If you are a dog owner and you live anywhere in the borough, you and your companion, whether pure-bred or mixed, must visit Mutt Haven Dog Park.
The dog park, which was constructed last summer, was a project that came to fruition thanks in large part to a sponsorship by the Third Avenue Business Improvement District as well as Keith Rubenstein, the owner of local real estate firm Somerset Partners.
Construction on the Mutt Haven Dog Park, which is nestled against the Bruckner Building at 2417 Third Avenue, began last June and was completed the next month. The fenced in space is equipped with park benches, tables and a water hose so the dogs can stay properly hydrated.
The maximum capacity for the dog park depends on the size of the dogs, but it can comfortably accommodate at least 12 to 15 dogs at one time.
According to the Third Avenue BID, the inception of the Mutt Haven Dog Park was envisioned by a Fordham University intern who noticed that there were a great number of dog owners in the surrounding area, but a lack of outdoor open spaces for dogs to run around and socialize.
Funding was secured from local stakeholders, who oversaw construction of the dog park. The Third Avenue BID agreed to maintain the park as part of their work in the neighborhood.
The Third Avenue BID has been providing contract services, such as the dog park, to the neighborhoods of Mott Haven and Port Morris for over three years.
Requests by local residents, businesses and property owners in the area stated that they wanted assistance pertaining to categories such as business development, anti-displacement programs, supplemental sanitation, free public programming and other quality of life services.
Somerset Partners is one of the biggest contributors towards the revitalization of the Port Morris waterfront with projects such as the Piano District building and Filtered coffee shop, now known as Double Dutch Espresso.
He previously owned two mega waterfront parcels along the Harlem River with his partner Chetrit Properties that were sold to Brookfield Properties for $165 million. Seven luxury towers are now being built on those sites.
Dog owners are also encouraged to visit Little L’s Pet Boutique, a pet shop located at 42 Bruckner Boulevard, just a few blocks south of the dog park.
