TOWN OF SOUTHOLD DOG PARK

As the newly formed members of the North Fork Canine Counsel, we would like to introduce an idea to you of which we are very passionate. We are interested in gaining support for a new dog park in the Town of Southold, which we feel would be an ideal addition to our community.
While the dog park/run in Peconic is quite nice, especially for the animal shelter across the street, it is very small and does not accommodate many dogs. The Town of Southold has hundreds of acres of unused land. Perhaps the Town could spare 3 acres for our dogs (and their owners) to really stretch their legs?

This would be more than just a dog park. It could serve as a community park, where residents could really explore their environment with their canine companions while their dogs are protected simultaneously. Many communities are seeing the benefits of a community dog park....Dog parks all over the country allow owners and their dogs to spend time together while the dog satisfies its cravings for canine play and companionship.
We would like to establish a fenced in 3acre off-leash dog park where well-behaved canine citizens and residents can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife . The dog park would be developed as a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions, who would view this park as a community project, in partnership with the Town of Southold. It would be designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike.

We know of many Southold residents who would love to do more with their dogs, however, the Town of Southold has no park for our dogs to play off leash. Dogs are not allowed anywhere off leash. We have many many parks and fields for children to play soccer, baseball and yet no community park for residents and their dogs, although there are approximately the same amount of dogs living in the Town of Southold and many visiting renters in the summer months.

North Fork Canine Counsel is willing to obtain a park plan design, help raise money for fences and benches and assist the Town of Southold to help the park run smoothly. To address the issue of expenses to maintain the park, residents would pay a yearly fee (one recommendation is $25) to use the park and receive a "pooch pass". All residents would have to show proof of vaccinations.

Dog parks are becoming more and more popular around the country and more so on Long Island. Other towns like Middle island, Brookhaven,East Northport and Patchogue have created dog parks with great success. Statistics show that dog aggression is on the rise due to lack of dog to dog socialization - a dog park would greatly reduce these numbers and provide a great outlet of socialization for dogs and humans alike. We would be greatly appreciative if you would look over some of the information we have enclosed. Please visit the site of 
www.lidog.org. 
 
 How wonderful would it be if the Town of Southold joined the rest of the Long Island dog parks and gave people and residents another reason to love the North Fork!
Thank you for your consideration.
NNFC
Dawn Bennett Cutchogue
Asha Gallacher East Marion
John Baglivi Mattituck
Samantha Perry Southold