Winthrop Board of Health to Address Dogs at Skate Park, Food Grading

WINTHROP -- April 17, 2026, Winthrop's Board of Health agreed to formally investigate unsanctioned dog use of the town's fenced skate park after a resident appeared at its April 16 meeting with photographs and public health research. Judy Hanlon, a retired teacher and grandmother, told Chair Christine Riley and members Jean Maggio and Mary Lou Cooney that dog owners have been congregating inside the skate park on weekend mornings with the gate closed, leaving animal waste on surfaces used by children. Board members noted that the facility's "no dogs allowed" sign faces inward when the gate is open and is therefore invisible to those entering. The Board agreed to contact the town's animal control officer, identified as Mark, to explore enforcement options, and placed the skate park issue on its next meeting agenda. The Board also received word that letter grading of food establishments will begin next month following a call from the director of inspectional services, and agreed to research whether Winthrop should codify a cottage food operations policy after residents began requesting home-kitchen food permits the town has no current regulation to process.