By Mark E. Vogler
The Conservation Commission will soon begin its review of the potential environmental impact of the proposed Stocker Field Dog Park on the area wetlands. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s office announced this week that it has filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the commission, which is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the project at its Feb. 12 Meeting.
“This project aims to transform existing dilapidated basketball and tennis courts into a vibrant, multi-use dog park and reflects the town’s commitment to enhancing community spaces to benefit residents and fully comply with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations,” the town noted in a press release.
“Community members are encouraged to attend a Saugus Conservation Commission public hearing next month for another opportunity to learn more about the proposed dog park and to share their feedback on the project,” it continued.
“Project Overview: The dog park is proposed to utilize approximately .64 acres of the 6.35-acre open space and recreational parcel known as Stocker Field. The multi-faceted dog park area is proposed to include dedicated play spaces for large and small dogs, agility courses, shaded areas, and natural features such as trees, boulders, and grass to create a safe and enjoyable environment for both pets and their owners.”
Town Manager Crabtree signed the 42-page NOI that was filed with related documents, including the proposed site plan for the dog park and the existing site plan for Stocker Field. Saugus residents and other members of the public can view the NOI by going to www.saugus-ma.gov/conservation-commission/pages/stocker-field-dog-Park-information. Copies of the documentation are also available for inspection at the Saugus Conservation Commission office, Town Hall Annex, 25 Main St., Saugus.
“The Town of Saugus remains committed to responsible environmental stewardship and looks forward to working with residents and stakeholders to ensure the success of this project while preserving the town’s natural resources,” the press release said. “The Town of Saugus is dedicated to transparency and public involvement throughout the process in proposing a dog park at Stocker Field. The Saugus Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing at which all community members will have another opportunity to provide input on the proposed dog park. At the public hearing, attendees will learn more about the project and be able to ask questions and share their feedback. The Town is committed to ensuring all perspectives are considered and encourages the public to attend and participate in the process.”
Town officials are already hearing from several residents of Precinct 3 – including Town Meeting Member Mark V. Sacco Jr., who has been critical of the project and the process that was used to brief the public (See Letter-to-the-editor in this issue). Sacco is the driving force behind an article for a proposed amendment to the Town By-Laws “to protect and preserve Saugus Playgrounds Through Government Transparency and Accountability.” At last week’s meeting, selectmen formally accepted the article to be inserted into the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, which is set to convene on May 5.
“The idea of converting the Stocker Playground ball courts into a dog park is deeply concerning, not only because it violates the original deed stating that this space must remain a playground in perpetuity, but also because it poses unnecessary and avoidable safety risks,” Sacco wrote in a recent letter to selectmen.
“Playgrounds are designed to serve children and families, and dogs simply do not belong in these spaces. Beyond the safety concerns, this proposal neglects the needs of future generations, the birders who frequent the area, and the broader community who value Stocker Playground for what it is—a place for children to grow, play, and thrive,” he said.
“The residents of Saugus deserve to have their voices heard, and I urge this Board to honor the original intent of Stocker Playground, uphold the stipulations of the deed, and listen to the legitimate concerns of the community you were elected to represent,” he said.
Meanwhile, in its announcement this week, the town stressed its “Emphasis on Compliance with Regulations” and its “Commitment to Transparency and Public Engagement.” “The park design incorporates sustainable development principles by reducing impervious surfaces and featuring native plantings and drainage improvements to protect adjacent wetlands and enhance the site’s ecological value,” the press release said.
“The project site is located within the 200-foot riverfront area of the Saugus River and 100-foot buffer zone of the salt marsh. Committed to minimizing the environmental impact, the Town of Saugus is proactively taking steps to protect surrounding natural resources and to comply with all regulations to safeguard wetlands and coastal storm flow areas,” it continued. “By replacing aging infrastructure with a sustainable, community-friendly design, this project will improve the local environment while providing new amenities for residents and their pets.”