Babylon Village Announces George Street Dog Park Will Close

BABYLON, NY—One of Babylon Village's two dedicated dog runs will close, the mayor announced on Thursday, a decision coming after weeks of debate between dog owners and the park's neighbors who complained about noise. The George Street dog park is located at the end of George Street, in a village park and playground, and abuts the Whalers Cove condo complexes.

Some of the condo residents spoke out against the park, saying barking from the dogs and traffic of dogs and people disturbed their quality of life.

Babylon Village Mayor Mary E. Adams posted the announcement online Thursday, a week after the village heard comments for and against the park at a village meeting.

"At last evening's work session on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022, the Village Board considered all the comments and submissions of Village residents regarding the George Street Dog Park. After careful consideration of the matter, the Board voted to close the dog park and to invest and enhance the Locust Avenue Dog Park," Adams posted on Babylon Village's Facebook page.

Adams said the decision was difficult.

The Locust Avenue dog park is located further from residential homes, between Park Avenue and Locust Avenue in a greenbelt that connects the Southards Park trails and Park Avenue tennis courts with Argyle Park.

Adams said the village will begin improvements to that park, and when those are finished, sometime in the spring, the George Street park will close.

"We are contemplating a host of improvements for the Locust Avenue Dog Park including designated parking stalls, large and small dog runs, dog play equipment and dog waste receptacles."

Babylon Village residents' reactions were mixed, with some commenting that the Locust Avenue area feels less safe.

What do you think of this decision? Do you use either dog park in Babylon Village? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.