“Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink.” Taken from the classic epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, that reality for our four-legged family members here in Newburyport is close to the truth. Add to that the need for more strategically-placed poop stations, so I ask, are we really caring for our four-legged family members?
Newburyport has a well-established tradition of funding educational and recreational programs for our youth, as seen in investments like the new Recreation Center, the Cindy M. Johnson Video Production Studio at the high school, and robust financial support for athletics. These support families and their members in our community. But is this commitment extended equally to every family member, especially those of the four-legged variety?
According to national polling, nearly all pet owners (about 97%) consider their dogs and other four-legged friends members of the family. Even 51% of American pet owners say their pets are just as important as family members. If our city values supporting families, can we say we offer equal commitment to everyone, including our dogs?
Which brings me to two matters at hand! Newburyport is almost devoid of drinking fountains in public parks and along walkways for our pets, and there is also a need to add a few strategically-placed poop stations.
Dog owners are often criticized for not picking up after their pets, creating a persistent public nuisance. Anyone who follows NextDoor Newburyport will attest to the reality. Would residents be more motivated if there were more public disposal outlets? Increasing access to and availability of dog waste stations is a practical step the city can take to address this issue, aligning with our commitment to respecting all family members—human and animal alike.
Residential streets and public spaces are commonly cited as problem spots. While I focus on public areas here to add to our list of poop stations, my informal polling of other dog walkers shows that roughly 90% agree with the article’s basic premise. Also suggested is identifying key locations for drinking stations.
Newburyport spans 8.35 square miles, with over 100 acres of maintained parks and trails, including Cashman Park, Atkinson Common, Moseley Woods, and the Clipper City Rail Trail (4.1 miles in total) & Harborwalk.
Yet just 16 poop stations, according to DPS director Kim Turner, address this citywide problem, making it harder for citizens to show respect for neighbors. I noticed this gap after starting my professional dog-walking service. Turner also notes that stations are restocked twice a week. Very commendable. So, let’s look at this small piece of infrastructure that impacts not only Fido but also eases the burden on owners.
Poop stations
Here are some facts and recommendations. I have focused on the major public parks. Pardon me if I have missed any locations; I have walked and visited all of them to research this article.
Atwood Park– This South End park has a very helpful station that is always stocked with extra bags.
The Clipper City Rail Trail– along the trail that circumvents our city sans the Harborwalk, but between The Custom House and continuing Southeast to circle around to Tuscan Grill, there are only five dedicated stations and one public trash can. I recommend prioritizing this stretch for additional stations. The Harborwalk is basically covered with public trash cans; therefore, it is not as much of a concern along that stretch.
Bartlet Mall– There are currently two stations. I recommend adding a third station south of the courthouse building to improve coverage. I also note that, at the opposite end, there is a non-working fountain that remains abandoned.
Cashman Park– There appears to be only one station. I recommend installing a new station in the parking lot north of the main area, where dog walkers I have polled have indicated a need. I also recommend a station for the Harborwalk area north of the Rt 1 Bridge overpass, where many walkers would welcome one or two.
From Upper Atkinson to Lower Atkinson– As this is a major destination for dog walkers, I recommend adding one strategically placed unit along this stretch to better support users. Again, no fountain.
Lower Atkinson Park– I could not find any stations, though there are waste baskets. I recommend installing at least one pet waste station here.
Moseley Woods: Feedback suggests this area is generally well equipped, but adding one pet waste station near the parking area would enhance convenience.
Water fountains
I also recommend that the city install water stations specifically for dogs at major public parks and along walkways. The only fountain currently on the Rail Trail is inaccessible to dogs, and the pet fountain at Bartlett Mall is not working. Strategic installation of such stations will help keep our four-legged friends hydrated during summer.
While these small additions won’t solve the chronic problem of some irresponsible residents, as some will still ignore convenience and leave waste behind, I then ask: “Did you pick up after yourself as a child, or did you instruct your own children to do so?” If we treat pets as family, shouldn’t we apply the same standards and principles to ourselves as true adults, seeing our four-legged friends are, well… you know… incapable of picking up after themselves.
Given the recent passage of a $4.3M bond issue for the Barlet Mall to create a safe and enjoyable area for our children’s health and well-being, is it too much to ask to include, in the plans, the restoration of the one drinking fountain for all family members?
So, I ask my fellow neighbors and dog walkers, wouldn’t we benefit from a small financial investment by the city to add 4-6 more strategically-placed poop stations and roughly 4-5 water stations?
These simple steps support our commitment to all family members — including our four-legged ones — and show that responsibility and consideration can be easily fostered for everyone’s benefit.