As residents of North Brooklyn/Williamsburg, we are joining forces to petition the NYC Parks Department Commissioner, Sue Donoghue for an expansion of the existing Off-leash Courtesy Hours program in New York City, within Cooper Park, McCarren Park, and McGolrick Park simultaneously. Our goal is to preserve the parks' beauty while prioritizing the safety of both our canine companions and the broader community.

Addressing NYC's Overpopulated and Unsafe Dog Runs & Off-Leash Dogs

In light of the challenges our community faces regarding overpopulated and unsafe dog runs, compounded by the growing need for dog owners to provide proper socialization and exercise for their pets, we recognize the urgency of finding a solution that respects both our community's needs and the equitable use of public resources. Taking inspiration from successful off-leash policies implemented in Central Park, Prospect Park, and Fort Greene Park, we propose applying off-leash privileges to North Brooklyn Parks - Cooper Park, McCarren Park, and McGolrick from 9pm to 9am.

This evidence-based solution, already proven effective in reducing tensions related to off-leash dogs in other parks, offers a practical and safer alternative for dog owners and non-dog owners alike. Furthermore, it has been shown to decrease park-related crimes, mitigate instances of dog aggression, and allow for the reallocation of park resources to address more pressing needs. By implementing this policy, we can alleviate community tensions while ensuring the responsible and equitable use of our public spaces.

Background and Insights:
Inspired by the successful management strategies in Fort Greene, where collaboration between park authorities and the local community has flourished, we propose adopting similar approaches in our neighborhoods. Fort Greene's initiatives, such as the seasonal lawn rotation map, on-leash training fenced sections, and responsible dog ownership education through Fort Greene PUPS partnerships, serve as exemplary models for effective park management.

• Fort Green Park - Lawn Initiative
• Fort Green PUPS

Immediate Solutions Needed:

Overpopulated & Unsafe Dog Runs:
- Problem: The pressing issue of dog overpopulation necessitates immediate action. Waiting another 5-10 years for new dog runs or upgrades is impractical. All of our existing dog runs require dire attention and will need to be closed during construction.
- Solution: Implementing Off-Leash Hours provides a fast and economical solution. Instituting a community-led and agreed-upon program is crucial and should be initiated promptly, as off-leash activity will generally be granted during the 12-18 months of construction upgrades.
*For example, during dog run upgrades like those approved at Herbert Von King Park, the dog run is expected to remain closed for 12-18 months, with off-leash hours granted during the construction.

Policy Change and Equity:
- Updated Policies: Advocating for the NYC Parks Department to revise its current policy of delegating dog run management & maintenance to local volunteers is imperative. This existing approach is unsustainable, unsanitary, and inequitable.
- Equity in Park Use: Dog owners, as the most frequent park users and largest tax-paying community group, merit fair equity in park use and robust support for maintaining healthy dog runs.

Benefits of Off-Leash Hours:
- Balanced Approach: Recognizing that not every dog can be off-leash, this solution serves to alleviate overpopulation pressures during peak hours and complements existing dog runs.
- Economic Benefits: Off-leash hours offer economic advantages by optimizing green space usage during off-peak times, reducing competition, and benefiting all park users.
- Policing Bad Actors: By implementing sanctioned off-leash hours, park rangers can focus on peak times, ensuring efficient park maintenance and safety for all. Community acceptance of fines for non-compliance underscores our commitment to responsible park use.

Addressing NYC Parks Budget Constraints, Maintenance & Usage:
- Unfair Blame: It is unjust to lay blame solely on a few dozen off-leash dogs for the current state of our parks. Rather, it is crucial to acknowledge the impact of NYC's budget constraints and the absence of equitable "mutual fund" management, which have resulted in inadequate maintenance. North Brooklyn parks, in particular, have suffered from disproportionately less funding and staffing compared to parks like Fort Greene, Prospect Park, Madison Square Park, and Central Park.
- Environmental Impact: Our parks have also suffered due to global warming, hot summers, and evolving usage patterns. For example, sports activities like soccer, pickleball and volleyball have caused grass degradation, killing or removing it to suit players' desired field surface.

Addressing the “Rule” when other NYC Parks have both dog runs & off-leash hours:
- Successful examples like Prospect Park, Forest Park, and Dyker Beach show that inclusive off-leash hours combined with dog runs work well with park management. Rockaway is also set to introduce off-leash hours to some of their parks this year, setting a positive precedent for other NYC parks.
- Implemented: The NYC Parks Department has already shown its willingness to expand the program by implementing off-leash hours in parks with existing dog runs, with Prospect Park notably adding a new dog run in 2020 while maintaining off-leash hours. These examples, alongside others like Forest Park and Dyker Beach, underscore the efficacy and inclusivity of combining off-leash hours with designated dog run areas in park management.

Considering the proven success of these initiatives and the Parks Department's commitment to integrating them with existing dog run facilities, we strongly advocate for extending off-leash hours to Cooper Park, McCarren Park, and McGolrick Park. This proposal aims to meet the needs of our vibrant dog-owning community while ensuring the enjoyment and safety of all park users. It embodies a balanced approach that resonates with the Parks Department's values of inclusivity and responsible park management.

Important to implement the off-leash programs simultaneously
Given the interconnected nature of our community and the potential for unintended consequences, it is imperative for the NYC Parks Department to implement the off-leash program in Cooper Park, McCarren Park, and McGolrick Park simultaneously. This coordinated effort will preserve harmony across neighborhoods and prevent any disruptive shifts in community dynamics. The simultaneous implementation guarantees fairness and uniform access to parks for all residents, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among the diverse communities of North Brooklyn/Williamsburg.

Conclusion
Time is of the essence; waiting years for new dog runs or upgrades is not viable, especially considering McCarren's decade-long wait. By expanding off-leash hours, we can create a healthier, more inclusive community for dog owners and enhance the park experience for all. Let's work together to ensure our parks meet the diverse needs of our community while maintaining their beauty and functionality.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that a lack of appropriate socialization during a dog’s life directly correlates to behavioral problems, including aggression, inappropriate predatory behavior, and fearfulness.
Dogs require exposure to animals, including other dogs, different animal species, and people and children throughout all stages of the dog’s life to appropriately integrate into society.

With an estimated 600,000 dogs living in NYC and only approximately 80 public dog runs throughout the five boroughs to meet their socialization and exercise needs, NYC Parks Department is not meeting the needs of its dog-owning citizens, who use the parks 365 days a year in all weather conditions.

New York City’s Off-Leash Hours Policy always has been and continues to be legal and within the discretionary power of the New York City Parks commissioner.

Over twenty years ago, New York City faced growing community tension over the issue of off-leash dogs in city parks. With over 500,000 dogs in New York City and only 40 dog parks to serve the community, the parks were not meeting dog-owner needs to socialize and exercise their dogs and dog owners were using city parks as off-leash areas.

The New York City Park Commissioner came up with a compromise; he allowed dogs to be off-leash in certain specified parks, in certain locations between 9pm and 9am. Since the program began, New York City parks have seen significant benefits. The previous three park commissioners have noted the presence of people and dogs in the park at night and in the early morning has lowered crime. New York also saw a dramatic reduction in dog bites.  Park employees credit off-leash groups such as FIDO in Prospect Park and Central Park PAWS for keeping the parks clean: dog owners who use off-leash hours take pride in the park and treat off-leash as a privilege.