10/06/12

Eisenhower Dog Park Opening Set to Realize a Long-Time LI-DOG Goal

The Long Island Dog Owners Group (LI-DOG) will join Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Parks Commissioner Carnell Foskey, Stan Lang, the chairman of Pet Supplies Plus Long Island, and dozens of dog owners and their dogs in celebrating the Grand Opening of the Eisenhower Dog Park on Sat., Oct. 13th. The Eisenhower dog park, located at the corner of Stewart Ave. and Salisbury Park Drive (on the north side of the park), is the result of a campaign begun in 2008, when a petition with over 1,200 names was submitted by LI-DOG to Nassau County elected officials and the Nassau County Parks Dept. asking for the development of a dog park in Eisenhower Park. Pet Supplies Plus generously agreed to sponsor the dog park.

The Eisenhower Dog Park is the third dog park opened this year in Nassau County as a result of LI-DOG campaigns. In May, the Village of Valley Stream opened its first ever dog park and in June, the Town of Oyster Bay opened its first dog park in Massapequa.

Approximately an acre in size, the new off-leash area is located on the former site of an under-used baseball field and basketball court. The site was identified by Parks Commissioner Foskey and Leg. Norma Gonsalves in May 2011. After consultation with Pet Supplies Plus and LI-DOG, Nassau County began construction of the new dog park in late July 2012, and completed construction in early October.

The dog park features an area for small dogs (25 pounds and under) and an area for large dogs with separate entrances. The park also features a shade structure, benches, waste bag containers, and water fountains--all-provided by the park’s sponsor, Pet Supplies Plus.

“For years, LI-DOG has heard from local dog owners that they would like a dog park in Nassau's premier park. Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Parks Commissioner Carnell Foskey and Legis. Norma Gonsalves have heard these calls and responded to their constituents by opening this beautiful dog park,” said Chris Laubis, LI-DOG Board Member and Nassau Co-Chair. “We are also very grateful for the significant contribution that Pet Supplies Plus has made towards making this dog park possible. By providing all the amenities, Pet Supplies Plus will make the Eisenhower Dog Park a place where dog owners will visit time and again,” she said.

The Grand Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 13th starting at 11 a.m. There will be a leash-cutting ceremony followed by “A Day at The Park” celebration with vendors, rescue groups, prizes and giveaways. For details on the event, go to the Eisenhower Dog Park Grand Opening on our Events page.

As always, keep in touch by e-mailing us at lidog_news@yahoo.com.