Located Across From The Ulster County Fairgrounds At The Field Of Dreams In New Paltz

New Paltz, NY — Ulster County Executive Mike Hein officially opened the Ulster County Dog Park toady with the help of Ulster County Legislator Hector Rodriguez, Legislator Ken Wishnick, Town of New Paltz Supervisor Susan Zimet, Brian Shapiro, New York State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, Christine DeBoer, President of For Paws of Ulster, Inc., and a number of community members many of whom were accompanied by their canine companions. 

“I am pleased to announce that the Ulster County Dog Park is open for residents to enjoy with their dogs,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “It’s a beautiful fenced-in park with a section for small dogs and a section for large dogs.  Ulster County residents now have a wonderful new amenity for their dogs; a safe, controlled setting that’s great for pets and their owners alike.   It was a great effort between the County, Town of New Paltz, For Paws of Ulster, Inc. and the community.  Working together great things are possible and I want to thank all those involved in this wonderful project for making it a reality.  I urge all residents, together with their dogs, to visit the new Ulster County Dog Park.”

“This project is a testament to the hard work and tireless advocacy of so many here in Ulster County,” said Ulster County Legislator Hector Rodriguez. “Their efforts have made this safe space for our four legged friends to enjoy nature and share a space with their human companions. The leadership of County Executive Hein and Supervisor Zimet have made our a community a better place.”

“Projects like this help to form the fabric of community life and once again shows that community activism can get results,” said Ken Wishnick, Ulster County Legislator.  “Thank you to the County Executive and to all who have helped to make this a reality.”

“After working on the Dog Park for five years, first as an Ulster County Legislator, and now as the New Paltz Town Supervisor, it is exciting to finally see the dog park become a reality,” said Susan Zimet, Supervisor of the Town of New Paltz. “The volunteers behind For Paws of Ulster County never lost their passion for creating this dog park.  Between their hard work, the contributions of the Town of New Paltz and now, with the help of County Executive Michael Hein, the dog park is done! This is a great addition to the Field of Dreams Sports Park that was another great venture between the Town of New Paltz and the County of Ulster.”

“The Dog Park is a resource that benefits both canines and their owners and we are so glad that we could help make this happen in our community,” said Christie DeBoer, President of For Paws of Ulster, Inc.  “For Paws of Ulster, Inc., working with County Executive Hein and Town of New Paltz Supervisor Susan Zimet, together helped make this park possible and we look forward to furthering its use and enjoyment.”

For Paws of Ulster, Inc. is a non-profit organization that began raising money for the dog park in New Paltz back in 2010.   The County helped complete the project by providing funding for the fencing and signs for the park while For Paws of Ulster, Inc. arranged for benches and dog waste stations.  The Town of New Paltz will lease the land from Ulster County and is working with For Paws of Ulster to provide on-going maintenance services. 

For Paws of Ulster, Inc. is holding a grand opening on September 27, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. (rain date: September 28, 2014) where there will be agility demonstrations, fun contests and local vendors.

The Ulster County Dog Park is located at the Field of Dreams, across from the Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road in New Paltz, and will now be open daily from dawn until dusk.

Photos of Dog Park Opening:  (Dog Park Sign Photo above - L-R: Brian Shapiro, NYS Director of the Humane Society of the United States; County Executive Mike Hein; Town of New Paltz Supervisor Susan Zimet; Christine DeBoer, President of For Paws of Ulster, Inc.; and Ulster County Legislators Hector Rodriguez and Ken Wishnick)