The Kensington Dog Run had its grand opening in Prospect Park Parade Ground on Monday, July 6th. The dog run is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Within the 7,000 square feet of fenced-in space are separated areas for large dogs and small dogs, canine-friendly turf, benches made from reclaimed wood, water fountains, new trees, dog-waste-resistant shrubs, and waste receptacles.
Grassroots planning and organizing by neighborhood residents brought the idea of a dog run to fruition. In 2014, dog owners started talking with each other about creating a nearby dog run where dogs could enjoy the benefits of exercising, socializing, and breathing fresh air off-leash. First they talked as individuals, then they met as a group, and then they formed the Kensington Dog Run Association and became a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.
They raised awareness in the neighborhood about their goal, they petitioned Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and they rallied the support of local leaders. They collaborated with the Parks Department and the Prospect Park Alliance, they continued building community support, and they searched for and secured funding. Finally, construction began in June 2019, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place the following month.
The cost is covered by Participatory Budgeting funds from City Councilmember Mathieu Eugene of District 40 and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams' capital allocations, with the balance coming from City Councilmember Brad Lander of District 39.
"The Kensington Dog Run is the result of several years of advocacy by our neighbors,” said Salvatore Garro, President, Kensington Dog Run Association. “The Kensington Dog Run Association banded together over our shared love of dogs and community. We engaged with our leaders and proudly campaigned for our four-legged friends who needed a place to play, exercise, and have fun. We are truly impressed by the beautifully executed design by Prospect Park Alliance, and we are forever grateful for the funding provided by our Council Members through the Participatory Budgeting process, as well as the Brooklyn Borough President. This park encapsulates community and will forever be an example of what civic engagement can achieve."
Location
Prospect Park Parade Ground
Coney Island Avenue at Kermit Place
between Parkside and Caton avenues
(map)
Kensington Dog Run Association is on social media at
https://www.facebook.com/pg/KensingtonDogRun/posts/?ref=page_internal and
https://twitter.com/KensingtonDog?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor