The Town of North Hempstead seems to be going to the dogs – literally.
Clark Botanic Garden could be seeing a few more dog days starting this spring, with the Town of North Hempstead eying a new law to allow dogs into the 12-acre park – provided they are on a leash and are cleaned up after— on Wednesdays.
The Town Board on Tuesday set a public hearing date for April 17.
“I am so pleased that we will be considering this change so that we can welcome dogs to the Clark Botanic Garden every Wednesday,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “Dogs are a part of a family and now no one has to stay at home while the rest of the family enjoys the beauty of our lovely Clark Garden.”
“Everyone is welcomed, even our four-legged friends,” Bosworth added.
Carole Trottere, a spokeswoman for the Town of North Hempstead, said the town had tested letting dogs into the Albertson-based garden park in December last year for a “Winter Pawty,” as part of its “Winter Wonderland” series.
There the four-legged residents had a chance to stroll around the light and train displays, as well as get their picture taken with Santa Claus.
“That was kind of a nice little pilot to try it out,” Trottere said.
The move follows the town’s allocation of $250,000 in its 2018 capital plan to create its first ever dog park, to be located in Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park and likely open in the fall. In that park, dogs will be able to play leash-free.
It also builds on a 2016 decision to allow dogs in other parks, provided they are on leashes, including Michael J. Tully Park, North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington and the Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset.
Dogs can also be walked along the North Hempstead Beach Park trail.
Clark Botanic Garden is located at 193 I.U. Willets Road in Albertson. Its operating hours are currently 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come April, the park will be open until 6 p.m.
