Valley Stream Dog Park welcomes new members

Members of Friends of Valley Stream Dogs gather for a photo at the run

Brendan Murray/Herald

Eric and Lauren Popkoff, two of the first non-Valley Stream residents to join the run, spend time at the dog run with their dog Molly

Brendan Murray/Herald

Rosemary Iaquinta and her dog Melody spend some time at the dog run

Brendan Murray/Herald

Ajay Keluskar and his dog Brutus

Brendan Murray/Herald

A dog tries to catch his breath after spending some time at the dog run

Brendan Murray/Herald

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The Valley Stream dog run community grew by 28 members from outside the Village of Valley Stream after the Board of Trustees opened the run to all Town of Hempstead residents this June.

The run, located behind Valley Stream Village Hall, was previously only open to village residents. Richard Infield, president of Friends of Valley Stream Dogs, who petitioned the village for the run and is in charge of its upkeep, said he was glad to have an influx of new dogs at the park. “The key to a great dog park is community. The worst thing that can happen here is that someone comes with their dog and no one else is here. The more people you have here, the bigger the family, the better the park,” he said.

The expansion has been a hit with visitors to the park, human and canine alike. Eric and Lauren Popkoff and their dog Molly were among the first who reside outside of Valley Stream to join after the rule change. They said the effects of their frequent visits to the run could be seen in Molly’s behavior. “Coming here had a profound effect on Molly. When we first rescued her at eight months, she was very shy and very skittish. Thanks to the park, she has become very socialized and now she’s very comfortable around both dogs and people,” said Eric

Rosemary Iaquinta said the park has become part of her and her dog Melody’s lives. The pair visits the run twice daily, she said, because she has seen her dog become happier and less shy as a result. “This should be the model for every new dog park.”

Iaquinta praised the dog park’s organizers and members. “The staff is great. They take suggestions and they’re very eager to hear how they can improve the run. And everyone who is a member here also works hard to keep it clean. We all want it to be nice, so we put in the work.”

Ajay Keluskar, of Hewlett, began bringing his dog Brutus before he was aware the run was reserved for Valley Stream residents. He shared Iaquinta’s praise for members and organizers. “100 percent of the reason that this park is so great is the dedication of the staff, and really everyone that comes here.”