In light of the poor condition of the snow fencing and gates at Robinson Farm Dog Park in Brookhaven Hamlet, LI-DOG strongly urged the Suffolk County Parks Dept. to install improved fencing and gates at the dog park at a meeting in February. Last August, a dog escaped from an improperly closed section of the snow fencing and was killed on Montauk Highway. Regular users of the dog park report that dogs continue to escape under and through the deteriorating snow fencing.

According to the Parks Dept., whatever fencing is used cannot be permanent because of environmental restrictions at the site. In response, LI-DOG has proposed the use of “livestock” fencing—coiled wire strung horizontally and vertically between wood posts and beams--as a stronger, yet nonpermanent alternative. Such fencing is used in other large dog parks in more natural settings, like Robinson. The Parks Commissioner said the Dept. is looking at alternatives to the current fencing.

LI-DOG also asked the Parks Dept. once again to provide garbage collection at the dog park. Currently, it is up to dog owners to take home whatever waste is generated at the dog park. Unfortunately, the Commissioner said that the Dept. could not afford to provide this basic service. “We will consider it in the future,” he said, “but right now is a tough time.” LI-DOG suggested that as staff comes on a scheduled basis to mow the groundcover, garbage bags could be picked up at those times.

LI-DOG also asked the Parks Dept. to consider creating a small dog area in the northeast section of the dog park. Given the current placement of the gates, the area would have its own separate entry. The Parks Commissioner said he would consider that proposal.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Let the County Executive, the Parks Dept. and Leg. Kate Browning know how important it is that the fencing be improved and that basic service--garbage collection—be provided at the dog park. Remember, please be polite.

• Suffolk County Parks Dept., scparks@suffolkcountyny.gov or call 631-854-4949
• Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, county.executive@suffolkcountyny.gov or 631-853-4000
• Legislator Kate Browning, kate.browning@suffolkcountyny.gov or 631-852-1300

Also, if you know of a possible alternative to the garbage pickup situation, let the Parks Dept. know at scparks@suffolkcounty.ny.gov. Please cc: LI-DOG at lidog_news@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your support!