Dog Park in the Sky
An elevated dog-friendly green space above the remediated site, same structural idea as the Lid Park with different programming.
About this proposal
The Dog Park in the Sky proposal uses the same structural deck engineering as the Lid Park and changes the programming underneath it. Above the deck: off-leash areas, water stations, agility elements, shaded seating, and a small grassy run for neighborhood dogs who currently have nowhere in East Cambridge to go. Below the deck: the same financing uses as the Lid Park, plus a small indoor facility for bad-weather days.
This proposal exists because East Cambridge is dense, pet-friendly, and underserved by fenced off-leash space. It also exists because some neighbors will sign a coalition letter for a dog park who will not sign one for a generic “civic lid.” Specificity of programming is not a distraction from the structural argument — it is the argument. A deck built over the remediated site has to be built for something. A dog park is one honest answer.
The commitment behind this proposal is the same as the Lid Park’s: a pre-drafted coalition letter is delivered to Cambridge City Council if 500 neighbors sign. If the Dog Park in the Sky crosses first, that is what goes in front of the Council at the next public comment window. The city is free to take the concept seriously, to modify it, or to say no. What 500 neighbors force is the conversation.
The coalition letter
If 500 neighbors sign, a coalition letter reflecting their collective statement will be delivered to Cambridge City Council. The letter will be assembled from community voices — not pre-written on their behalf.
Sign a conditional commitment
I, ___, support Dog Park in the Sky if at least 500 other Cambridge residents do too. I understand my signature will appear on a coalition letter to Cambridge City Council if the threshold is reached.