Forest Hills Resident Asks City to Turn Vacant Lot into Dog Park

Three adjoining plots of city-owned land tucked neatly away high in the Forest Hills neighborhood are a struggle to find without a GPS; the likelihood that a city worker – or even an area resident – would take notice is slim.

One resident is trying to change that by asking neighbors to urge the city to take over the plots and construct a dog park.

Barlow Street resident Julie A. Larson has 10 signatures as of this writing on her online petition that calls for the city to transform the shaded area across the street from her home into a neighborhood park for dogs.

Larson, a longtime JP renter and recent homeowner, said through this movement, she hopes her neighborhood gets more visibility in the eyes of the city.

“[Barlow] Street is very neglected,” she said in an interview. “Maybe if it was used more by the community, the city would pave it and there would be more lights installed."

Larson has notified Boston City Council of her request, and is now attempting to get the attention of the city parks department.

To request an off-leash dog park, a group of at least 10 people must file an application with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and include a proposal of hours the park will be open, a maintenance plan and primary funding sources for the establishment of the park, according to a city ordinance.

Larson seems to have the necessary support from the neighborhood, now she just needs the support from the city.

“I just want to see it be used properly, because I really love this neighborhood,” Larson said.