New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) recently released a schematic for the proposed changes for the dog run at Maria Hernandez Park (near the Irving Avenue and Suydam Street entrance). The reconstruction is scheduled to happen soon.
Some upgrades to look forward to include: expanding the dog run areas, dog-friendly drinking fountains, additional seating and lighting, planting more shade trees, etc. The dog run was originally completed in 2012.
The Maria Hernandez Park Dog Run P.A.C.K. (Pet owners Alliance for Community K9s) is a volunteer-based community organization that works alongside the NYC Parks to help care for the dog runs in Maria Hernandez Park. They revealed their thoughts on the dog run improvements on their Instagram, “Overall, we’re pleased with the initial design—which will address our biggest issue: flooding.” They also recommended some changes, “adding a small gravel area for pet relief, lessening waste on the turf, and expanding paving area around the entrances to allow for proper ADA access.”
A reminder of the dog run rules: New York State law requires that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, and the New York City Health Code requires every dog owner/attendant carry with them proof of current dog license and rabies vaccination while in public. Dog owners may be fined for violation of these laws. To obtain an application for a dog license, please visit the New York City Department of Health website, or call 311. You may also obtain an application from a veterinarian, animal shelter, or pet shop.
Dogs must be on a leash (no more than six feet long) at all times, except in dog runs and designated off-leash areas at the prescribed times.
You must pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste in containers provided throughout the park.
You must prevent your dog from chasing birds, squirrels, and other animals.
Dogs are not permitted in playgrounds, zoos, fountains, ball fields, on basketball/handball/tennis courts, in swimming pools/facilities, bathing areas, and New York City beaches (there are exceptions for leashed dogs depending on the beach).
Some may not know that Maria Hernandez Park’s origin story is connected to Phineas T. Barnum and his wife, who partially owned the parcel and used it to host the circus and as storage, according to NYC Parks site page. It was purchased by Brooklyn, when it was a city and not a borough, in the early 1890s. The plot was developed into an engaging park by 1896 and named Bushwick Park. Nearly a century later, in 1989, the NYC Council renamed the park to honor community leader, activist, and Bushwick resident Maria Hernandez, who had died that same year.
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