SOUTHWICK – With 1,136 dogs registered and licensed in town for 2018, it’s important to have areas in the community for pet owners to bring their furry friends to exercise.
Whalley Park, which features a pavilion, playground, and athletic fields for humans also allows dogs on the premises as long as they’re leashed and picked up after by their owner.
There are a number of recreational areas in Southwick that allow dogs. (WNG File Photo)
According to Southwick Chief of Police Kevin Bishop, who’s also the town’s harbormaster, said dogs are allowed on Congamond Lake, there’s just no official entryway for dogs to get into the water.
“There’s no prohibiting from them doing it,” said Bishop.
Besides cooling off in Congamond, dogs are allowed to experience the several conservation areas in town that are open to the community. The Wildlife Management area on South Longyard Road, along with the Sofinowski Land Preserve that features over 120 acres just off of Mort Vining Road, all allow dogs. The Southwick Rail Trail is another local recreational asset that gives pets the opportunity to experience the outdoors.
While there isn’t a shortage of places to bring your dog in Southwick, Select Board Vice-Chairman Russ Fox acknowledged that the suggestion of having a dog park in town has been mentioned over the years by citizens. However, since Southwick is a rural community already with plenty of options, Fox said that a dog park hasn’t been seriously discussed.
“You don’t have the need that a city might have,” said Fox. “Based on the number of dogs that are registered and licensed in the town of Southwick, a dog park is not on our radar at this time,” Fox continued.
For information on how to register your dog for a license, contact the town clerk’s office at 413-569-3137.
