City Council Works ‘Tails’ Off Debating Location of Dog Park

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METHUEN– Plans for a new dog park and splash pad in Methuen spark controversy at Monday night's City Council meeting. 

According to Councilor Jessica L. Finocchiaro, plans for the dog park have been in the works for around 30 years. She, however, was just recently made aware of the plans in 2018. 

 Finocchiaro, who introduced the topic of discussion to the council, said that she had heard both positive and negative input from residents. 

“My feedback has been positive for that so far,” said Finochiaro. She then added “We do also receive complaints,” about the possible locations for the park. The plan being discussed involves utilizing the empty space on Gill Avenue in Methuen. 

Steve Angelo, superintendent of the Department of Parks and Recreation, took the podium to field the questions of the council. 

As Angelo took the stand, Councilor Nicholas DiZoglio was quick to jump in and ask, “Why are we going to Gill?” 

DiZoglio then added, “Have we thought about any other locations in the city for dog parks?” 

In response, Angelo said that the land on Gill Avenue is currently underutilized for recreational activities. According to Angelo, the goal is to “be able to utilize that area more effectively.” 

“We want to make sure it’s centralized to our community,” said DiZoglio. He also alluded to his concerns that people may not want to go to the park because of its location. 

 Council Vice Chairman Joel P. Faretra, who resides in a neighborhood near Gill Avenue, jumped in. 

 “I find your comments about that neighborhood disrespectful,” stated Faretra. In response to Faretra’s commentary, Dizoglio later reworded his statement. 

Faretra continued to defend his neighborhood, claiming that DiZoglio could not take back his prior statement. “That’s what you said,” exclaimed Faretra. The councilor’s heated discussion was soon quieted by Council Chairwoman Eunice D. Zeigler. 

DiZoglio explained that his intentions were only to address his concerns about centralizing the park. He explained that residents who live on Washington Street are not going to want to drive four miles to a dog park or splash pad on the other side of town. 

To offer credit to his fellow councilors for their hard work, DiZoglio said, “I know you are all working your tails off, no pun intended.”

Councilor Steven J. Saba asked if there was a plan for monitoring the upkeep of the new park. He wanted to know how the town plans to protect taxpayers' investments. Saba shared that in the past, the town has spent money on new irrigation systems that were never used.  

Angelo said that the town had plans for the equipment that would need to be used for upkeep. 

“The equipment is one thing, but having a plan that is going to be fulfilled is another,” said Saba. 

According to Angelo, the town is only in the first stages of a long-term process. He was unable to provide further details on the follow through of the plans. 

 During an interview after the meeting, Saba said that he was involved in coaching recreational sports for 30 years. During this time, he noticed that just one year after the establishment of a new field it turned into a “dust bowl.” 

The meeting took place on March 6 in the Great Hall at the Searles Building. In total, the meeting lasted just over one hour. Three audience members were present, including Angelo who left immediately after he addressed the room. There was minimal engagement from the audience members. The meeting was also broadcast online via the Methuen Government Channel. 

According to Faretra in a conversation after the meeting, “Gill Avenue is right off the Rail Trail.” When asked about DiZoglio’s ideas for centralizing the location of the park, Faretra said, “I have no idea what he was talking about.” According to Faretra, the goal is that people will stop at the dog park and splash pad before they continue walking on the rest of the trail. He called it a “way to get people here.”