Monroe County Cuts the Ribbon on its First Dog Park

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks cut the ribbon as Monroe County opened its first Dog Park at Greece Canal Park. Funding for the Dog Park was raised from non-County government partners by the Friends of the Monroe County Dog Parks.

The Monroe County Dog Park is an off-leash area that is one acre in size and is completely enclosed by a five-foot-tall fence. It includes separate areas for both small and large dogs.

“The opening of Monroe County’s first Dog Park is sure to benefit dogs, dog-owners and non-dog owners by providing a recreational outlet for canines to socialize in a safe, leash-free environment,” said Brooks. “I would also like to thank the dedicated group of volunteers and benefactors whom have turned their visions of having a County-run Dog Park into a reality.”

Dog owners are required to register their pets with the Monroe County Department of Parks in order to use the Dog Park. Registration is just $24 per dog annually and requires proof that the dog is licensed and vaccinated for rabies. All checks and money orders must be made payable to “Monroe County Parks Department.” All fees will go towards the Monroe County Dog Park Trust Fund for maintenance, upkeep and future construction. Dog owners who register their pets from now until December 31st will have their registrations valid through the end of 2010.

Dog Park hours of operation are:

• 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. from October 15th through March 14th
• 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. from March 15th – October 14th

Nearly $52,000 has been raised for the Dog Park Trust Fund to-date, which includes $10,000 from local businessman Richard Brush (Sentry Safe), $8,000 secured from NYS Senator Joe Robach, $4,000 from the KenLou Foundation and $2,000 from the Jacqueline Martell of the Garden Factory.

Monroe County plans to open additional Dog Parks in Ellison Park, Durand-Eastman Park and Powder Mills Park in the near future as donated funds become available. According to Monroe County Parks Law, all dogs must be on-leash in all County Parks, unless they are in a designated dog park.

Click on the links below for a Dog Park Registration Form, Rules and Regulations and FAQs.