08/07/2019 – Gardiner Dog Park Now Open!
Photo Credit: Jeanine Chang
Gardiner Dog Park Now Open!
Large New Dog Park Features Large Dog, Small Dog and Agility Training Areas
Suffolk County’s popular Gardiner Park in Bay Shore has a big, new dog park!
The dog park, which is the result of the efforts of New York State Senator Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore) and NYS Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood), covers 64,000 square feet or about one and a half acres. It features three sections: an 80′ x 300′ small dog area; a 120′ x 300′ large dog area and a 40′ x 100′ agility training area. The provision of an agility training area is a first for a Suffolk County dog park, noted Suffolk Parks Commissioner Phil Berdolt.
Each of the sections is completely enclosed by 4′ high, black vinyl-coated chain link fence and two watering stations have been installed. Plus, in an effort to provide shade during the summer and a more natural setting, many of the existing trees have been left in place, the Parks Commissioner noted.
The funds for the new dog park came from a $100,000 grant obtained by Sen. Boyle. “This is something I’ve thought about for a long time,” said the Senator whose family owns a toy Fox Terrier named Olivia. “It’s a beautiful park to begin with and I’ve gone to Gardiner often with my dog to walk her on-leash, but I always thought it would be a nice place for a dog run.” The west side of the Town of Islip has long needed an off-leash area, he added.
Senator Boyle worked with former Suffolk Legislator and now NYS Senator Monica Martinez on the project. Senator Martinez sponsored the resolution in the Suffolk County Legislature to accept the grant and authorize the dog park.
“We are thrilled that Suffolk County has built this beautiful new dog park for us and our dogs,” said LI-DOG President Ginny Munger Kahn. “We’re extremely grateful to NYS Sen. Phil Boyle for getting the funding for the project and to NYS Sen. Martinez for making it happen.”
As is the case for all Suffolk County parks, on-leash dog walking will continue to be allowed throughout Gardiner Park. Some dog owners had been told that on-leash dog walking was at risk as a result of the new dog park. However, in a statement to LI-DOG, Commissioner Berdolt noted: “This is our most utilized park for patrons and their pets. We will continue to keep this park an on-leash friendly park.”
“I can’t speak highly enough of the job Suffolk County has done building the dog park,” added Sen. Boyle. “This will be a very special place and I can’t tell you how happy I am it’s finally coming to fruition.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Please let Sen. Boyle and Sen. Martinez know how much you appreciate their work to get a beautiful new dog park created in Gardiner Park. Email Sen. Boyle at: pboyle@nysenate.gov or call 631-665-2311; Email Sen. Martinez at Martinez@nysenate.gov or call 631-360-3356.
Please also let Suffolk Parks Commissioner Phil Berdolt know what a great job the Parks Dept. has done building yet another, big, beautiful dog park in Suffolk County! Email Commissioner Berdolt at scparks@suffolkcountyny.gov or call 631-854-4985.
Help make sure Gardiner Park works for all park patrons by keeping your dogs leashed unless you are in the dog park itself. Also, as always, please remember to clean up after your dog.
Thank you for your support!