Susan Grant talks about Northampton’s unofficial “dog park.”

Susan Grant has been organizing 5K races for years in the unofficial “dog park” in Northampton. The park sits on 282 acres of land that was legally set aside for agricultural use. However, the former state hospital site has become an important recreational site for many in the community. It is time for the land lease to be renewed so city and state officials met with community members to discuss possible changes in the way the land is used by farmers, dog walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.