Location: The terminus of Breakwater Drive, South Portland, ME. Public parking is located at the entrance of the park.
Open to off-leash dog walking: Year round from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Open to the public: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Notes and considerations:
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Portland Breakwater Light, also known as Bug Light, is home to a city park where dogs are allowed off-leash. The Greenbelt Walkway is through this park as well, but dogs must be leashed on the Greenbelt Walkway. Dog walkers may be fined if they do not leash their dogs on this public walkway. Dogs must also be leashed in parking lot areas. -
The park has fields and some trees for dogs to play in. There is also access in a couple of spots to the ocean for a swim. Some people have their dogs swim off the boat ramp at the far end of the park. Be aware this is an active boat ramp. Please give access to individuals who are putting their boats in by politely moving out of the way while they are in the area.
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The SoPo Police Department has two K-9 units and they train their canine officers at Bug Light. They don’t hang any signs or use cones during their sessions. So, folks should be aware that they may be asked by plainclothes officers to keep their dogs away from the training area. The dogs need to interact with their handlers without the officers in uniform and in an environment they’ll most likely encounter suspects (no cones, flags, etc.). Please be accommodating of this important public safety use of the park.
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This park is ideal for the dog who loves to play fetch for a ball or a frisbee. It is a good place for owners who have limited mobility who need to exercise their dog as it is primarily flat and mowed grass. There are also benches to rest on and chat with neighbors.
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It is not a very large park to walk around in. If you are looking for a longer walk in the woods a better choice would be Hinckley Park. For a walk along the beach in the sand you would be more content with Willard Beach.
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SoPoDOG organizes trash cleanups in all of the open spaces on the first Sunday of each month. Sign up for an e-mail reminder so you can help.
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There are doggie bag dispensers at the entrance to the park. Please use these bags to clean up after your dog. It is always a good idea to bring an extra bag because sometimes they run out during the busy summer months. Also take a spare to share with another dog walker.Please remember this is public park with many people who use it for many purposes. Everyone has the right to enjoy the open space. Please be a good neighbor and limit noise such as yelling and excessive dog barking, carry out all trash and keep your dog under restraint as defined in the city’s code of ordinance.
