Brooklyn - -
New York City's Largest Off-Leash Community
Summer 2010 (+2011 update)
The Bottom Line as we saw it back in July 2009
"Here's the question: should we be content to just clean up every week or attack the problem!
FIDO would like to see dozens of large trash containers, placed where the public can access them - no more individual garbage cans that constantly overflow. Enough is enough... (2010 - twelve were purchased - two donated by FIDO)
2011 update: after years of worrying about whether Olmstead would approve of unsightly mammoth garbage containers, The Alliance swallowed its pride and got down to business. These two yard containers actually work - the public making an all our effort to "bag it over" to these containers where visible. We need another twelve at least for 2011. But they're only as good as the availability of clean up crews. During summer 2010, clean up crews worked evening hours, their efferts usully apparent along the Long Meadow the following morning. The Peninsula area was still a mess on weekend mornings however.
FIDO would like to see a specific "green squad" of volunteers to approach picnickers as well as a spring-time ticket blitz for the illegal barbecuing that is destroying tree roots and pitting open meadows. FIDO would like to see a policy of "Bag it in; Bag It Out" instituted as well, like they have in many state parks around the country,2011 update: We thought this was an idea worth trying initially but nothing much changed over the summer of 2010. Volunteers as well as Alliance officials made an all out effort to approach picnickers and explain why illegal barbecuing was destroying trees. There was no ticket blitz. People were appreciative and for the most part friendly but at the end of the day the Peninsula, at least, was a mess by morning.
Strict enforcement is the only way - like they do with off-leash using undercover detectives . Better yet, simply stop barbecuing in the park entirely. Central Park doesn't allow barbecuing at all.
"Bag It in; Bag It Out" would not be on the table according to the Alliance; the City Park's Commissioner deeming it problematic in that people would only bag it out to the nearest subway entrance. Bagging over to the nearest container is all that we could expect.
FIDO would like to see expansion of "striking" signs that would go a long way toward steering people to the proper areas." (Some warnings are being handed out but they're being far too polite - signs in place - expanded barbecuing area)
2011 update: "Coals Kill" signage top notch but let's take it one step further. We need to revolutionize all park rule signs so that it looks like they means business, not just an exercise in pastel. Red on white "Do not..." warnings including off-leash "No, No, areas" need to be improved with signs that are readable from ten feet away.
If We Talk The Talk, Can We Walk the Walk?
Help The Prospect Park Alliance get the word out to the public!2010 - From Prospect Park Alliance...
We are embarking on another venture to help keep Prospect Park clean. This particular campaign focuses on Parks "Anti-Litter Initiative" by encouraging sports leagues, picnickers and patrons to use garbage bags and bins.Starting this weekend, we are searching for volunteers to work alongside a staff person distributing literature, garbage bags, etc. to park users in BBQ and picnic areas. The shifts are 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. and 12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.Join us by calling 718-965-8960 or via email at volunteers@prospectpark.org . We thank you in advance for your usual cooperation in our endeavors to keep Prospect Park clean and beautiful."James E. Green
Office Manager
What does work!
Buy and they will be used.
One container is obviously not enough but picnickers get the idea. Look for at least twelve new, two yard trash containers arriving near your off-leash area.
Now you can help encourage people to clean up - bag it over to the nearest container!or
Join The FIDO Green Team
We do it the old fashion way!
Mondays around 9 a.m.
The Peninsula - E-mail Tony: fidobrooklyn@gmail.com
Long Meadow - E-mail Brian Henry: bjh1012@aol.comSee FIDO Member Garry Osgood's commentary with Amy Pearl WNCY-News
