Dog Park Location Determined; Possible Funding to be Determined

A petition that garnered over 200 signatures in favor of an  in  recently reached Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan's desk and after a recent review of the Park, awaits word if County funding is available.

"I met with Bergen County Executive Donavan on Monday and hand delivered the Proposal including the Petition, Resolutions from River Edge, Oradel, Paramus and photos, of various locations," River Edge Mayor Sandy Moscaritolo said.

Moscaritolo recently met with Bergen County Director of Park, Ronald Kistner to locate a suitable location, away from the Zoo and pond with adequate buffers.

"There is one suitable location," Moscaritolo said. "A water spigot is close by but not operational. The County will have to see if it has sufficient funds to move forward with a design."

He added that the County should have a final answer in a few weeks if funding is available for the project.

Moscaritolo began after John Fugazzie initiated the idea a year ago; Fugazzie later had to step away from the proposal to focus on Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Recently New Milford pass a resolution supporting the dog park as well, according to New Milford Councilwoman Hedy Grant. 

Fugazzie had estimated that the off-leash dog park could cost $60,000 to cover the placement of fencing, wood chips and signage but proposed that it could be funded by donations or sponsorships rather than taxpayers dollars.

A Facebook group currently exists for residents to discuss where they currently bring their dogs to as well as how to best organize moving the idea forward.

Currently Bergen County residents can take their four-legged family members to dog parks in Ridgewood, Leonia, Lyndhurst and Woodcliff Lake.

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