Pedestrians will need warm clothes and footwear for sub-freezing, snowy winter conditions during colder months and should avoid severe winter weather when it occurs. Severe weather can also occur during summer months with thunderstorms which pose a hazard to exposed people and pets. Seek shelter when extreme weather occurs. Hot and humid conditions in summer can also be problematic for on foot travel. Try choosing earlier or later times of the day to venture out to avoid the heat.
The communal property is immaculately landscaped and maintained, making them pleasant for walking with your pet. Large trees provide shade and add beauty to the region. There are sidewalks and grass berms present along quiet streets, so you don't have to share roadways with traffic.
There are some gentle inclines in the neighborhood, however, they are not steep or difficult to traverse. The street pattern layout in the area does not follow a traditional grid pattern with streets intersecting at angles and circular traffic features. Large green spaces in and adjacent to the community dominate the landscape which is green and leafy.
The Newark Park Playground is located on the south side of McLean Gardens and features tennis courts, a playground, open and treed areas, and an enclosed dog run. The off-leash dog park has a separate area for large and small dogs and drinking fountains for people and pets. Benches provide rest areas for dog owners supervising their playful pups.
To the east, the Glover-Archbold Park borders the community with 183 acres of natural greenway, compete with a stream system and ravine. The Massachusetts-39th Trail runs through the park and provides many miles of paths for hiking with your canine companion. When heavy rainfall occurs, sections of the natural areas, especially along the creek, can become unstable, resulting in erosion and causing treacherous conditions, so use caution after extreme weather events. In addition, sewage contamination has been a factor in the past and you should not allow your dog to play in or drink from the natural waterways in the park.