Peconic Dog Park Gets A Makeover

If you are a dog lover on the North Fork, you now have something to bark about (in a good way)! The Peconic Lane dog park has recently been expanded, and beautified with six new American Elm trees. North Fork School for Dogs and Group for the East End would like to recognize the efforts of the Southold Town Board, Southold Parks, Beaches & Recreation Committee and Southold Town Department of Public Works, and the generosity of Dart’s Tree Farm in Southold.

“This project earned tremendous support from Supervisor Scott Russell, without whom it never would have happened,” said Dawn Bennett, co-owner of North Fork School for Dogs. “There were costs associated with moving and installing fencing, plus the installation of donated shade trees. We hope all future efforts can be supported by private fundraising and volunteers to install additional plantings to beautify the area.”

“These public play areas are so important for the wellbeing of our dogs, both physically and mentally,” said Ms. Bennett. “Dogs that are socialized with other people and animals become the best members of society, and exercise reduces the likelihood of aggression and anxiety problems,” agreed Ms. Bennett’s business partner, Asha Gallacher.

The dog park not only doubled in size within the past week, but also received an extra touch of beauty. Group for the East End, a nonprofit environmental organization serving all five East End towns, facilitated a donation of American Elm trees through Dart’s Tree Farm. Group for the East End plans to organize volunteers this spring to install additional plants, particularly native species that provide value to wildlife and require little maintenance.

“This is the type of project that makes our guys happy,” said Jeff Standish,  the deputy director of Southold Town DPW. “Expanding the dog park and installing these trees provides a community benefit, and it feels good to be a part of that.” Many thanks to the following staff members of the town’s DPW that were so helpful to this project: Jim McMahon (Director, Department of Public Works), Jeff Standish, Aaron Avent, Peter Gatz, John Addamos, Mike Eckhardt, and Peter Doherty.

Volunteers and dog lovers, please contact Dawn Bennett or Asha Gallacher at the North Fork School for Dogs: 631-734-8331 or northforkdogs@gmail.com. To meet up with other dogs and their owners for some playtime at the improved park, check out the “North Fork Doggy Date” Facebook group.