I am very disappointed in the decision requiring that dogs be leashed at the Smith Farm Fields. As a newcomer who was losing much of my vision, I spent hours at the park. I was seeing dog owners, disc golfers, hikers and runners at their best.
I came to view this place as a lifeline and as an extension of Northampton. I discovered that Northampton is a destination for people from all over, specifically the off-leash “dog park.”
Having the ability to let dogs off-leash provides a healthy environment with social, physical and mental stimulation. People will stop, talk and visit. Having the dogs off-leash creates a community.
These same people support the local economy. Since I spent so much time at the fields, I believed that this was an inclusive community.
Unfortunately, at some of the meetings about the issue, I witnessed people being unwilling to consider other groups and unwilling to compromise.
I saw some who were disrespectful of those who had put a lot of time and effort into cleaning up and educating others about proper use of the fields.
We have something unique, a gem of a property. We have a chance to make a difference in the world by setting an example of an inclusive community sharing a multi-use trail system. Can we work it out?
I hope so, as I see this “dog park” community as essential to Northampton and the property as irreplaceable.
Catherine Beck
Northampton