McCarren Park's Asphalt Lot to Be Transformed

"$14.7 million was secured to transform the lot from cracked asphalt to green parkland, with help from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, city hall, and other elected officials representing North Brooklyn. Community members got their first chance to weigh in on the park's future on May 7, at a virtual workshop held by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Over 325 people joined to express their hopes for the open space."

"Out of hundreds of comments left in the meeting's chat, three requests rose above the rest: A new dog run, more tennis courts, and open green space. Luckily for the dog owners in the meeting, a dog run is the one amenity guaranteed for the new park, as Restler secured $1 million for one in 2022 as part of his District 33 Dog Run Plan. He said the current 10,000-square-foot dog run in McCarren Park is insufficient for the dog population in District 33."

""I think part of the reason that we see so many dogs running through the fields and, frankly, ruining our grass, is because we don't have an adequate dog run in McCarren," Restler said. "If we were to have dedicated, appropriate space for dogs, it would actually make the rest of the park better for everyone else to enjoy.""

"Members of the advocacy group McCarren Dog Run Allies were well-represented in the meeting, and called for a 30,000-square-foot dog run, which would take up about 30 percent of the lot. While some attendees pushed for open space that prioritizes humans over dogs, others pointed to the human and environmental benefits"

$14.7 million was secured to transform the asphalt lot at McCarren Park into green parkland. The planned park would include amenities such as dog runs, tennis courts, grass fields, picnic benches, and a playground. A virtual workshop on May 7 drew more than 325 participants to share priorities for the open space. The most common requests were a new dog run, additional tennis courts, and more open green space. A dog run is guaranteed, supported by $1 million secured in 2022 under a District 33 Dog Run Plan. The current 10,000-square-foot dog run is described as insufficient, with District 33 having three times as many dogs as the city average. Advocacy groups requested a 30,000-square-foot dog run.

Read at Brownstoner