NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez, Council Member Mark Gjonaj, former Council Member James Vacca, representatives from the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, and members of the community to cut the ribbon on the new Bronx River Park Dog Run.
“We at NYC Parks love our furry friends, and think they are deserving of world-class recreation spaces,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Silver. “We are pleased to unveil this beautiful new Dog Run, and know it will be a valued space for both human and canine alike.”
The $590,000 project was funded by a $54,000 allocation from Mayor Bill de Blasio, $300,000 Council Member Ritchie J. Torres, and $238,000 from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“Dog parks provide vital spaces for people to enjoy recreation with their beloved pets, and I was thrilled to have helped to make the Bronx River Park Dog Run possible through $238,000 from my own capital budget. As a dog owner myself, I know how wonderful a dog run can be as a neighborhood amenity. I thank the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and my colleagues in government for making this project a reality and for delivering for dog owners and their pets in this community,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
The new Dog Run features separate areas to accommodate large and small dogs; natural boulders used as dog play elements; new benches; and a four foot tall perimeter chain link fence.
“I am ecstatic for the grand opening of the Bronx River Park Dog Run,” said Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez. “I always see our neighbors walking and running with their dogs and it is such a pleasure to have an open space for our furry little friends to have some fun. Thank you to my fellow elected officials for allocating funds that has led to this wonderful addition to our community.”