Our Town Dog Park...
A good dog park to play in

Where we build community around people and their dogs!

Why a Dog Park
& Why it matters

It's about time for Our Town to have a Dog Park!

A well-designed dog park is more than a place to play. It strengthens community bonds, supports public health, encourages responsible pet ownership, reduces conflicts in shared spaces, and offers mobility-limited residents a practical way to exercise their dogs. Research shows that dog parks benefit dogs and people alike and that they become vibrant gathering spaces where relationships form naturally.

We are now working to bring this vision to life thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with respect for Peterborough’s character, environment, and residents. With community support, this dog park can become a lasting town asset that we will all be proud of.

For Our Community

Strengthening Social Connections

Dog parks are natural gathering places that bring people together across age, background, and neighborhood.

They create low-pressure opportunities for neighbors to meet, talk, and form meaningful relationships.
Regular use fosters a sense of shared responsibility and pride in a common space.
In towns like Peterborough, dog parks often become informal community hubs — places where people linger, not just pass through.
Stronger social connections contribute to overall community well-being and resilience.

For Our Dogs

Health, safety, and well being between dogs and people

A designated off-leash area supports healthier dogs and safer shared spaces throughout town.

Off-leash play provides essential physical exercise and mental enrichment that leash walks alone can’t offer.
Proper socialization helps reduce reactivity, stress, and aggressive behavior in dogs.
A dedicated dog park reduces off-leash conflicts in other public spaces and conservation areas.
Healthier, well-socialized dogs contribute to safer interactions for residents and visitors alike.

For Our Land

A thoughtfully planned dog park helps protect the natural spaces that make Peterborough special.

Designating a specific off-leash area reduces pressure on sensitive conservation land, trails, and waterways.
Clear rules and infrastructure (waste stations, signage, buffers) make responsible dog ownership easier to follow.
Planning with environmental guidance ensures the park complements — rather than harms — surrounding ecosystems.
Concentrating off-leash activity in one well-managed space is often better for the environment than dispersed, unmanaged use.

For Our Town

Building a long term Community Asset. A dog park is an investment in Peterborough’s future quality of life.

It makes the town more welcoming and accessible to residents of all ages and abilities, including those with limited mobility.
Dog parks can host training classes, educational events, adoption days, and volunteer opportunities.
Well-managed parks are typically supported by dedicated user groups, reducing the burden on town resources.
Over time, a dog park becomes a place people identify with — part of the town’s shared identity.

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Our Town loves its Town Dogs

Building a park for our four legged residents

The idea of a dog park in Peterborough isn’t new. For years, residents have shared the same question: where can our dogs safely run off-leash, and how can we do it responsibly?

In response, a group of local residents began working with the Peterborough Recreation Committee to explore possibilities, learn from other towns, and listen carefully to community input. We’re still in the planning phase: evaluating options, gathering feedback, and doing the groundwork needed to get this right.

Our Story