Dog walking in Lawrence

South Common

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Across the Merrimack River from the North Common neighborhood is South Common. A network of walkways cross the 11.5-acre O'Connell South Common, which is shaded by many tall trees. To the east, you'll find the Shawsheen River, along which is the aptly named Shawsheen Park, which includes sixteen acres of sports fields and open lawns. To the east, at the end of Greene Street, you'll find the trailhead of the Shawsheen River Trail, a half-mile scenic gravel trail that winds along the river. Leashed dogs are welcome at all trails and parks in this neighborhood. You will need to bring your own waste bags and water. For more outdoor fun, check out Sullivan Park in the southern part of this neighborhood.

Arlington

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This densely populated neighborhood includes the historic Arlington-Basswood district, which features early-twentieth-century housing units built for the city's factory workers. Arlington is also loaded with parks! They all require dogs to be leashed, and you will need to bring your own waste bags and water. The larger parks include the Hayden Schofield and Howard Playsteads, which are mostly taken up by sports fields but have plenty of open space for your pup to sniff around. The smaller parks in the neighborhood include William Kennedy Community Park, Plainsman Park, and Rowell Park, which offer a little more shade and landscaping.  The recently completed 3.5-mile Spicket River Greenway connects William Kennedy Park and the Hayden Schofield Playstead to other Lawrence city parks and is a great place for a longer walk with your pup.

Tower Hill

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Tower Hill is a large residential neighborhood with many parks that are great places to take your dog. Manchester Street Park is one of the newest. This five-acre park is one of several parks connected by the Spicket River Greenway. It features both wooded and grassy areas, as well as a scenic riverside walk. Another neighborhood gem with water views is the Raymond J. Martin Riverside Park. Tall trees shade the park's many beautiful lawns. Several walking trails wind through wooded areas and along the Merrimack, where you will see many water birds. There are picnic tables, benches, and a gazebo where you can rest and take in the scenery. You will need to keep your dog on a leash and bring your own waste bags and water. Also in this neighborhood are the Reservoir, Francis Morse, Oxford Street, and Bruce School Parks.

South West Lawrence

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This neighborhood features the largest of the three sections of the Lawrence Heritage State Park: the 45-acre Riverfront Park. Curling along the south shore of the Merrimack River, Riverfront Park features several sports facilities and a boathouse. Many trails wind through the park's wooded areas, which are great places for curious canines to look for squirrels. You can also stop along the riverbank to watch the waterfowl. There are several benches and gazebos where you can rest and give your good boy or girl some pets. As with all Lawrence city parks, you will need to keep your dog on a leash and bring your own waste bags and water.