About FIDO of Natick
The Nonprofit, All Volunteer Group That Brought You Eddie’s Park!
Who We Are
We are Fun, Informed Dog Owners (FIDO), a grassroots, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting healthy, happy relationships between dogs and their owners in Natick, MA.
Since our start in 2013, our passionate team has worked tirelessly to make Natick more dog-friendly. Our proudest achievement? Opening Eddie's Park in September of 2020 which is the town's first off-leash dog park. Built entirely with private donations (no taxpayer funds), this fully fenced, community-loved space offers dogs a safe place to play and owners a spot to connect.
Today, FIDO continues to support Eddie's Park through ongoing maintenance, educational events, and community outreach. As an all-volunteer organization, we're powered by dog lovers like you!
Join us in keeping Natick tails wagging! You can volunteer, donate (tax-deductible!), or simply enjoy the park responsibly. 🐾❤️
The Dog Park Initiative: Eddie’s Park
In 2014, with pro bono legal help from a lawyer met during community "table days," FIDO quickly achieved 501(c)(3) status. Soon after, the group connected with the Kramer family following the tragic, sudden loss of their 18-month-old son, Eddie, who loved dogs. In his memory, Glenn and Allison Kramer directed donations to FIDO, helping fund the park that now brings joy to the community. The Kramers have since welcomed three beautiful daughters and a dog of their own.
The path wasn't always smooth—countless hours were spent advocating before town boards and committees, with progress that sometimes felt two steps forward, one back—but the persistence paid off. Groundbreaking at Middlesex Path took place in August 2019, leading to the joyful opening in 2020.
Timeline of Events
2013
The journey begins! The Natick Open Space Committee gathers a group of passionate residents to explore the idea of Natick's first off-leash dog park and brainstorm potential locations.
2014
A foundational year: Site visits select Middlesex Path; volunteer Poop Patrol cleanups launch; unanimous support from key town boards (Conservation, Safety, Finance, Park & Rec, Board of Selectmen); leash law amended; FIDO of Natick Inc. incorporates and earns 501(c)(3) status.
2015 - 2018
Years of persistent advocacy and fundraising: The all-volunteer team presents to committees, navigates permitting and design, and raises nearly $300,000 privately to move the project forward.
2019
Major milestone: Groundbreaking at Middlesex Path in August! Construction begins on Eddie's Park.
2020
Dream realized! Eddie's Park officially opens September 4, 2020, creating a beloved off-leash haven after seven years of community effort.
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