New Off-Leash Area For Dogs 'Unleashed' In East Quogue

EAST QUOGUE, NY — A new day dawned for dogs in East Quogue recently as an off-leash area for four-footed friends was unveiled.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Julie Lofstad said the spot is located in the Pine Neck Marine Park, located at 22 Josiah Foster Path, in East Quogue. The dedicated off-leash area features two separate fenced-in areas, one for small dogs, under 25 lbs., and one for larger dogs.

“Members of the community were looking for a place for their dogs to run safely and play with other dogs,” Lofstad said. “The pandemic slowed things down a bit but I’m happy to see this project come to fruition. It’s a great way for residents to be outside with their pets and socialize with their neighbors.”

East Quogue Community members Julie Crowley and Brian Babcock joined forces to turn their idea for a dog park into a reality, she said. The East Quogue Chamber of Commerce held fundraisers to help pay for the fencing and the Hampton Bays Rotary raised enough money to donate a water fountain with a dog bowl, which was installed in the spring, she added.

“Clean drinking water initiatives are very important to Hampton Bays Rotary, therefore, it was natural that we would donate a water station at the off-leash area, for both dogs and humans,” said Crowley, a Hampton Bays Rotary member. “We are so grateful to the participants from Southampton Town for seeing this project through.”

The off-leash area will be open from 7 a.m. to dusk. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated to enter the area and owners must abide by all rules posted at the park, officials said.