Pittsfield's First Official Dog Park Opens

Years in the making the City of Pittsfield has opened its first official dog park.

Located within Burbank Park, Pittsfield's first dog park is a fenced-in, off-leash area where well-behaved dogs can exercise, run free, and socialize in a clean, safe environment without endangering people, property, or wildlife.

Yesterday, the park officially opened its gates at 500 Lakeway Dr., on the south side of the main access driveway immediately off of Valentine Road. It will be open daily from sunrise to sunset.

In March, Becky Manship, the city's Recreation and Special Events Coordinator spoke with Berkshires about the importance of establishing a "Friends of the Dog Park" group of volunteers, who will be an important component of the park's success.

"It is important to establish a 'Friends of' group to foster a sense of community and ongoing support for this project," said Manship. "Volunteers will be the eyes and ears of the park on a regular basis, assist in maintaining a clean and safe park space, and communicate with city staff on any issues or recommendations to improve the park."

Volunteers do not have to be residents of Pittsfield. For those interested in becoming a member of the Friends of the Pittsfield Dog Park or are seeking additional information, please call 413- 499-9371 or email parks@cityofpittsfield.org.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.