Dear Members of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee,

I’m writing to you as an Irvington resident to share my support for creating a dedicated dog run in our village.

For many of us, dogs are not just pets. They are family members, companions, and part of the everyday rhythm of life in Irvington. They walk our streets with us, meet neighbors alongside us, and are woven into the fabric of this community in a very real way. Anyone who spends time around town can see that dogs are part of village life here, and I believe they deserve a safe, thoughtful space created with that in mind.

A dedicated dog run would be more than just a convenience. It would be a meaningful investment in the kind of community Irvington is known for. One that values connection, quality of life, and shared public spaces that serve the people who live here. It would give dogs a safe place to run and play, give their families a place to gather and connect, and help ease the off-leash tensions that can arise in park areas not designed for that purpose.

More importantly, a dog run would acknowledge something many of our residents already know, dogs are part of our community too. They bring people together. They spark conversations between neighbors who might otherwise never meet. They add warmth, companionship, and make our shared spaces come alive. Creating a special place for them is also a way of creating a special place for the people who love them.

Irvington is a village that cares deeply about community and quality of life. A dog run may seem like a small thing, but small things often matter most in the way people experience where they live. A space like this would send a simple but meaningful message: that Irvington recognizes and welcomes this important part of village life.

I know decisions like this take time, and I appreciate that. I also hope like-minded residents who feel strongly about this will continue to speak up, sign the petition, and attend meetings when they can. Community support matters, and I believe there are many people in Irvington who would be grateful to see this move forward.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and all you do for our village. I hope this proposal receives the attention it deserves and that Irvington will take this opportunity to create something that reflects the sense of community that makes this village so special.

Jon Emmet

Irvington resident