The gates to the dog run at Maria Hernandez Park remain locked even as the city begins to reopen other facilities to outdoor recreation.  Over the weekend Mayor Bill de Blasio spontaneously announced that in addition to the various industries reopening in Phase Two, children’s playgrounds would also open.  So while children are now allowed to climb their jungle gyms and adults are allowed to dine and drink at their favorite outdoors spots, open space meant for the enjoyment of our four-legged neighbors is still off limits. 

“I think a lot of people don’t think about the comparison between playgrounds and dog runs,” says Amy Willard, Volunteer Director for Maria Hernandez Dog Run Pack.  

“I think about it like this: I see a playground and I think OK that’s a fun place for kids, parents take their kids to playgrounds to run around, to socialize with other kids, to burn off some of that kid-energy, and so that they can come home and take a nap and not bother their parents until dinner.  I see a dog run and think of the same thing.  We take our dogs there, they see their doggy friends, tire themselves out and come home and take a nap.  If you’re able to get your dog out and get him tired he won’t bother anyone, he won’t bark at anyone.  Dogs that are well exercised are just better dogs.  I call them better canine-citizens.”