PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Dog Park has been a victim of its own success since it opened in May 2017.

The number of canine visitors to the off-leash park inside Melville Park has exceeded expectations, but the grass surface has taken a beating in the process.

Help is on the way, however.

Public Works Director Brian Woodhead requested a line item in this year’s budget to restore the grass, which the Town Council granted, and the work was completed last week by DaPonte Landscaping Service of Bristol. The hard-packed soil was rototilled and new sod put in place. 

About a third of the park has been fenced off to help the grass to fill in fully. These areas will be closed for several months, and then sections will be opened as they’re deemed ready for use. 

The work has impacted only the large dog area, which gets the most use. Access to the large dog area is temporarily available through the back gate, as the front gate is locked. 

While three of the five benches for sitting are within the closed-off area, there are a number of chairs and two benches still available. 

The dog park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week.

The park’s Operating Committee is seeking more members among dog owners who use the park. Part of their work is to eliminate the remaining debt to the town for the construction and park amenities, and the group is selling permanent advertising signs for the chain link perimeter fence. 

For more information, contact Bunny Miller at 401/683-0709 or Kerry Freeborn at 401/662-2645.