Prospect Park Dog Run Petition

anotherperson · August 2014

I've not read all these comments but since I was asked about my comments I'll elaborate. I'm not against dog runs, but honestly have not been to one in NYC that I think is decent. In other states, I've been to some amazing dog runs. Here they are filthy and the people are assholes and you are trapped in a small space with them. Smaller confined spaces breed problems and insecurity for dogs so off-leash in the meadows feels so much safer for me.

Knowing how all of this has gone in the past, I'm certain that if a dog run were put into the park, opponents of dogs will fight the good fight to get off-leash revoked. I'd much prefer to have more space if we have to choose, which is what it feels like to me.

There are many logistics I see making it hard here. Where would you put it? I'm sure like myself, a significant portion of off-leash users would fight tooth and nail against having the off-leash areas used for this. Would there be small and large dog runs? Who will fund it--the PP Alliance is too strapped for money as is to do more important maintenance? Will people who don't live near it actually use it enough to make it worth having? Who gets to make the rules? Will there be enforcement of rules, like no kids in them (because that was a major problem I had when I used to go to one, before just getting sick of the runs and only walking him on leash or in the meadows for off-leash play.) All these are fuel for many fights.

I saw something about gravel and yes, they tend to put gravel down to start but then maintenance is forgotten and they turn into mud pits because the dogs are confined to a small area for running so grass will not grow.

I've been taking a dog to this park for 7 years. When he wants to play, we do morning or night off-leash. I prefer the night off-leash in the winter because the seedy folks aren't out in the cold and snow makes it really easy to see at night. My dog is now older and doesn't play as much so I do lots leash walking in non-off leash areas so we both get some variety. I find these options to be awesome and am thrilled to have this. I would never use a fenced dog run and for me it would just create another part of the park that I would have to avoid (like the playgrounds which are everywhere, ballfields, or drug dealers in the afternoons).

As for people who might not want to see so many off-leash dogs, I'd be very happy if the cops did a ticketing spree in areas where dogs are never allowed off-leash (particularly narrow paths, like Lullwater and between Long Meadow and the Neathermead.)

homeowner · August 2014

These is a dirt dog run in Bed-Stuy at Von King Park. Its in an area behind the baseball diamond that was essentially unused space so no one complained about it being turned over to dogs. Although I don't take any pets there, I'm in the park a lot and it seems as if it is pretty heavily used by dog owners small and large. The park also has a lot of WEP workers cleaning generally, so my impression is that the run also gets a fair amount of maintenance.

I'm not sure if the park also has off-leash hours, but I know that there is also a large grassy area (large enough for soccer or football) that dogs are prohibited from completely. I often see folks walking their dogs through the park, and allowing them to romp in smaller grassy areas on leash. I don't think its impossible to have a dog run that works for owners and that doesn't impose upon others that want to use the park as well.

whynot_31 · August 2014

My dog ("Dude") is now 13, so he doesn't really enjoy socializing at dog runs as much as he once did.

However, in a few years there will likely be a younger version: Dude II.

I think s/he would enjoy playing in a dog run that is not the "tree filled" Prospect Park, or even Mount Prospect Park.

Specifically, I am thinking of the small, largely concrete park that is located on Park Place, between Washington and Classon.

Years ago, the park used to be packed with people BBQing, playing basketball and handball on the courts, using the playground, and playing dominos.

Now, a lot of that still happens, but the basketball and handball courts seem far less used.

If I were a dog run organizer, I would carefully study the dynamics in play, meet the local block associations and then see if I could get some money to remove concrete and landscape one of the courts.

aerial view of park: http://goo.gl/maps/XUTiO

While fraught, I think such an effort would be far more successful than one involving one of the very popular, "tree filled" parks.

whynot_31 · August 2014

Obligatory photo of Dude, with special bonus of one of my feet:

beardzoid · August 2014

I agree with you, whynot. That park would be a great spot for a dog run. Though I'd like to keep those handball courts. They make a great backstop for wiffle ball. A place in this general area of Brooklyn, Prospect Park included, where you can have your dogs off-leash at all times would be really great. Mount Prospect has kind of turned into a de facto off-leash park in the early evening hours (after work). Usually there are 10-15 dogs running around at 6pm. I take my dog there occasionally during that time, but always feel a bit guilty about the (very few) other park attendees. Not to mention, a fenced off area would be great for a dog like mine who takes off whenever the hell she feels like it.

travelriter · August 2014

I once posted here that I have a fenced in yard where a few smaller dogs could meetup and play (near Neptune Diner) but the feedback was not v positive. Admittedly, the comments made sense, such as, what about insurance in case a dog gets hurt, what about neighbors complaining if dogs are barking early on a Sat am, etc. But I still think it would be a nice idea until we get a fenced dog run.

homeowner · August 2014

Not to kill a good idea, but is that park used as a playground by the school during the year?

whynot_31 · August 2014

In some capacity, yes. But I don't think fully. The plan would need lots of work and research. The principal would be among those who needed to be on board.

VeronicaV · August 2014

Ciarra- sorry so much negativity. I would love a dog run option somewhere near my apt (classon and bergen). We have a new-ish dog adopted from ACC, and though we have taken him to obedience lessons, I dont feel safe taking him to the park during off leash hours. Plus they are very limited hours. I would be afraid he would run off and wouldnt listen to my commands to return. a fenced in area would give me some comfort to let him off leash. Currently the only time he is off his leash is in our apartment.

So count me in whenever you need support for a dog run. I dont see why it should be seen as a threat to the off leash time in the park.

OttoCecilMom1227 · March 2015

Hello,

I would love to have an enclosed dog run in Prospect park. I have a young dog that I rescued and don't feel comfortable letting off leash in a wide open space. So having an enclosed area for him to meet and play with other dogs safely would be a great idea. I would be willing to sign a petition or anything else to make this idea a reality.

suppleknuckles · March 2015

i was running in the park one day and i felt someone push me, hard, from behind and nearly sent me face-forward into the asphalt. i turned around thinking someone was trying to rob/assault me (it was getting dark) and it turned out it was just a large off-leash dog, with its owners 100 feet away, watching unapologetically.

so yeah, i support enforcing leash laws a little more. people with truly chill dogs will break the rules anyway (it's a big park) but it would make people like this think twice and take theirs to an enclosed dog run, i hope.

Prospect Park Dog Run Petition

Comments

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories