Harwich Facilities Committee Moves Toward Stricter Dog Policy for Community Center

HARWICH — March 13, 2026 — Harwich Facilities Committee advances plans to restrict dogs and overhaul room-rental fees. The committee, meeting March 13, moved toward recommending a service-animals-only policy for the community center after a dog relieved itself in an activity room and no one reported it, forcing staff to take the room offline. Community center director Carol told members the current leash rule "is not happening" and said she will seek the Harwich Public Library's model policy — which limits access to service animals only — as a possible template; any formal rule would require Select Board approval. On room rentals, the committee discussed adding a custodial fee modeled on a $45-per-hour charge used at a comparable regional facility, with a full fee restructuring targeting FY2028 and public listening sessions planned for the fall. The Recreation Department also reported the hire of Jennifer Anderson as program specialist, filling the vacancy left by the departure of John Losi, with spring after-school programs already fully enrolled.