Thorndike Field Park — Attraction in Arlington

It's a really nice and clean spot for dogs BUT the design is not great. There's a giant light pole randomly placed within the gated area that dogs can easily run into and hurt themselves. There is a middle bench area which is also harmful and I have witnessed first hand many dogs get stuck, fall off and even pinch their abdomen trying to fit over the benches. It really has a bad design regarding those things. Lastly, the ground is harsh on dog paws. Especially runners. It's made of pebbles which can quickly irritate dogs with sensitive skin and leave paws swollen and capable of infection. I would recommend this spot for dogs because it is big and beautifully convenient but because of those 3...

Wonderful fenced in off leash dog park, open to all, no residency requirements, unlike Cambridge. Wheelchair/stroller accessible path, agility course. It's pea gravel, which some dogs don't enjoy, but it tires them out like nothing else and stays fairly clean (no puddles or mud, just well drained and maintained gravel w/some unavoidable dust. Lovely old shade oak tree, and because of the proximity to the highway and playing fields there's always a good breeze (wear layers in winter!) . April through October the park has water...

This dog park is conveniently located on the bike path. It has a large fenced in area and a smaller fenced in area, but I never see anyone use the smaller one. There is water, a tree for shade, and benches for the owners. Lots of people go here- it is a great place for doggie play time. The ground is covered fairly deeply in gravel, so you wouldn't want to be...