Location Prior to Construction (Photo: QueensPost)
June 20, 2019 By Shane O’Brien
Astoria’s first dog run has opened although the official unveiling is scheduled for mid-July.
The long-awaited dog park at Triborough Bridge Playground C on Hoyt Avenue was open to the public Thursday and pooches large and small were seen to be enjoying the new play space.
The bone-shaped park, which cost over $1 million to develop, was scheduled to open in April, but was met with delays due to drainage issues and problems with the contractor, according to Council Member Costa Constantinides.
“I am happy to see the Astoria dog park open at long last,” Constantinides said. “I want to thank Astoria residents for their patience throughout this process, which at points was frustrating for all of us. I hope the community enjoys this space, especially our four-legged friends.”
Patch was first to report that the run had opened.
The park incorporates an area for large dogs and an area for small dogs and also has spray hydrants, drinking fountains complete with dog bowls and a rocky play area for dogs to climb over.
The push for a dog park in Astoria began as far back as 2014 when resident dog owners released a petition calling for a safe space for dogs which gained over 700 signatures and the backing of Constantinides.
The following year, the community voted in a participatory budgeting poll to direct $500,000 in capital funding to a new dog run. Borough President Melinda Katz agreed to contribute an additional $500,000 later that year to fully fund the project.
The project’s design phase began in 2016.
Rendering (Source: Parks Dept.)
6 Comments
So this is great and all, and we astoria residents appreciate the effort, there is so much already broken in this million dollar park! There are huge gaps in the fencing, your dog can squeeze through to the highway right next to the park if small enough, the dog bone shape in the illustrated plan is literally nothing. Glad there’s running water, but who designed this? Also most importantly the front gate doors are not installed correctly so they don’t fully close or lock! Super unsafe! Seriously did anyone on this project have a dog of their own? Please fix these before the true ribbon cutting.
I tried it. But my dog was sensitive to the noise from the bridge and cars. He looked so frightened and unhappy. I will stick to Astoria Park for his exercise and socializing.
@Kate – We have three dogs. Our girl dog doesn’t like noises and she hates going under the bridge, so I know what you’re talking about. Your pup will be much happier with the more familiar Astoria Park
And don’t forget his peeing on the grass where small children play.
Please move away from the city so your animal isn’t subjected to the traffic noise. Also citizens won’t have to contend with animal waste all over the shared spaces.
This is a wonderful addition to Astoria – we also have been asking for a dog run in kew gardens