and Medford Street. The clinic is cosponsored by the Somerville Dog Owners Group and the Somerville Recreation and Youth Commission. Dogs that are leashed (no retractable leads, please), licensed and who enjoy the company of people and other dogs are welcome.
As always, let me know if you have any questions, and I appreciate it if you can let me know in advance if you plan to come to any of our events--but mostly I just hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Michèle
with Strummer (standard poodle)
Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org
The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA.