Jean Waldstein Playground Off Leash Dog Area

The Jean Waldstein Playground Off-Leash Dog Area is an integral part of the Jean. B. Waldstein Playground in the town of Brookline, Massachusetts. There is a vehicle parking lot next to the playground tennis courts. This off-leash dog area is not an enclosed dog park but is part of the Brookline Green Dog Program. This program allows dogs to be exercised off leash during specific hours in several of the town's public parks including the Jean B Walsh Playground.

The playground itself is a large open stretch of grassy ground surrounded by trees. It is hilly in places. A pet owner wishing to exercise their dog here must pre-register with the Brookline local authorities and obtain a Green Dog tag. There is an annual fee for participating in the program which is $50 for Brookline residents. A two day and one week pass are available for visitors to the area at a cost of $5 and $10 respectively. To apply for the Green Dog tag a dog must be licensed and have current vaccinations. Dogs are required to be six months of age before being allowed to participate in the program.

Off-leash hours can sometimes be suspended if the playground is being used by others for different activities or when maintenance crews are working. Owners must check for park closed signs before unleashing their dog. Off-leash hours can also be suspended after heavy rainfall or sharp frosts until the ground has suitably thawed to prevent damage to the grass. When off leash, dogs must be kept well away from all restricted areas such as the children's playground, tennis, and basketball courts. Hole digging and the chasing of wildlife is prohibited.

Pet owners are obliged by law to recover all fecal matter produced by their dogs. Poop bags are not provided. Owners must carry their own supply and dispose of the used bags responsibly. Owners are reminded they must keep their dog in visual contact and under voice control at all times.