Let’s SHAREavalli!

WHO WE ARE: The Hudson St. Dog Run Committee (NYC) is a group of friends and neighbors committed to the inclusion of a dog run in Seravalli Park upon its re-design (commencing April ’08). To date, more than 750 people have given their support to the effort.

WHERE: Seravalli Park is in the West Village, between Hudson and 8th Ave./jurisdiction of Community Board 2.

WHAT WE WANT: It is our sincere hope that, in the rich tradition of the neighborhood, Seravalli Park can be re-designed as public space that is as INCLUSIVE of as many of the community needs as possible, including dog-owners. NOTHING should be taken from children, in fact, we believe a dog run will ensure a more populated, safe park that has another constituency invested in its well-being. We’re hoping for just 10% of the existing 50,000 sq. ft. (less than DWP currently occupies), and strongly believe the existing children’s area should not be reduced in any way.

GREAT QUOTE: According to Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, “The daily presence of dog owners during early morning and late evening hours…have made parks safer.” (NYC Parks, May 10, 2007)

NEW DOG RUN FEATURES: A dog run will create a safer, more inviting atmosphere in this currently under-utilized space. According to NYCDog (http://www.nycdog.org/):

• A properly sized and designed park will encourage play rather than territorial behaviors that lead to excess barking;

• There are surface materials that are affordable and negate dog park odors (Stone screenings mixed with zeolite or, alternatively, non-porous decomposed granite);

• Strategic plantings reduce noise, absorb odor and look great;

• By establishing a small-dog area and a separate any-size-dog area + implementing strict self-policing rules, the Hudson St. Dog Run will be a safe, harmonious environment for all; and,

• Set closing times and later opening times will further mitigate noise disruption.

WHAT TO DO: See “Recent Posts” and/or “Pages” on the right side of this page for details on the items below, or contact Mark or Susan:

• Sign and Get More Signers to our new, super-easy automated letter to Parks Commish Benepe: http://www.dogrunonhudson.com/letter/
• Sign our online petition and get as many others as possible to sign, too: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/dogrunonhudson
• For MAX impact, hand-write a letter to elected officials and voice your support! letter-writing-campaign.doc
• Post a flyer to clear up confusion and enlist more support: flyer.pdf
• Make a donation for communications materials
• Volunteer! Hands-on help is always needed…

CONTACTS:

Mark Leydorf - mleydorf@mac.com or

Susan Lietz - susanlietz@dogrunonhudson.com