FAQs • Great Neck Park District, NY • CivicEngage

What were the criteria for identifying potential locations?: Open areas that would be least impactful to other recreation amenities and park users. Potential sites were reviewed with our dog park consultant who developed a standard form entitled, "Criteria for Potential Dog Park Sites". It has 15 "features" to evaluate a given site. Generally, topics include size, convenient location, proximity to residences, proximity to other park venues/facilities, parking availability, proximity to a water line (for the fountain), terrain/site lines (for monitoring dogs), ADA accessibility, existing trees for shade, ease of maintenance access, ease of periodic supervision, environmental concerns, and "other concerns".

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Dog Run - Allenwood Park

1. What locations within Allenwood Park were considered for the dog park?: Three (3) areas were considered within Allenwood Park. 1) Near the entrance by Station Road, 2) Next to the playground near the ballfields, and 3) Next to the pond.

2. What were the criteria for identifying potential locations?: Open areas that would be least impactful to other recreation amenities and park users. Potential sites were reviewed with our dog park consultant who developed a standard form entitled, "Criteria for Potential Dog Park Sites". It has 15 "features" to evaluate a given site. Generally, topics include size, convenient location, proximity to residences, proximity to other park venues/facilities, parking availability, proximity to a water line (for the fountain), terrain/site lines (for monitoring dogs), ADA accessibility, existing trees for shade, ease of maintenance access, ease of periodic supervision, environmental concerns, and "other concerns".

3. Where will the pilot dog parks be located?: Near the entrance by Station Road.

4. How long is the pilot program set to last?: Until the end of November, 4 to 5 months in total depending on when construction is completed.

5. How will success of the pilot program be measured?: Usage of the dog run, feedback from park user, and monitoring of impacts to park and neighborhood. A direct email will be set up for feedback and an online survey will be conducted

6. Who will collect data to measure success?: The Great Neck Park District staff. We will also setup a direct email for feedback and conduct and online survey.

7. What is the size of the Dog Park?: As drawn, the large dog area is approximately 34% of an acre and the small dog area is approximately 12% of an acre - thus the size of the dog park, as I designed, comes in at just under 1/2 of an acre at 46% of a full acre. Standard dog parks are one (1) acre thus making the current dog park design as less than half the size.

9. How will access restrictions be enforced?: A pooch pass will be required and staff will be provided during high usage times. During none peak times, spot checks will be done by GNPD staff. All other times will be done by self-policing.

10. Will the permitting process that applies to the existing dog park be applied to this one?: Yes

11. Will vaccinations be required (as they are under the current permitting process for the existing dog park)?: Yes, this is required by NYS and is part of our Pooch Pass requirement. All dogs over 4 months of age, by law, are required to be licensed by the state.

12. How will vaccine updates be monitored?: Through the Pooch Pass registration process.

13. Has a study been conducted to assess whether any additional parking will be needed?: No study has been conducted, this will be reviewed throughout the pilot program period.

14. If additional parking is needed, what provisions have been made for such parking?: No provisions have been made at this time. We believe most users will be within walking distance of Allenwood Park. Again, this will be monitored during the Pilot program period.

17. Will the dog park be locked at all other times?: The dog run will be locked each night at park closing.

18. Who will enforce the hours / lock the dog park when it is supposed to be closed?: GNPD staff will enforce hours and lock the park. The park may also be closed after inclement weather to preserve the grass and area. Also, the park will likely need to be closed for maintenance periodically, at least grass cutting. Signage will reflect this

19. What is the plan for maintaining the dog park, including keeping it clean at all times?: GNPD Parks Division staff will maintain the area as they do all other areas of Allenwood Park

20. Will there be double gates to prevent dogs from escaping while other dogs are entering the dog park?: Yes, a transition entry/exit area is designed to prevent dogs from escaping the dog run.

21. Will there be more than one entrance / exist to prevent crowding of dogs and owners near a single gate?: The transition area was designed to be large enough

22. Will there be separate sections of the dog park -- and/or separate hours -- for large dogs vs. small dogs?: There will be separate areas for small dogs and large dogs.

23. Has an environmental impact study been conducted?: No environmental impact study was conducted. The existing landscape and surfacing will remain as is.

24. If not, when will one be conducted?: None are planned at this time, this will be reviewed at the end of the trial period.

25. What provisions are being made for appropriate drainage?: Drainage has not been a concern for the designated area selected for the dog run.

26. Was a licensed architect / engineer / designed employed?: A dog park consultant was retained for design and guidance of operation.

27. What materials are being used for the construction of the dog park?: Wood split rail fence with transparent black mesh fencing. Pavers will be used for the entrance/transition area.

28. Is a design for the dog park available for viewing?: Drawings will be provided prior to the opening of the park.

29. Will there be any built-in play equipment or other features for the dogs to enjoy?: No, the dog run area will remain in its natural state with only fencing installed.

30. Will there be limits on the number of dogs/people who can use the dog park at any given time?: No capacity has been set, this will be monitored during the pilot period.

31. Will there be time limits?: No limits have been set but loitering will not be permitted.

32. Will rules for use of the dog park regarding the above and/or any other matters be drafted and posted?: Yes, signage will be clearly posted onsite and will be provided during the registration process.

33. Will there be any rules designed to minimize noise / mitigate noise concerns?: Rules will be in place for excessive barking.

34. Will extra staff be added to Allenwood Park to enforce dog park rules and monitor access and safety?: Additional staff will be added during high peak usage times.