Dog Park Could Be Coming to Garden City

Garden City could have its very own dog park.

According to recreation director Kevin Ocker, officials are doing preliminary research on the idea.

Ocker asked his colleagues across the state about their experiences with dog parks via an inquiry through the New York State Recreation and Parks Society.

"We got very good feedback, including an offer from Marilynn R. Glasser, Ed.D CPRP and president of Parks and Pastimes, Inc. to visit our site and discuss basic elements that a dog park should include," he said. "We had a good meeting and good suggestions were shared."

The proposed location is next to the community garden at St. Paul's. The residents-only dog park would be set up with two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. These facilities would allow village dog owners to have their dogs off leash. 

Deputy mayor Nick Episcopia said officials are "getting ready to start to go forward" with the idea. Ocker stressed this is just a preliminary stage in the process, adding, "We still have to discuss funding for fencing, benches and a small shelter."

Pre-registration will be required.

In November 2011, Patch asked residents what they thought of the idea. One reader said she personally knew "dozens of dog owners who would welcome it."

At that time, Ocker told Patch there were no current plans for such a park but if enough residents requested it, the idea would be taken under consideration by the board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs.

Patch reader Pamela Hyer said Garden City is "long overdue for a dog park!"

"Fencing off a small section of the property at St. Paul's would be an ideal location as it is centrally located within the Village and parking wouldn't be a problem," she commented on the November 2011 article. 

Diane Schaefer agreed. "I think a dog park is a wonderful idea," she commented.

Another Patch reader said Garden City should definitely have a dog park for residents only. "We could tie into dog license/registration, etc. even a small fee per year or every 6 months would be worth it to cover, water, plastic bags, etc. for cleanup. I would also suggest stricter rules - i.e. proof of vaccinations, flea/tick treatments," reader RKR commented.

Others, however, think the park should be open to non-residents too. "NOT only GC residents but other towns as well. Other towns do not have a dog park. Why not collaborate and all will be happy. Even dogs will be happy to play with other dogs ... I still would like to see neighboring towns involved as well. St. Paul's is a big place to share!"

What do you think of the idea? Let us know in the comments section below.