The issue of whether non-Cambridge residents can run their dogs off-leash at Fresh Pond is up for some debate right now.

The medallion program you mention in your blog is on hold, but the current Cambridge ordinance says that only Cambridge residents' dogs can be off-leash there.

As for timing, 6-8 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. are the best times to see lots of dogs on weekdays. On weekends, as long as the weather is nice, there are dogs there all day long! One thing to be aware of- there is a running race every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. so it's safer for the runners and for your dog if you don't have your dog off-leash then. The race usually only lasts about 1/2 hour.