Eisenhower dog park opens Saturday

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano has announced the grand opening Saturday of a new dog park in Eisenhower Park.

“Nassau County is pleased to be able to provide our residents with an additional place to exercise and socialize their dogs,” Mangano said. “Dog parks encourage responsible pet ownership and lead to better behaved dogs.”

The new site, to be opened in conjunction with Long Island dog owners group LI-Dog and under the sponsorship of Pet Supplies Plus of Long Island, will be located at the junction of Salisbury Park Drive and Stewart Avenue.

The new dog park, which covers about 1.5 acres, is divided into one area for large dogs and one for small dogs 25 pounds and under. Each section has shade structures, water stations, waste stations, trees and benches.

Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will feature dogs available for rescue from local rescue groups, including the North Shore Animal League, Bobbi and the Strays, and Yorkie911 Rescue.

Pet Supplies Plus will hold a raffle, with the grand prize winner receiving a year of free dog food. All proceeds go to the rescue groups in attendance. A group of dogs will perform tricks.

Dog runs are located at the following county parks: Bay Park in East Rockaway, Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills, Nickerson Beach Park in Lido Beach, Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, and Wantagh Park in Wantagh.

Please note: The Eisenhower Dog Park is still closed to all unauthorized personnel, for safety reasons, until Saturday. For more information, call: 516-572-0200.

Above: Dogs made an appearance at Eisenhower Park's Oktoberfest. (Oct. 6, 2012)