Gianaris, Nolan and Van Bramer Hold Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to Open Renovated Vernon Blvd Dog Run

Queens, NY – Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Cathy Nolan and Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the refurbished Vernon Boulevard Dog Run in Long Island City. The elected officials, along with Queens West Development Corporation (QWDC), New York State Department of Parks and DOG LIC, a local advocacy group, worked together since last year to secure funding for the much-needed renovations to the dog run and are pleased to finally announce the renewed run is open and ready for use.

Senator Michael Gianaris said, “The refurbishment of this dog run is indicative of Long Island City’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for its growing number of residents – including pets and pet owners. As Long Island City continues to thrive and develop more resources for its community members, I encourage New Yorkers to visit this renewed dog run and experience for themselves all this park and its surrounding community has to offer.”

Renovations to the park and dog run include:

• More than double space in dog run from 4,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet;

• Cleaned out, re-graded and leveled-off dog run with new dog-friendly gravel surface;

• New separate fenced-off areas for large and small dogs;

• Drinking fountains for dogs and their owners;

• New lighting;

• New covered trash cans;

• Railings to protect existing trees from dogs;

• Shade structures.

The drinking fountains are scheduled for installation on October 7th and the shade structures are to be added later this month.

Construction cost $150,000 and was funded by QWDC, a subsidiary of Empire State Development Corporation. The renovations began on September 19th and were completed on time on September 30th.

Assembylmember Cathy Nolan said, “It is wonderful that the Vernon Boulevard dog run is completed. The Western Queens residents and visitors will now be able to enjoy this wonderful community project. I like to thank my colleagues Senator Gianaris and Councilmember Van Bramer, along with the Queens West Development Corporation, New York State Parks Department and DOG LIC for their dedication to this project.”

Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer said, "This new dog run will give the many dog owners in the growing and vibrant neighborhood of Long Island City a newly designed and expanded space for dogs and their owners to exercise safely in. I am proud to have collaborated with local elected officials, state parks, community leaders, and residents for this effort. This project is a reflection of the importance of community involvement in achieving great progress. We will continue to work to make the community the best it can be."

Commissioner Rose Harvey, New York State Department of Parks Commissioner, QUOTE

Paul Janusewski, President of QWDC, QUOTE

Stephanie Rodousakis, co-founder of DOG LIC, said, “Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Sen. Mike Gianaris, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Assemblyman Cathy Nolan, Rachel Gordon, Regional Director NY State Parks as well as Paul Januszewski, President of Queens West Development Corporation, the mission of D.O.G.LIC is on its way to becoming a reality through the establishment of this beautiful new dog run. Long Island City is a fast growing dog-friendly community and D.O.G. LIC is very proud to have joined forces with our dedicated group members and our committed local officials to be able to provide this new dog run for all of Long Island City's dogs and their owners.”

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