LI-Dog Long Island Dog Owner Group
Dedicated to the health, well-being, and socialization of our loving canine companions.
4/14/07
Suffolk County To Create Five New Dog Parks!
 More than 30 dog owners and their dogs gathered at Blydenburgh County Park on Wed., April 11th to hear Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Legislators Steve Stern, Jon Cooper and John Kennedy call on Suffolk Parks Commissioner Ron Foley to create FIVE new dog parks on Suffolk County parkland! The initiative will more than double the number of dog parks in Suffolk County by adding to two existing dog parks at West Hills County Park and two proposed dog parks at Coindre Hall and Blydenburgh County Park. The press conference, which was held on a bright, sunny day and was attended by numerous representatives of the media, took place on the Activity Field at Blydenburgh County Park where that dog park will be located. [For a description of each photo place your mouse cursor over it]  The announcement came less than two weeks after LI-DOG organizers met with the County Executive and asked him to change Suffolk's anti-dog owner reputation by joining Legislators Stern and Cooper in expanding access to Suffolk County parkland by dog owners. The two legislators are co-sponsors of the bill that directs the Parks Commissioner to create at least five new dog parks in appropriate locations on Suffolk County Parkland. The Commissioner is directed to provide recommendations on those dog park locations within 120 days after passage of the bill into law. The press conference heard all four political leaders talk about the need for dog parks in Suffolk County.  County Executive Levy noted there is ample open space in Suffolk County and that it is time to give dog owners and their dogs a place to romp and play. "There's no reason we can't have a little room to let dogs roam free and let dog owners enjoy the great outdoors," he said. Leg. Steve Stern noted that as he has traveled around the country he has seen how dog parks create strong communities and that it is time for Suffolk to catch up with these other communities by providing dog owners with a place to meet fellow dog owners and socialize their dogs.  Leg. Cooper noted that he has been fighting to provide Suffolk's citizens with more dog parks for years and that it is about time to turn around Suffolk County's anti-dog owner reputation and make that vision a reality. And, Leg. Kennedy, who sponsored the bill creating the dog park at Blydenburgh, said that society is changing and many people no longer have huge backyards. They need common spaces to exercise their dogs, he said.  LI-DOG President Ginny Munger Kahn also was invited to speak. "More than a year ago, we made it LI-DOG's mission to make dog parks 'part of the fabric of life' on Long Island, like going to the beach," she said. "Today, with the support of County Executive Levy and Legislators Stern and Cooper we are well on our way of making that dream a reality for the 600,000 Suffolk residents who own dogs and for millions of others for generations to come." To read LI-DOG's statement, click here.  The press conference ended with a surprise. County Executive Levy gathered several dogs and their owners around and with the legislators looking on, unleashed the dogs to run free on the field! It was a great sight to see! WHAT YOU CAN DO: Wednesday, April 11th was a truly historic day for Suffolk dog owners. It is critical that we express our gratitude to those who have taken this important step to make dog parks a part of everyday life on Long Island. It also is important for the media to know how many of us dog owners are out there and how important this issue is to us. Please email or call the following with your thanks and support for dog parks. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy: Leg. Jon Cooper: Leg. Steve Stern: Leg. John Kennedy: Commissioner of Parks Ron Foley: Newsday: letters@newsday.com The New York Times: region@nytimes.com Suffolk Life: http://www.suffolklife.com The Long Islander: info@longislandernews.com Plus, don't forget to email your local weekly newspaper. Let local leaders and fellow dog owners know how great this is for everyone! As always, keep in touch by e-mailing us at lidog_news@yahoo.com.
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