Nassau County’s splash parks are going to the dogs! Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, Senator Kevin Thomas and representatives from North Shore Animal League America to announce the County’s first-ever “Water Bark.” The County’s splash parks will officially close for the season after Labor Day but they’re opening up one last time in 2020 for Nassau’s furry family members to run, splash and play. The free event will take place on Sunday, September 13 at three County splash parks located in Eisenhower Park, Cow Meadow Park and North Woodmere Park.
Furthering the County Executive’s efforts to promote animal adoption, especially with the rise in interest throughout the pandemic locally and nationally, the event is being held in collaboration with North Shore Animal League America. The organization will have their Mobile Adoption Unit onsite during the Water Bark event, allowing attendees to meet adoptable local dogs. Several puppies from the shelter joined today’s press conference to help raise awareness for the event and the cause.
“I am thrilled to continue to provide fun, safe and affordable activities close to home for all of Nassau’s residents, including our four-legged family members. Encouraging all to enjoy the dog days of summer and take advantage of all the outdoor amenities Nassau’s 70 parks and preserves have to offer,” said County Executive Curran. “As an increasing number of residents are turning to new furry friends for entertainment as the pandemic continues, we want to urge everyone to adopt – don’t shop! I thank North Shore Animal League America for their collaboration on this great event and all their efforts to secure homes for animals in need.”
“I encourage all Nassau County residents to get outside and give their pets the opportunity to socialize and play. Thank you to County Executive Curran for setting this up— my dog Pearl couldn’t be happier,” said Congresswoman Rice who attended the press conference with her dog Pearl and sister’s dog Abbey.
“Water Bark is a great opportunity for our residents and their pets to play, splash, and enjoy the last weeks of summer at our County’s beautiful parks. I thank County Executive Curran for continuing to provide quality of life improvements for thousands of dog-owning families in Nassau County. My dog Sirius is looking forward to splashing around at Eisenhower Park,” said Senator Thomas who attended the press event with his Siberian Husky Sirius.
“We’re so happy we could share some puppy love at today’s announcement and collaborate on Water Bark. We’re looking forward to having our Mobile Unit at the September 13th event where we can continue to promote animal rescue and adoption, as well as get the word out about our Virtual Walk & Wag event,” said Alison Brosky, Offsite Adoption Manager, North Shore Animal League America.
WATER BARK 2020 De-Tails:
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2020
Locations:
- EISENHOWER PARK – Merrick & Stewart Avenues, East Meadow – 516-572-0200
- COW MEADOW PARK – South Main Street, near Ann Drive South, Freeport – 516-571-8685
- N. WOODMERE PARK – Branch Blvd. & Hungry Harbor Road, North Woodmere – 516-571-7801
Note, the water is not chlorinated at the splash parks outlined above.
Times:
- Small Dog Session: 10:30am – 12:30pm
- Medium Dog Session: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
- Large Dog Session: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Safety Rules:
- All humans must wear a mask.
- Two people per pet to support social distancing.
- All dogs must be on a leash when entering and exiting the facility.
- Entry is free and entry is first-come first serve.
