More Tails on the Trails: Dogs to Get More Access to Parks

Dog lovers will be able to take their leashed pets on more walking trails around the town.

The Town Board voted this week to convert a a pilot on-leash program at Frazer Park to permanent status. In addition, the board approved the use of trails at three other parks: the utility right of way segment at the Jerome Ambro Memorial Wetlands Preserve in Fort Salonga; the woodland trail at Dix Hills Park, and the paved path at Sunshine Acres Park in Commack.

 Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, who sponsored the legislation to make the changes, reviewed sites in the field with representatives from LI-DOG, an advocacy group that supports greater dog access in parks. “I believe that controlled dog walking provides residents with several benefits, including greater observation of illegal and improper activities," he said.

More than 200 residents signed a petition to permit on-leash dog walking at Frazer Drive Park, which was approved as test. 

The Greenways Trails Committee will continue to identify other possible sites and will also review trails nominated for specific purposes by community members, organizations, or other town departments and submit their recommendations to the Town Board for approval.