Babylon Village Residents Create Petition In Support Of Dog Park

BABYLON, NY—Days after Babylon Village officials announced a controversial but popular dog park would close, some residents are petitioning the decision. The George Street dog park abuts the Whalers Cove condominiums, where residents complained of noise and disruption from the dogs and owners.

Village Mayor Mary E. Adams announced on Friday that the park would close in 2022, and the village would improve another dog park on Locust Avenue.

But some Babylon Village dog owners complained that the Locust Avenue dog park feels less safe, is less popular and less conveniently located.

Kelly Morenus created an online petition that she plans to deliver to the Babylon Village Board of Trustees, and asked those in support of keeping the George Street park open to attend this Tuesday night's board meeting.

Morenus told Patch that as of Monday afternoon, she had received 150 signatures from Babylon Village residents.

"This is a well loved and much needed asset for our community. One of the reasons I chose to purchase my home in this neighborhood was because there was a dog park nearby that is great for getting my dog's exercise," she said.

"Not only has my dog made friends at the park, but I have as well. I believe that it is wrong to shut down a frequently used park during a pandemic when people are using public parks more than ever."

The petition reads:

Dear Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Seibert and Trustees Benciviega, Cardali and Silvestri

The George Street Dog Park is a beloved community asset that many would like to see stay and improve. The Locust Avenue location is not ideal for many reasons. Please revoke your decision to close the George Street Dog Park and instead use any funds meant for renovating the Locust Avenue to instead renovate the George Street location. This may involve moving the location of the park to a different portion of the field, but please keep the park in the George Street Field.

Public opinion continues to be divided on the issue, with residents maintaining the dog park's proximity to their residences creates a quality of life issue, while the fans of the park say it's a needed and loved local resources for dog owners.

What do you think about the efforts to save the George Street dog park? Sound off in the comments.