Town Council Approves Whitney Hill Protection - Will it be For the Dogs, Too?

Nature lovers will be able to enjoy Watertown's largest remaining forested area for years to come after the Town Council approved a resolution to keep Whitney Hill as a nature preserve.

Part of the wooded area above Victory Field already had protection as park land, but the Town Council learned in September 2012 that two smaller parcels belonged to the Public Works.

Last Tuesday, the Town Council unanimously approved the resolution, which reads, in part, "Whitney Hill Park shall be preserved and maintained as natural wooded parkland for passive recreation and education purposes. ..." (See the whole resolution by clicking here.)

The area will be taken care of by the Department of Public Works, said DPW Superintendent Gerald Mee.

While the area will be open for people to walk through, the question of whether dogs will be able to come along remains unresolved. While talking to people about Whitney Hill, Town Councilor Vincent Piccirilli said the neighbors told him they to see Whitney Hill protected, and that that people enjoy walking their dogs through the area.  

Dogs are not allowed in other parks in town, he noted, but the Town Council will discuss whether to allow dogs on leashes to use Whitney Hill Park at their next meeting on Jan. 22.  

Have you been to Whitney Hill? Do you walk your dog there? Where are other good dog walking spots in Watertown? Share in the comment section below.