Newbridge Road Park goes to the dogs

In its first year, dog park fosters community

Posted

Upon entering the Town of Hempstead dog park at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore, Sasha, an 8-year old German Shepherd, immediately found a weathered tennis ball and claimed it as her own. Her owner, Francine Fleischman, of Merrick, trailed behind with her a 4-year old pup named Hershey.

“She loves parks,” Fleischman said as Sasha dropped the ball at her owner’s feet and waited for their game of fetch to begin. What distinguishes Newbridge Road’s park from others, Fleischman said, is its turf surface, adding that she no longer has to worry about her dogs dragging sand or dirt into the bed.

Since the 14,025-square-foot park opened last September, a community has formed at the town park among dog owners who have created the Facebook page Puppy Parents of Newbridge Road Dog Park at http://bit.ly/2uxz0w0.

“This is the morning crew,” said Janet Krummel, of Seaford, as her dog Bella, a Border Collie/Labrador mix, ran forward to greet Sasha and Hershey, referring to the group of owners who routinely visit the park around 6 and 8 a.m.

The park, open to Town of Hempstead residents with a dog license and rabies vaccination tag, includes ramps, weave poles, hurdles and additional amenities. It features separate sections for large dogs and small dogs and has picnic tables, benches, shaded areas and water fountains for dogs and their owners.

The parks hours are from eight a.m. to dusk. To see other rules, visit http://bit.ly/2cNsGdy.