Dog Park Proposed for Westhampton Beach

Dog owners may soon have a place to socialize while they run their dogs in Westhampton Beach. A Westhampton Beach couple was before the on Wednesday night to present a plan for a dog park on Library Avenue.

“This would be a safe and great opportunity for the village and members of other towns to convene, network and socialize,” said Colette Lettieri, who with her husband Rocco, submitted the plan.

“It would also be a wonderful place for dogs to get exercise while being contained,” she said.

Colette said she had lived on Library Avenue and had long thought a vacant piece of land on the street would be a perfect location for a dog park.

The Lettieri's plans call for a fenced-in perimeter with a grassy area, and decomposed granite run area for the dogs.  The site plan, designed by Rocco also proposes benches, a fountain, shrubbery and a drainage system for washing away dog waste.

“We wanted to get the ball rolling,” said Colette, who noted that costs associated for the park have not been calculated.

Colette said ideally she would like to see the park funded by the village, but said she is willing to start a fundraising effort, as well as apply for any available grants.

“I’ve done both before and would be happy to do it,” said Colette.

Village board members questioned Colette on logistics of the park, including if dogs would be required to be leashed, who would maintain the park, and who would police it if there were problems between canines.

Colette said the park could be modeled after those in New York City where pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

“There is unwritten dog park etiquette and hostile dogs are not allowed in the park and everyone cleans up after their dogs,” she said.

As to maintenance, Colette suggested that a group could be formed to oversee the park, as well as any other issues that come up.

“There are enough people interested in this that we could establish a community dog park group,” she said.

Village board members said they are willing explore the idea.

Currently, there are no other dog parks west of the canal; however, the is also exploring the idea of a .