Tails are wagging as renovations are underway at the Vernon Boulevard Dog Run in Long Island City. Major improvements are being made to enhance the look and safety of the dog run.
Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Catherine Nolan, and Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer partnered with the New York State Department of Parks and Dog Owner Group Long Island City (DOG LIC), a local advocacy group, last year to bring about their vision of a refurbished dog run.
All of the elected officials pointed to LIC’s ever-growing population as one of the main factors that pushed the renovation of the park.
“This new dog run will provide a much needed service for the many dog owners in the growing and vibrant neighborhood of Long Island City,” said Van Bramer.
The restorations, which will only close the park for approximately two weeks, include more than doubling the space of the dog run from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet. A new gravel surface will make it more suitable for dogs to run, and large and small dogs will have separate fenced-off areas in which to play. After an active day at the park, owners and their dogs will be able to refresh themselves at the drinking fountains being installed.
New light fixtures, covered trash cans and railings surrounding existing trees will not only protect the safety of the dogs, but also maintain the aesthetics of the dog run. Shade structures will also be added by mid-October.
“As more young families move to LIC, it is important that neighborhood amenities keep up with the positive changes taking place throughout the community, said Gianaris. “The refurbishment of this dog run is a reflection of LIC’s development as a hospitable, animal-loving community.”
“We expect the community of dogs and dog owners to run and play off-leash for many years to come,” said Rose Harvey, Department of Parks Commissioner, adding that these renovations will make vast improvements to the popular dog run, and are anticipated to benefit residents for a long time.
