In response to demands by Suffolk County that dog parks pose no financial burden on the county, the Huntington Dog Owners Group has launched an effort to create a charitable organization that will raise money to help develop and improve dog parks on Long Island. The organization, which will be called Friends of Long Island Dog Parks, will make the dog park at Coindre Hall its first major program.

    Among items under consideration for inclusion at the dog park are benches, agility equipment, and a bulletin board to post news and developments at the dog park. H-DOG is asking dog owners to send suggestions for making the dog park at Coindre Hall just what we want it to be, to its website at hdog_news@yahoo.com. H-DOG's next monthly meeting at the Huntington Station Library branch, 1335 New York Avenue, on Thursday, May 6th, will also be a great opportunity for dog owners to share their ideas about what we want at the park.

    In addition to raising money for amenities at Coindre Hall, Friends of Long Island Dog Parks will serve as the focal point for dog owners in Huntington and other towns throughout Long Island to create additional off-leash dog parks on Long Island. Towards that goal, the organization will continue to educate local residents, businesses and local government officials about the benefits of dog parks to the community.

    The organization will also be responsible for developing a core group of dog owners who will help monitor the day-to-day activities at the dog park. The planning of fund raising events and other activities will help create a community of dog owners committed to improving the lives of their canine companions through the creation of dog parks.

    The charitable organization will be open to any individual interested in and committed to the dog park at Coindre Hall as well as dog parks elsewhere on Long Island.

    A board of directors will oversee the group's activities and be responsible for setting the organization's agenda and activities. Again, individuals who are committed to the organization are welcome to include their names for consideration to serve on the board.