SCHENECTADY : Pet owners raising money to fix dilapidated dog park BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter The dilapidated dog run at Central Park may finally get a face-lift — without a penny from the city coffers. A group of dedicated dog owners have decided to raise the money on their own to rebuild the old tennis court that was turned into a leashfree zone years ago. “You know, you have the beautiful rose garden there, and then you have an abandoned tennis court,” said organizer Mary Ann Ruscitto. They need $100,000 to redo the court. The group wants to resurface the lot and expand it to create a separate space for small dogs — one of the top requests from dog owners. They also want to add a tree for shade and a fountain for drinking water, making the park more palatable in the summer. Also on their wish list is bigger entrances so that owners in wheelchairs can maneuver in and out easily. The work may be done in phases as they earn the money, Ruscitto said. She doesn’t plan to ask the city for any money. “I don’t think it will cost a lot,” she said. “I don’t want to ask the city for a cent.” Fundraisers are still being organized, but she envisions contests and other events geared to dog owners at the dog run. “Make it a happening place, an event,” she said, suggesting a dog beauty contest as one fundraiser. “Have these events maybe yearly.” Dog owners are particularly enthusiastic about the proposal to build a separate area for small dogs. Some owners of small dogs said they simply walk through the park, rather than going off-leash in the tennis court, because they’re worried that the big dogs will hurt their pets. One owner said he lets his small dog off the leash at the golf course and other wooded locations, rather than in the dog run. Ruscitto feels the same way. She owns a cocker spaniel and a miniature poodle, and she doesn’t take either one to the dog run. “I was uncomfortable bringing them there because of the big dogs,” she said. “It’s not that there are bad dogs there, but I had a dog attacked by a Rottweiler.” Other owners would just like to see it spruced up. Judi Gross, who owns a small, shy Scottish terrier, drives 100 miles to Schenectady to take her dog Bitsy to a veterinary specialist. They stop at Central Park before every visit. She said she would welcome a better dog run. “It sounds like a wonderful idea, because dog parks are few and far between,” she said.
I will donate to this. I have been to the Central Park dog park many times.
They do need a separate area for small dogs.
They also need to put the entrance in the parking lot, not on the opposite side of the dog park.
I would rather see a few benches with a roof over them than a tree in the middle of the tennis court.
The benches are in bad shape, the fences are in decent shape. Even the blacktop isn't that bad. One large spot floods and stays for days after it rains due to it being a low spot. It's great when your dog rolls around in it and drinks from the stagnate water. Still it's a great place to get your dog some real exercise. Seating is limited. Sometimes there are 10-20 dogs in the park at once. The largest crowds are after dinner each day. I throw the tennis ball and my dog brings it back over and over. She's exhausted when we leave the park.
Walking the dog doesn't tire your dog out. The dog park will have your dog lying on the floor exhausted when you get home. I only go once or twice a week, but I'm glad the park is there.
I would like to see the entrance moved, that's a good idea, but without removing any trees from the parking lot side. The small garden area in the front there was messed up by some of the people who use the dog park, and by neglect. I thought there were trees planted there, but they got damaged or something? Anyhow, as it stands now it isn't really a run. I don't think there should be a tree inside there unless it is way over to the side, because it would interfere with the run. I would also like to see rules posted such as no unlicensed dogs and I think animal control should stop in now and then to enforce this. I also think no unneutered animals allowed would be a good idea, but I'm sure that wouldn't be too popular with some of the dog owners. I have seen morons bring in a couple dogs of the pit bull type which got into a bloody, snarling fight. This doesn't happen too often, but that type of moron never licenses or neuters their dog, so a license check would keep them out if they thought it would be enforced. I'm pretty sure that there was a water fountain out front somewhere. Maybe the city should replace that because it was part of the park, and put in one of those basins for the dogs to drink from. The city used to go around and paint chain link fences years ago so they wouldn't get looking like that one around the dog area. I agree, it is in good shape and only needs a cosmetic touchup, IMO. No more Price Chopper bags stuffed in the links. It is commendable of this woman not to ask the city for money, but that is a neglected part of city property so if the city contributes to the maintenance it isn't as if a special group is receiving favors at taxpayer expense. I don't use the dog park, but I don't use the swimming pool either and the city maintains that for those who wish to. I also would like for the city not to just "give" the area to a private group that wants to maintain it. I am not accusing this woman of having any such intentions, I think what she is attempting is great, but who knows what can happen years down the road when the city washes its hands of responsibilty for public property. Related to that, I would like the city to try to have a police officer stationed in the park at least evenings and weekends during the warmer months. It just makes sense, in a place where people congregate, to have some provision made for public safety so everyone who wants to can feel free to enjoy the park they pay for.
Related to that, I would like the city to try to have a police officer stationed in the park at least evenings and weekends during the warmer months. It just makes sense, in a place where people congregate, to have some provision made for public safety so everyone who wants to can feel free to enjoy the park they pay for.
Almost every time I have been to the park, I have seen the police patrolling the park.
How much of the donated money does the City expect as a cut?.....you know they do deserve some of it.
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if they round up all the pitbulls and have dog fights with gambling it will pay for the park....OR wait for the 'gambling $' promised by the state for a casino and add dog fighting and the proceeds will fix this dog park.
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I will donate to this. I have been to the Central Park dog park many times.
They do need a separate area for small dogs.
They also need to put the entrance in the parking lot, not on the opposite side of the dog park.
I would rather see a few benches with a roof over them than a tree in the middle of the tennis court.
The benches are in bad shape, the fences are in decent shape. Even the blacktop isn't that bad. One large spot floods and stays for days after it rains due to it being a low spot. It's great when your dog rolls around in it and drinks from the stagnate water. Still it's a great place to get your dog some real exercise. Seating is limited. Sometimes there are 10-20 dogs in the park at once. The largest crowds are after dinner each day. I throw the tennis ball and my dog brings it back over and over. She's exhausted when we leave the park.
Walking the dog doesn't tire your dog out. The dog park will have your dog lying on the floor exhausted when you get home. I only go once or twice a week, but I'm glad the park is there.
I don't like my dogs running on feces and urine coated blacktop, there are alot ofirresponsible dog owners at that park. Also, the blacktop is very abrasive to their paws and very hot in the summer.
Add a double gate entry sytem as well to improve safety and better control dogs getting loose. Nisky dog park, while nothing fancy,is better and, in my opinion, has far more responsible owners.
Edited to add: Place the fence in a treed area, the trees are to help keep the dogs cool plus they can run around them chasing each other.
I don't like my dogs running on feces and urine coated blacktop, there are alot ofirresponsible dog owners at that park. Also, the blacktop is very abrasive to their paws and very hot in the summer.
Add a double gate entry sytem as well to improve safety and better control dogs getting loose. Nisky dog park, while nothing fancy,is better and, in my opinion, has far more responsible owners.
Edited to add: Place the fence in a treed area, the trees are to help keep the dogs cool plus they can run around them chasing each other.
Grass would not work. It would be mud after the first rain and the grass would never last more than the first week.
Running on blacktop wears down the dogs nails and helps keep the nails from getting too long.
The Niskayuna dog park is less than half the size of the Central park site. It isn't much bigger than my yard.
Plus the Niskayuna site is Niskayuna members only.
Central Park's dog park is open to the public.
I do like the double gate entry idea. Dogs slip through during entry and exit all the time with the single gate system.
Grass would not work. It would be mud after the first rain and the grass would never last more than the first week.
Running on blacktop wears down the dogs nails and helps keep the nails from getting too long.
The Niskayuna dog park is less than half the size of the Central park site. It isn't much bigger than my yard.
Plus the Niskayuna site is Niskayuna members only.
Central Park's dog park is open to the public.
I do like the double gate entry idea. Dogs slip through during entry and exit all the time with the single gate system.
Which Nisky dog park are you talking about? The one I used to go to was at Blatnick park and is at least twice as big as the two tennis courts, someone said it was an acre.
Mud is a problem for a short time in the spring but if the park is put in a good spot shouldn't be too bad. There is wear on the grass but by no means does it wear out, at Blatnick, the lawn was mowed weekly. Grass is also more sanitary as urine just won't sit there, it'll absorb and get rinsed when it rains. The cons of blacktop outweigh the benefit of wearing down dog nails, take them to get clipped for ten bucks. If not grass, maybe mulch?
That big puddle in the middle of the tennis courts is so disgusting, imagine what settles there, bacteria, e-coli, just YUCK. And the dogs drink it. I will not take my dogs there anymore.
Also, something else to think about with a shared water supply is that kennel cough (Bordetalla) is easily transmitted.
If the park were done and maintained properly, with rules and regs for humans to follow since some people need to be told how they and their dogs should behave, I would be more than happy to pay a reasonable yearly fee to use the park. Nisky charges around $35 I think. And animal control did monitor things, I know that on a couple occasions, people with aggressive dogs were banned and/or ticketed.
It's the humans that are really the problem, not the dogs.
It is rather asinine to have a paved dog park. There is absolutely no logical or humane reason for doing such a thing. It would make as much sense as building slides and swings for children over broken glass.
There is a right way and wrong way to build a dog park. That is why when the issue came up in Rotterdam -- I did the research but when there was no will to actually spend the money to build it and maintain it reasonably and properly -- I preferred to not build it at all.
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Which Nisky dog park are you talking about? The one I used to go to was at Blatnick park and is at least twice as big as the two tennis courts, someone said it was an acre.
Mud is a problem for a short time in the spring but if the park is put in a good spot shouldn't be too bad. There is wear on the grass but by no means does it wear out, at Blatnick, the lawn was mowed weekly. Grass is also more sanitary as urine just won't sit there, it'll absorb and get rinsed when it rains. The cons of blacktop outweigh the benefit of wearing down dog nails, take them to get clipped for ten bucks. If not grass, maybe mulch?
That big puddle in the middle of the tennis courts is so disgusting, imagine what settles there, bacteria, e-coli, just YUCK. And the dogs drink it. I will not take my dogs there anymore.
Also, something else to think about with a shared water supply is that kennel cough (Bordetalla) is easily transmitted.
If the park were done and maintained properly, with rules and regs for humans to follow since some people need to be told how they and their dogs should behave, I would be more than happy to pay a reasonable yearly fee to use the park. Nisky charges around $35 I think. And animal control did monitor things, I know that on a couple occasions, people with aggressive dogs were banned and/or ticketed.
It's the humans that are really the problem, not the dogs.
It seemed smaller when I went there, probably due to it being a small fenced of section of a gigantic field.
However, I was not allowed as it is for Niskayuna residents only.
Rules: All dogs must have current vaccinations: Rabies & Distemper All dogs must wear visible NYS License Tag & Dog Park Permit Tag Owners are solely responsible for the actions of their dogs Female dogs in heat are prohibited Dogs that have been declared dangerous or aggressive are prohibited from using the park Dog feces must be cleaned up by the dog owners and put into proper receptacle. Absolutely NO Plastic Bags or Paper Allowed! Dog owners must be in the fenced area with their dogs under visual contact and oral commands when not on a leash Dog owners must immediately fill any hole their dogs dig Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park. Dog owners must have a leash at hand at all times No Smoking or People Food in the park. Small bite – sized dog training treats are allowed Children 12 years and younger may accompany the family pet only if they are under direct supervision of an adult
The Niskayuna Dog Park is located in Blatnick Park behind the baseball fields and across the drive from the skate park. Use of the dog park is limited to Niskayuna residents who have purchased an annual dog park permit. Each dog using the park must have the current dog park tag attached to the collar. The dog park is for residential use, and may not be used for business purposes.
The dog park is always relatively clean, for being self monitored.
People come and eat their lunch while the dogs run.
The people are the best part. I have met many very nice people.
If you are taking your dogs to a dog park, keep their shots up to date.
I go to Tractor Supply Co. off thruway exit 23 on rt 9w and get kennel-jec which is a nasal swab you insert up the dog's nose once a year, and Spectra 7 vaccination that comes with the hypodermic syringe. You inject it into the loose skin behind your dog's leg. Total cost is less than $15 per year.
The vet charges $100.
Head To Tail Pet Wellness Center a few blocks away does nails for $5 just walk in at any time.
The only thing I use the vet for is heartworm, because it requires a prescription. The vet will only write a prescription after a physical exam and a heartworm test. This is $100 a year plus another $100 a year for the monthly heartworm medicine.
Rabies shots are done at the Rotterdam senior center and you make a donation only. There is no fee and it's good for 2 years.
Rotterdam charges $10 a year for a license and proof of rabies vaccination is required.
It is rather asinine to have a paved dog park. There is absolutely no logical or humane reason for doing such a thing. It would make as much sense as building slides and swings for children over broken glass.
There is a right way and wrong way to build a dog park. That is why when the issue came up in Rotterdam -- I did the research but when there was no will to actually spend the money to build it and maintain it reasonably and properly -- I preferred to not build it at all.
The Central park dog park works fine. Dogs run very fast chasing tennis balls there and skid and slide with no problem.
Perhaps you should have actually went to a dog park and talked with some experienced people.
The Central park dog park works fine, without your social engineering.
Too bad bankrupt Schenectady manages to have a dog park but Rotterdam doesn't thanks to you.
Quoted: Central park dog park is cleaned by the users only and is free for all to use.
Here are the rules:
Please clean up after your pet.
Park is open from sun up to sundown."
Well, I think that the rules are necessary because then if someone doesn't follow them, there is recourse for the animal control officer and the court if one is ticketed. Also ensures vaccinated dogs. Everyone is on the same page as far as acceptable/unacceptable behavior. I'm sure their insurance also factors into it as well.(Um, hello, Schenectady? Lawsuit waiting to happen)
BTW- Nisky says no paper/plastic because they supply scoopers. As you probably knmow since youv'e been there, there is a container for waste which is collected by the town.
P.S. I managed to get around the residency obstacle. However I don't go anymore since my Beagle became afraid of some of the dogs, not the other dogs fault, it's just something that developed within him. I used to go to Central Park, helped raise money years ago for some of the benches there but between the "element" that showed up, the asphalt and the poor gate system, stopped going. The responsible owners are great people, I've met many.
I do wish there was a nice place in the city for the dogs, as I said I would pay a fee to faciltitate maintaining decent conditions and muzzle my Beagle or try to desensitize him, poor guy. As an FYI for you Libertarian, Vaccinations are now given by most vets every three years as per the American Animal hospital Association. Except Lyme and Kennel Cough. Vets are expensive for sure but worth it for me. maybe you'd like a better vet?
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However I don't go anymore since my Beagle became afraid of some 
