HE DRAMATIC GROWTH IN THE West Village over the last few years has brought greater attention to the need for off-leash recreational space for dogs and their owners.  As has been demonstrated in many areas throughout the city, dog runs not only help create a sense of community, they also help to create a safer community!
      It is important for dogs to exercise and socialize with other dogs in an "off leash" space on a daily basis. Unfortunately, locating spaces in the West Village area for permanent dog runs has been particularly difficult due to the lack of available land.  For seven years, the West Village Dog Owners Group has been working with residents, city and state officials, The Federation to Preserve the Greenwich Village Water Front and Great Port and the Hudson River Park Trust to obtain spaces for permanent dog runs in the neighborhood. We are happy to say, that through protracted negotiations between HRPT, the Meat Market Association and WVDOG, a permanent dog run has been located on Little West 12th Street between Washington  and West Streets.  Although this run is not technically "in the park" WVDOG will continue to work with HRPT, elected officials and the community to ensure that several permanent dog runs will be included in future park plans.
      WVDOG's efforts began after the Parks Department closed an "unofficial" dog run at the Leroy Street ball field in 1993.  After three years of meetings and negotiations, WVDOG was able to open a temporary dog run on the Gansevoort Street Pier (Pier 52).  Unfortunately, the Sanitation Department decided to re-locate trucks from another district to this location in December 1999 and our dog run was closed down.              
For three years WVDOG (a volunteer organization) operated and maintained the Hudson River Dog Run on the Gansevoort Street pier (Pier 52). As many people agree, it was a wonderful, clean and safe facility that 300 families were able to enjoy.  Many people still recount their stories of meeting new friends and feeling a sense of camaraderie. There were basic common sense rules followed by the membership to ensure that dogs were healthy, and aggressive behavior was strongly discouraged. 

We hope that our successful operation of the Hudson River Dog Run has helped dispel many misconceptions about dogs, dog owners and off leash facilities.
      A well maintained dog run is not unsanitary. The Hudson River Dog Run was cleaned and maintained daily by the membership and during the summer months was washed down at least twice a day.  It is in the best interests of our dogs, their owners and the neighborhood to operate a clean facility. 
      An organized dog run does not detract from other public spaces.  An area that has regular traffic flow by dogs and their owners can discourage crime, especially in the evening hours, thus making the area safe for all people to enjoy.  Who doesn't feel safer walking down a deserted street knowing that a group of dogs and people are nearby?             
      The membership of WVDOG is made up of active, involved people who care greatly about their neighborhood.  We believe that dog owners and non-dog owners want the same thing in the neighborhood: safe, clean streets, and green space parks for recreation and enjoyment by everyone.  Designated "off leash facilities" for dogs and their owners can greatly improve the quality of life for many residents and foster a greater sense of community.    

         
      If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact the West Village Dog Owners Group at (212)-807 0093 or e-mail us at WVDOG1@AOL.COM.