Off Leash Dogs in Cambridge Parks

off leash dog

Over the past several years the City of Cambridge has been continually working with residents to explore strategies for dogs to be off leash in city parks and open spaces while also considering the wider community’s open space needs. There are three approaches taken by the City to meet the demand for off leash space for dogs with a current Cambridge license: dedicated off leash areas, shared use off leash areas, and shared use hours.

View a map of off leash dog areas and shared use hours locations

View off leash rules and etiquette


Dedicated Off Leash Spaces

Dedicated off leash spaces are specific areas where the primary use is to allow dog owners to have their dogs off leash. These areas are generally fenced in to avoid potential conflicts with other users or passersby, and facilitate the containment of the dog(s). 

Dedicated off leash spaces are often located within larger parks and open spaces. All dogs must be leashed in park areas outside of the off leash area, prior to entering and upon leaving the dedicated off leash space. 

  • Pacific Street Park (Cambridgeport) - A dedicated off leash space is located at Pacific Street Park, at Tudor Street between Pacific Street and Sidney Street.
  • Danehy Park (Neighborhood Nine) - A dedicated off leash space is located at Danehy Park, near the New Street entrance to the park.
  • Giacobbe Dog Run (North Cambridge) - A dedicated off leash space is located behind the Anderson Courts near the intersection of Pemberton Street and Yerxa Road.
  • Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Park - A dedicated off leash space is located at the Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Park, near the intersection of Third Street and Bent Street.
  • Binney Street Park - A dedicated off leash space is located at Binney Street Park, near the intersection of Binney Street, Fulkerson Street, and Galileo Galilei Way.

Shared Use Off Leash Spaces

Shared use off leash areas are places where dogs are allowed off leash that are not necessarily separated from other uses and activities.


Shared Use Hours

Shared use hours are certain times that dogs are allowed off leash. The shared use hours program began as a pilot program in 2009 at two locations, Gold Star Mothers Park, and Raymond Street Park (Corcoran Field). Following evaluation and recommendations from the 2013 Off Leash Working Group, the shared use hours program was expanded to include morning shared use hours at the following locations:

  • Gold Star Mothers Park (East Cambridge) – 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
  • Raymond Street Park (Neighborhood Nine) – 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
  • Joan Lorentz Park (Mid-Cambridge) – 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
  • Greene-Rose Heritage Park (The Port) – 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
  • Hoyt Field (Riverside) – 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
  • Sacramento Field (Agassiz) – 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.

Links and Resources


For More Information

To report irresponsible dog owners, please contact the Animal Commission at (617) 349-4376. The City's Animal Control Officers may be able to place special patrol emphasis at certain parks as needed, in an effort to educate people on existing regulations.

Click here for more information on planning for off leash use in Cambridge parks, or contact Gary Chan at 617/349-4603 or gchan@cambridgema.gov.