Woof! Neighborhood Dogs Try Out New & Improved Dyker Beach Park Dog Run

Woof! Neighborhood Dogs Try Out New & Improved Dyker Beach Park Dog Run
Courtesy of Councilman Vincent Gentile
Courtesy of Councilman Vincent Gentile

The neighborhood just got a little more dog-friendly.

The abandoned yard on the northwest corner of Dyker Beach Golf Course has long been used by locals as an unofficial dog run, but today, after being closed for a full year, the area has been transformed into a perfect play space for pups.

About 20 dogs and their owners came out today for a ribbon-cutting event with Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey and Councilman Vincent Gentile at the new, “official” Dyker Beach Park dog run.

“It is often said that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” said Gentile at the event. “Well, before us today we can see the greatness of a neighborhood and just how much we care about our four-legged friends!”

Charly hasn't been to the dog run in over a year because of the renovation.
Charly hasn’t been to the dog run in over a year because of the renovation.

Previously, the abandoned space was muddy, rocky, overgrown, and strewn with broken chairs and trash.

Gentile said he worked closely with the community to best meet their dogs’ needs in designing the space. Gentile’s office spent $600,000 in capital funds, and the renovated park has already gotten some great reviews.

Today the dog run boasts clean, white gravel, a duel water fountain (one spout for human and one for beast), benches, and a separate section for smaller dogs. Less noticeable – but equally important – is the new drainage system, safety lighting, and plants. The grass is still brown and sparse, but Gentile told us it will be lush and green by springtime.

Gentile
Dogs explore the new grounds.