Cambridge Announces Shared Use Hours for Off-Leash Dogs at Sacramento Field

The City of Cambridge announced today that the pilot of off-leash dog use at Sacramento Field will transition into an ongoing program, similar to several other successful shared use locations around the City. Shared use off-leash areas are places where dogs are allowed off-leash in outdoor spaces located near other park uses and activities. These spaces differ from dedicated off-leash spaces that are generally fenced to facilitate the containment of off-leash dogs.

“Based on the evaluation of the pilot program at Sacramento Field, we are pleased to transition the off-leash hours into a permanent program in this previously underserved area,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “Retaining the early morning off-leash hours allows the park space to serve multiple neighborhood users throughout the day.”

In response to the public’s interest in implementing an off-leash dog program at Sacramento Field, the City explored the feasibility of allowing dogs off-leash during limited hours. With a community process that included feedback from nearby residents and park users, the City piloted a program from November 8, 2019, through August 31, 2020. The designated off-leash area was available to dog owners each morning from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. During the pilot, the City evaluated adherence to its off-leash dog rules and the impact of off-leash dogs on noise, dog waste, conflicts with users, and field conditions. Since instituting the pilot program, most dog owners have adhered to the City’s off-leash rules, and there have been no noticeable impacts from dogs on the condition of the field.

Dog owners are required to follow the City’s rules for off-leash use during designated hours, including:

• Ensuring that all dogs are leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the area;
• Staying in the designated area at all times while dogs are using the area; and
• Having a leash in their possession at all times while dog(s) is using the area.

Dogs must remain leashed while in Sacramento Field outside of the posted shared off-leash hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

For more information about off-leash dog use in Cambridge parks, please visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/offleash.