Residents propose local dog park to Village officials; online survey shows positive feedback so far

Three Northport neighbors have proposed an ambitious idea to residents and the Northport Village board – the Village’s first-ever off-leash dog park. 

“A dedicated dog park would provide a safe, fun, and engaging space for our community's dogs and their owners, fostering a sense of community and promoting responsible pet ownership,” reads the proposal overview sent to the Northport Village board by resident Kate Scire, who has developed a plan with help from community members. Scire, alongside two of her neighbors and fellow dog park advocates, spoke publicly at the July 18 Village board meeting about the proposal and asked for feedback on its feasibility. 

Several potential locations for the dedicated dog park have been identified by the group, including Steers Beach, Steers Park, Scudder Park and Northport Village Park – all within Northport Village. Dickinson Avenue Elementary School in East Northport was also mentioned, though Village officials have no jurisdiction over that property. 

Scire and her team conducted preliminary research to determine the necessary steps for moving forward with their initiative, with community input at the forefront. 

To ensure the project aligns with the neighborhood’s needs and desires, the group initiated an online survey to gather feedback from residents. Survey questions aim to assess local interest in a nearby dog park, gather ideas for potential park features, and understand how residents would like to be involved. The survey has so far made the rounds on local Facebook groups and Nextdoor. 

Scire told the Journal she’s received 156 responses to date and of them, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 85% of respondents being in favor of supporting an off-leash fenced-in dog park in town. A large majority (88%) of respondents are dog-owners, Scire said, adding that a considerable portion of respondents visit parks or recreational areas with their dogs one to three times per week, indicating a potential demand for dedicated dog-friendly spaces.

In terms of features, there is a strong preference for shaded areas, waste disposal facilities, water stations, benches, and separate areas for small and large dogs, according to survey respondents. And while 32% of those surveyed expressed a willingness to contribute financially to the initiative or volunteer their time, a larger portion (42%) indicated that they might be open to giving time and/or money to the cause.

Scire said that while the overall feedback was positive, some community members raised concerns about maintenance, safety and the potential impact on existing recreational spaces. “These concerns will need to be addressed as we move forward with this project,” she noted. Scire and her team plan to present a revised version of the proposal to the Village board soon, incorporating the suggestions and concerns they’ve heard from residents. “We are using this information to fine-tune our proposal,” she said.

In the meantime, Scire has been visiting existing dog parks, including the Newbridge Road Dog Park in the Town of Hempstead, which is being used as a reference in researching successful features and management practices. She also plans to form a committee that will lead and support the project, identify funding sources such as grants and sponsorship opportunities, and work with local officials to obtain permits and ensure compliance with zoning laws and regulations.

The closest off-leash dog park is located at the Huntington Animal Shelter at 106 Deposit Road in East Northport, just off Pulaski Road. Approximately two-thirds of an acre in space, the property is maintained by the Town of Huntington.