Dog Park Set to Open Soon

The wait is finally over for animal lovers excited about a new dog park that will be sited at Enterprise Park at Calverton.

After a number of delays, the dog park could open as soon as sometime in the next week, said Riverhead Councilman Jim Wooten. "Definitely, by the end of the month," he said.

The dog park, which was originally expected to open in April, had ribbon cutting ceremonies originally , due to the fact that work on a roadway entering into the park was not yet complete.

But, after a series of delays, Wooten said the big day is coming soon. A budget transfer was approved to complete a new asphalt sidewalk from the parking lot to the dog park, Wooten said. Fencing is almost complete; work just needs to be done to put a bottom rail on the fence. "Right now, a dog could burrow under the fence," he said.

Some painting also needs to be completed, he said. "We're hoping to finish up this week or early next week," Wooten said. "We need to get it open. A lot of people are disappointed because they thought it would be open right now."

Many residents are anxous for the park to open its doors. "That's a positive thing," Wooten said. 

"We're very excited," said Denise Lucas, president of the Riverhead Move the Animal Shelter, Inc. (RMTAS) organization. "Our dream is finally becoming a reality. It's a step in the right direction. Once people see the dog parks are being put in they'll know the shelter is soon to follow."

Two other dog parks are slated to open at Stotzky Park and at the Jamesport town beach.

Lucas has been working diligently  reality -- a plan that includes the three new dog parks and to c for the town.

MTAS continues to hold fundraisers, including an upcoming Fishy Business Charters "Fishing for the Animals" Striped Bass & Bluefish Trip on July 29 and for an event where supporters can "Woof" down a great breakfast at Applebee's Restaurant on August 12.

"We're working aggressively to raise the money and get it done," she said.

The acre-sized dog park will open at Calverton in the same area as new baseball fields the town hopes to unveil soon.