Eisenhower Dog Park Opens in East Meadow

Sally Marfisi, of Levittown got her Chihuahua, Lucy, a rescue from Hurricane Katrina, in 2006. She said that now that The Eisenhower Dog Park is open, she will be bringing Lucy out much more.

"We will be coming here quite often," Marfisi smiled.

More than 300 people and their four-legged friends came out to the grand opening of The Eisenhower Dog Park on Saturday.

Christine Laubis, Nassau co-chair of LI Dog, said that the organization, along with residents, have been trying to get the park open for five years. A petition with 1,300 signatures in favor of a dog park in Eisenhower Park, was first submitted to the County in 2008.

"I am absolutely thrilled that the park is open," Laubis said. "It is beautiful and we are grateful to the County for listening to its constituents and to Pets Supplies Plus for all that they have sponsored."

County Executive Edward Mangano addressed residents as he and his wife, Linda, held their Daschunds, Max and Rocco.

"We want to thank all those who made this park possible," he said. "I know it will be a great experience for everyone."

Approximately an acre in size, the new dog park is located on the site of a former baseball field and basketball court. The park features an area for smaller dogs that are 25 pounds and under and an area for larger dogs with two separate entrances. A parking lot is also adjacent to the area.

The park also includes benches, shade structures, waste bag containers and water fountains, which were all sponsored by Pets Supplies Plus.

"This is just fantastic," Stanley Lang, chairman of Pet Supplies Plus said. "This project has been ongoing for four or five years. The turnout was fabulous."

Janet Siciliano of Westbury brought her Yorkie, Martini, out to the park to get some physical activity.

"This is a great thing," she said. "The dogs can get their exercise and meet other dogs."

There are six other County dog runs: Bay Park in East Rockaway, Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills, Nickerson Beach Park in Lido Beach, Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage and Wantagh Park in Wantagh.

"It took a while to make this a reality," Deputy Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves said. "But I believe that this will be one of the jewels of the dog parks in Nassau County."

The Eisenhower Dog Park is located on Salisbury Park Drive and Stewart Avenue and will be open from daylight until dusk.

Do you think The Eisenhower Dog Park is a positive addition to East Meadow? Tell us in the comments below.