When traveling the area on foot, and especially if you walk your dog daily, you will experience a variety of weather, rain, and storm systems from the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature in winter can become quite cool, although frigid temperatures are uncommon due to the moderating influence of the coast.
Melrose is a developed urban area and has flat and hilly terrain. Natural landscaping is limited due to the development in the region but sidewalks are prevalent and provide separate pedestrian walkways for travelers on foot. Much of Melrose is dominated by residential housing complexes. Train tracks along the northeast side of the community create an impediment to pedestrians, so residents will want to exercise caution in this area.
There are several playgrounds and community gardens in Melrose including the Melrose Playground which also features a spray features and handball courts. Dogs are not permitted on sports facilities or playgrounds but can enjoy shade trees from surrounding pedestrian paths.
Franz Sigel Park is located to the west and provides both recreational facilities and natural passive-use areas with paved pedestrian trails you can stroll with your dog on a leash. There is also an enclosed dog run located in the center of the park, north of the baseball diamond.
Another large park in the Melrose area is St. Mary's Park, located to the south. This 35-acre park has recreational facilities and paved paths through trees and open spaces where you can walk with your dog. St. Mary's Park also has an enclosed off-leash dog run located near Cypress Avenue and East 143rd Street where your dog can romp and play unencumbered by a leash in a fenced area.