Why a blog?

I have always wanted a method of sharing the joys and tribulations of owning a dog in Northeastern Bergen County, NJ. Being more specific, about what goes on at a small park in Leonia, NJ.

Below is the story of the rebirth of park land.

         On October 31, 2010 Lakeview Park in Leonia will be renamed Dudley Allen Park. Our past mayor Mr. Allen worked tirelessly to have Route 95 deterred from coming through our lovely community to run south of our town, which it does today.  This significant effort by one individual enhances our quality of life in Leonia every day.  And we are thankful.

         Lakeview Park has had a long and quiet history of being a small and underutilized park and many would agree that for several years no one frequented this little fenced-in open space.  In 2003 a groups of taxpayers requested a space for off-leash recreation with their dogs.  At the time the council investigated creating a “Dog Park” in different areas of town.  The area on Grand Ave, behind the pool was considered. The price at that time = $30,000. – This price was considered and rejected by the council.

         In 2004 the Recreation Commission granted permission to this same group of residents the use of Lakeview for off-leash recreation for a few hours each day, as part of the “multi-use” nature of the park.  Known to be an underutilized park, already fenced, this off-leash usage was added at no cost to the taxpayers.

         In 2006, an ordinance was put in place to clarify the hours.  Hours are limited to approximately 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening. At that time, the Recreation Commission created a Code of Conduct, which is posted by the entrance.

         This recreation proves not only to be healthy for our dogs, but those of us who gather to enjoy the company of friends and neighbors. We honor the park rules posted by the Recreation Commission, we self-police the area and encourage each other to supervise their dogs and take responsibility for the condition of the park.

         Unfortunately, after 2 years of quietly using this space, once the ordinance was passed in 2006, our presence during these limited hours caused certain residents to put forth false statements claiming that the off-leash usage is unhealthy, unsafe and the participants unfriendly.  Complaints by local residents have been thoroughly investigated and found unsubstantiated.  Leonia’s Board of Health – Health Inspector reported the area clean and safe to use (The report is available at the Borough Hall). The Recreation Commission conducted a lengthy investigation on noise issues among other complaints.  Their summary stated the complaints were unfounded.  (The report is available at the Recreation Building). All of Leonia Parks are part of NJ Green Acres.  This designation states that our parks cannot be limited to Leonia residents only.

     The park is a clean, safe, and friendly place that is currently enjoyed by many taxpaying members of our community. The Recreation Commission is currently applying grant money to improve the park for all Leonians including adjusting the playground equipment for use by younger children as well as separating the off-leash recreation area from the playground area so that all residents can enjoy the park.

         Lakeview Park’s revitalization by the Recreation Commission is long overdue and we hope that all Leonians have an opportunity to visit and enjoy the new and improved space.  Although there is a “dog park in Overpeck Park, we believe the job of those in the governing sector is to serve all of Leonia’s taxpayers by trying to accommodate the needs and requests of a very diverse community.  Overpeck Park offers many facilities including tennis courts, swings, and fields, so does that mean the Town of Leonia shouldn’t? 

         The dog owners of Leonia and neighboring communities have brought life back to Lakeview Park.  Where there was no energy, there is now an active community and spirit enjoying this open space.  We have fun there. We would like to thank the Mayor, Council, and Recreation Commission for enhancing the park this fall.  Mr. Allen, who worked so diligently to guard and protect our quality of life, would be please to know that Leonia parks are for all people and recreation is whatever any law-abiding taxpayer wishes it to be.  Whether you bring your dog during off-leash hours, your child, your book or just yourself, Lakeview, soon to be Dudley Allen Park is for everyone.