Mott Haven deserves a safe place for dogs to play—and a welcoming space for neighbors to come together.

Dog-friendly housing is only part of what makes a neighborhood welcoming to pets. Families also need dedicated spaces where dogs can exercise and socialize safely, away from traffic and separate from playgrounds, athletic fields, and other shared park activities.

Through Dogs of Mott Haven, we have seen how dogs bring neighbors together. Our events, community cleanups, supply drives, and dog-waste stations show what is possible when residents work together to care for their neighborhood. A permanent space would help us build on that work.

Our vision is McCoy’s Dog Run & Community Hub: a secure, accessible dog run that also serves as a gathering place for connection, resources, and community service.

We envision a space shaped by community input, with:

• Safe play and thoughtful design: secure fencing and entry gates, drinking water for dogs, shade, seating, and accessible pathways.
• Adoption days and pet resources: opportunities to connect with local rescues, animal-welfare organizations, and responsible pet-care education.
• Community programming: neighborhood gatherings, pet-supply and school-supply drives, fundraisers, and seasonal events.
• Shared care for our neighborhood: volunteer cleanups, waste-bag access, and ongoing stewardship through McCoy’s Dog Run Alliance.
• Art and remembrance: a community-designed mural and a “Forever Memorial Tree” where neighbors can honor beloved pets.

This would be a place that welcomes longtime residents and new neighbors alike, including people without dogs who want to participate in its community programs.

The heart behind the name
In loving memory of McCoy 🐾
June 24, 2024 – November 30, 2024

On November 30, 2024, my five-month-old puppy, McCoy, was struck by a car after running off-leash in Pulaski Park. The driver fled, and despite efforts to save him, McCoy passed away hours later.

I had already begun advocating for a dedicated dog run through Dogs of Mott Haven. Losing McCoy made that work deeply personal and strengthened my commitment to creating a safer space for our neighborhood’s dogs.

McCoy’s name carries his memory forward. The vision serves the whole community: a place where dogs can thrive, neighbors can connect, and we can care for one another.

What we are asking for
We call on New York City agencies and our elected officials to work with Dogs of Mott Haven and local residents to transform the vacant lot behind the Pulaski Park soccer field into McCoy’s Dog Run & Community Hub.

For years, this neglected lot has been used for illegal dumping, with trash and discarded needles creating safety concerns for the neighborhood. Our community deserves to see this space cared for and put to meaningful public use.

We are asking the City to establish a clear path to securing the lot for this purpose, cleaning it up, funding and constructing the dog run, and partnering with residents on its design and long-term care.

Together, we can turn a neglected lot into a safe, welcoming community space that Mott Haven can take pride in.

Sign this petition to support McCoy’s Dog Run & Community Hub and help turn this community vision into a lasting neighborhood resource.

A safe place to play. A place to belong. A community legacy in McCoy’s memory.

#McCoysDogRun 🐾

YouTube: Petition for a Dog Park in Mott Haven

 

(Satellite View of Vacant Lot currently under DOT jurisdiction circled in red)

 

(View of Vacant Lot currently under DOT jurisdiction  from inside Pulaski Park)

 

(Vacant Lot currently under DOT jurisdiction behind Soccer Field in Pulaski Park)

 

(View from inside Vacant Lot currently under DOT jurisdiction  looking towards Willis Ave Bridge)

 

(View from inside Vacant Lot currently under DOT jurisdiction from Willis Ave Bridge)

 

(Simple Dog Run rendering with Mural painted in the back in memory of McCoy)

 

(In loving memory of McCoy | June 24, 2024 - November 30, 2024)