Dog lovers who frequent Soundview Park now have a place where they and their furry friends can enjoy the outdoors.
Community members and elected officials came together on Monday, October 3, to commemorate the new dog run at Soundview park.
“Soundview park has seen remarkable investments and improvements over the last few years,” said Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, “but today’s dog run opening offers a unique yet important amenity for Soundview families including our four-legged neighbors.”
The new facility includes chain link perimeter fencing and an accessible drinking fountain with a dog bowl.
In addition there is a storage box along with 1964 World’s Fair-replica benches and stone screenings.
Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. said the dog run was a “long sought after” feature for Soundview park, adding he was “proud” to provide funding for the park.
“As a Soundview resident and dog owner myself, I know just how important this dog run will be to my neighbors and I thank NYC Parks for working to make this project a reality,” said Diaz.
Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa said the dog run will create a social experience that will be beneficial for “the dogs [and] the owners as well.”
Jesse Mendoza, chair of the parks committee for Community Board 9, said like many issues this was desired by residents for a while.
However, the issue was funding.
Mendoza said there are times that the parks department does not have the funding to add an amenity like the dog run and that the community has to reach out to assembly members, council members and the borough president.
Borough President Diaz provided $350,000 in funding for the project.
“It’s just a positive,” Mendoza said of the new addition to Soundview Park.
Mendoza, who owns three dogs, added it will draw the community closer by bringing the people who may be from different buildings to one location to socialize.
“Like they say,” Mendoza added, ‘Dogs attract beautiful things.’”
