COVER STORY Opened in 2018, the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park is the newest park in New Bedford.
CITY IN A PARK By Cara Connelly
March 19 marks the first day of spring, and according to The Famer’s Almanac it’s going to be a nice one for the South Coast. Our region boasts some of superlative parks that offer unique amenities, summer recreation programs, and which participate in various community and civic events. Here’s a breakdown of some of the larger parks in our area: 12
NEW BEDFORD The New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation, and Beaches manages just over 30 parks, playgrounds, beaches, and recreational facilities for city residents and visitors. It is managed through the governance of the Park Board of Commissioners and runs on a budget of just over $2.2 million. In January 2018, the newest park was built in New Bedford, the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park. Located on Hathaway Boulevard, between Greenwood Street and Ruggles Street, the park’s roughly $244,000 price tag was completely grant funded. The dog park is open to city residents who have an active dog license and become
March 2020 | The South Coast Insider
members. The annual fee for membership is $25 with an additional one time fee of $10 to purchase a fob, which allows access into the park. The park is open year round from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. New Bedford is also host to a beach parking program during the summer. The beaches in the program include West Beach, East Beach (otherwise known as Gaudreau Memorial Beach), and all the beaches inside Fort Taber. The program requires residents and non-residents to purchase a seasonal parking pass or pay a daily rate for parking. Daily passes are not available at West Beach; a seasonal pass is required. New Bedford residents pay $10, New Bedford seniors (65+)
