Jordan Rathkopf

Dog Beach Reopens After Renovation

September 13, 2016

Brooklyn’s dogs won’t need to sweat the heat! Dog Beach—a popular swimming area for dogs – has re-opened after two months of restoration and reconstruction.

The renovations included replacing pavement with natural stone slabs from upstate New York, replacing chain link fencing with a less intrusive, underwater fencing that provides a durable barrier separating swimming dogs from wildlife. The project also saw removal of invasive plants and installation of native ones to stabilize the pool edge and foster the health of the Lake’s aquatic habitats. All of this work benefits the Park’s diverse  wildlife populations, from fish and turtles to resident and migratory birds.

Dog Beach was closed to the public in early July to accommodate this work, and was initially scheduled to reopen in early 2017. However, the Alliance worked quickly and efficiently to open the beach ahead of schedule.

“Dog Beach is a treasured community resource, and off-leash hours are a unique resource for Brooklyn’s dogs and their owners,” said Sue Donoghue, Prospect Park Alliance President. “We commend our in-house design staff, whose hard work meant that we were able to improve this amenity and return it to public use quickly.”

“The early reopening of Dog Beach at Long Meadow in Prospect Park is welcome news to families making memories with their furry friends,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “I am proud to have worked with the Prospect Park Alliance and the City Council’s Brooklyn delegation to fund these enhancements to Dog Beach, which, in combination with renovations to the Long Meadow ballfields, will make Brooklyn’s backyard a more welcoming environment for all of its visitors, whether they walk on two legs or four.”

“Even though it’s September, the “dog days” of summer are just beginning in Prospect Park,” said Council Member Brad Lander. “I’m happy that pups and pooches from across Brooklyn can return to a new and improved dog beach, and in time for a few refreshing summer swims. Thank you to the Prospect Park Alliance, [the NYC Parks Department], and my fellow Brooklyn elected officials for supporting this renovation, along with so many other projects currently underway in Prospect Park, and for completing the project nearly a full 6 months ahead of schedule.”

The re-opening was welcomed by the dog-owning community, who flock to the Long Meadow during off-leash hours. Visit our Things To Do With Dogs page for more details on off-leash hours and locations.

Funding for this project was provided by the Brooklyn Borough President’s office, Council Members Brad Lander and Stephen Levin, and the Brooklyn Delegation, as part of the renovation of the adjacent Long Meadow Ballfields.