Brooklyn Bridge Park, Main Street is Now a Dog Free Park

Dog free grass

According to the signs that went up in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Main Street location, the lawn is closed for rejuvenation through the winter. It will reopen in the spring 2012 as a dog free park (as with all grass areas of the park, consistent with other sections of Brooklyn Bridge Park). The sign does say that dogs are welcome at the Main Street dog run (photo below) and on pathways and promenades. We received a few emails from unhappy dog owners about this. What do you think?

Main Street dog run

60 Comment

  • As a dog owner, I agree with the ban.
    At night dogs are crapping and peeing all over the lawn. Then in the daytime, some poor bastard gets to lounge in it.

  • As a dog owner, I agree with the ban.
    At night dogs are crapping and peeing all over the lawn. Then in the daytime, some poor bastard gets to lounge in it.

  • As a dog owner I’m pissed. Most of the dog owners I know and the dog walkers intentionally avoid the lawn. One of the dog owners in my building did volunteer work to fix the weird watering problems the park had in the “neglected” era before the most recent City/State/BBP deal.

    I am/was fine with this policy in the “new” park but Main Street was a City park before it’s pseudo-privatization by BBP/BBPC/Whatever and this is in contradiction to other city park policies.

    BBPC need not contact me for further donations.

  • As a dog owner I’m pissed. Most of the dog owners I know and the dog walkers intentionally avoid the lawn. One of the dog owners in my building did volunteer work to fix the weird watering problems the park had in the “neglected” era before the most recent City/State/BBP deal.

    I am/was fine with this policy in the “new” park but Main Street was a City park before it’s pseudo-privatization by BBP/BBPC/Whatever and this is in contradiction to other city park policies.

    BBPC need not contact me for further donations.

  • Cadman plaza park is still dog friendly.

    This would not be a problem if a-hole dog owners pick up their dog crap.
    Ruins it for the rest of us responsible dog owners.

  • Cadman plaza park is still dog friendly.

    This would not be a problem if a-hole dog owners pick up their dog crap.
    Ruins it for the rest of us responsible dog owners.

  • There’s no change here. The lawn (actually all non-paved paths) was ALWAYS off limits to dogs in the former Dumbo Park (now integrated into Brooklyn Bridge Park). It’s just that so many people violated that rule and there was so little enforcement, it seemed as if it might be permitted.

  • There’s no change here. The lawn (actually all non-paved paths) was ALWAYS off limits to dogs in the former Dumbo Park (now integrated into Brooklyn Bridge Park). It’s just that so many people violated that rule and there was so little enforcement, it seemed as if it might be permitted.

  • It’s a private park they can do whatever they want.

  • It’s a private park they can do whatever they want.

  • I’m a dog owner and I’ve frequently approached owners letting their dog run off the leash on the grass and politely reminded them of the leash law. They inevitably get defensive, some angry. I think this sense of entitlement has probably ruined the park for those of us that respect the rules, and our dogs. I remember one lady used to bring to the middle of the lawn, get out a dog brush, and start brushing out all the dogs loose and dead hair. Nice!

  • I’m a dog owner and I’ve frequently approached owners letting their dog run off the leash on the grass and politely reminded them of the leash law. They inevitably get defensive, some angry. I think this sense of entitlement has probably ruined the park for those of us that respect the rules, and our dogs. I remember one lady used to bring to the middle of the lawn, get out a dog brush, and start brushing out all the dogs loose and dead hair. Nice!

  • This is a disgrace. With the $$ we pay to live in this neighborhood, our dogs cant even walk on grass?? How about children not being allowed on the grass and being confined to the playground?
    Perhaps Walentas wants to use the lawn to put in a ferris wheel to go with her eyesore carousel. Too bad Dumbo is now an amusement park for tourists.

  • This is a disgrace. With the $$ we pay to live in this neighborhood, our dogs cant even walk on grass?? How about children not being allowed on the grass and being confined to the playground?
    Perhaps Walentas wants to use the lawn to put in a ferris wheel to go with her eyesore carousel. Too bad Dumbo is now an amusement park for tourists.

  • It was about time. I applaud the motion !
    Hope that next summer the garbage issue is under control too!

  • It was about time. I applaud the motion !
    Hope that next summer the garbage issue is under control too!

  • Speaking of eyesores, Can they ban those amateurish art exhibits that pollute the park?

  • Speaking of eyesores, Can they ban those amateurish art exhibits that pollute the park?

  • Pingback: Linkage: Frank Gehry’s SuperSquad; Keeping Peace on BK Bridge Pedex Path - The Broker Buddy

  • Pingback: Linkage: Frank Gehry’s SuperSquad; Keeping Peace on BK Bridge Pedex Path - The Broker Buddy

  • This is ridiculous. there’s no reason this lawn can’t be like Cadman Plaza or Prospect park and have off-leash hours before 9am

  • This is ridiculous. there’s no reason this lawn can’t be like Cadman Plaza or Prospect park and have off-leash hours before 9am

  • BEST NEWS I HEARD ALL WEEK !
    AND I OWN 2 DOG !

  • BEST NEWS I HEARD ALL WEEK !
    AND I OWN 2 DOG !

  • We also have the largest dog run in the city 4 mins. away ! so this is the best news ever !

  • We also have the largest dog run in the city 4 mins. away ! so this is the best news ever !

  • Wonderful news. Who wants to sit in dog pee while reading a book on a nice afternoon.

  • Wonderful news. Who wants to sit in dog pee while reading a book on a nice afternoon.

  • THIS IS INSANE. PEOPLE PLAYING BALL DO MORE DAMAGE TO THE GRASS THAN ANY DOG – PEOPLE THAT DON’T PICK UP AFTER THEIR DOGS ARE THE ONES DOING DAMAGE….

    DOG OWNERS PAY TAXES AND SHOULD BE FREE TO USE THE PARKS WITH THEY BELOVED PUPPIES.

  • THIS IS INSANE. PEOPLE PLAYING BALL DO MORE DAMAGE TO THE GRASS THAN ANY DOG – PEOPLE THAT DON’T PICK UP AFTER THEIR DOGS ARE THE ONES DOING DAMAGE….

    DOG OWNERS PAY TAXES AND SHOULD BE FREE TO USE THE PARKS WITH THEY BELOVED PUPPIES.

  • I am a dog owner and feel this is ridiculous. My husband and I walk our dog through that park almost every weekend morning & you quickly realize it’s not the dogs doing the harm, but the people. Garbage is ALL over that lawn some mornings. My husband actively picks a lot of it up. Plus, it was a complete disgrace that a huge white “art” project was on that lawn for the DAF. It ruined the grass underneath it, not to mention there were paint stains & chips everywhere. If you haven’t noticed, they had to RE-SOD that entire area due to that monstrosity. So, yeah, dogs are truly the least of the problems we have on that lawn, especially since 98% of the owners I see out there are very responsible and allow the dogs to walk on the lawn, yet not soil it.

  • I am a dog owner and feel this is ridiculous. My husband and I walk our dog through that park almost every weekend morning & you quickly realize it’s not the dogs doing the harm, but the people. Garbage is ALL over that lawn some mornings. My husband actively picks a lot of it up. Plus, it was a complete disgrace that a huge white “art” project was on that lawn for the DAF. It ruined the grass underneath it, not to mention there were paint stains & chips everywhere. If you haven’t noticed, they had to RE-SOD that entire area due to that monstrosity. So, yeah, dogs are truly the least of the problems we have on that lawn, especially since 98% of the owners I see out there are very responsible and allow the dogs to walk on the lawn, yet not soil it.

  • I think a solution should be: DOGS MUST BE LEASHED ON LAWN AND CANNOT ENTER MORE THAN 5 FEET INTO IT. I know my dog likes to pee on natural grounds, and not on pavement. This way people can lounge in center area of the lawn, coexisting with dogs. I can’t stand children. They ruin the grass more so than dogs. Can we have a no children rule too?

  • I think a solution should be: DOGS MUST BE LEASHED ON LAWN AND CANNOT ENTER MORE THAN 5 FEET INTO IT. I know my dog likes to pee on natural grounds, and not on pavement. This way people can lounge in center area of the lawn, coexisting with dogs. I can’t stand children. They ruin the grass more so than dogs. Can we have a no children rule too?

  • Jesus is allowed on the grass. He can walk on the water to the Carousel, too.

  • Jesus is allowed on the grass. He can walk on the water to the Carousel, too.

  • No dogs, no cats, no squirrels, no children, no eating, no drinking, no live music, no speaking, no picture taking or video making, no rollerskating, rollerblading, skateboarding, no kayaking, no wearing of perfume, no swearing, no picking of daisies or smelling of roses, no writing implements or musical instruments, no thongs, tattoos, bikinis, cock rings or genital piercings, no smoking, no chewing of gum, no whistling, wittling or waddling, no flirting, kissing, hugging or any public displays of affection or disaffection, no reading, and no doing of anything that will offend anyone.

    p.s. – Except the rats. The rats are good. Rats allowed.

  • No dogs, no cats, no squirrels, no children, no eating, no drinking, no live music, no speaking, no picture taking or video making, no rollerskating, rollerblading, skateboarding, no kayaking, no wearing of perfume, no swearing, no picking of daisies or smelling of roses, no writing implements or musical instruments, no thongs, tattoos, bikinis, cock rings or genital piercings, no smoking, no chewing of gum, no whistling, wittling or waddling, no flirting, kissing, hugging or any public displays of affection or disaffection, no reading, and no doing of anything that will offend anyone.

    p.s. – Except the rats. The rats are good. Rats allowed.

  • I applaude those who are voicing what a disgrace it is to forbid man’s best friend(s) on grass!
    Shame on you for those who think that dogs walking and playing on the grass in a park is something that should be banned!
    So basically if I want to sit on the lawn (which I contribute plenty of tax dollars for) with my dog beside me (on the leash) while I read a book, I now cannot do so? Who dares to dictate this to taxpaying residents!? This is an absolute travesty! And BTW, the dog runs in the area are disgusting – my dog wants to roll in the grass as she should – she does not want to run in dirt on wood chips. Also, the dog owners and walkers who take their dogs to the dog run need to STOP talking on their cell phones and/or reading the paper while not watching their wild, unruly, ill-behaved dog… I no longer frequent the dog runs because of this issue, and would prefer to stroll on the grass with my dog…and i will continue to do so!!!

  • I applaude those who are voicing what a disgrace it is to forbid man’s best friend(s) on grass!
    Shame on you for those who think that dogs walking and playing on the grass in a park is something that should be banned!
    So basically if I want to sit on the lawn (which I contribute plenty of tax dollars for) with my dog beside me (on the leash) while I read a book, I now cannot do so? Who dares to dictate this to taxpaying residents!? This is an absolute travesty! And BTW, the dog runs in the area are disgusting – my dog wants to roll in the grass as she should – she does not want to run in dirt on wood chips. Also, the dog owners and walkers who take their dogs to the dog run need to STOP talking on their cell phones and/or reading the paper while not watching their wild, unruly, ill-behaved dog… I no longer frequent the dog runs because of this issue, and would prefer to stroll on the grass with my dog…and i will continue to do so!!!

  • Your dogs suck and if children pissed and shat all over the grass then they should be banned too. I applaud this action.

    Sorry if you’re a “responsible dog owner”, the other asshole dog owners ruined it for you, too bad you can’t have nice things.

  • Your dogs suck and if children pissed and shat all over the grass then they should be banned too. I applaud this action.

    Sorry if you’re a “responsible dog owner”, the other asshole dog owners ruined it for you, too bad you can’t have nice things.

  • Nice playground you’ve got there. Would be a pity if the same people who did the playground on Pier 1 could redesign & rearrange it. Oh wait, they are the same people, and they can, with pretty much the same level of neighborhood involvement as with the eviction of dogs from the park.

    Can’t wait to hear from this crowd about how wonderful reflective silver domes are to play on. The pirate ship was nice for “old” DUMBO, but doesn’t really reflect the style of the “new” Brooklyn Bridge Park. And that sand, that horrid sand, that will obviously have to go as well.

  • Nice playground you’ve got there. Would be a pity if the same people who did the playground on Pier 1 could redesign & rearrange it. Oh wait, they are the same people, and they can, with pretty much the same level of neighborhood involvement as with the eviction of dogs from the park.

    Can’t wait to hear from this crowd about how wonderful reflective silver domes are to play on. The pirate ship was nice for “old” DUMBO, but doesn’t really reflect the style of the “new” Brooklyn Bridge Park. And that sand, that horrid sand, that will obviously have to go as well.

  • Honestly I don’t think the dogs give a sh*!, no pun intended.

  • Honestly I don’t think the dogs give a sh*!, no pun intended.

  • CW: You are the one that “sucks”..saying that ‘our dogs suck’ shows the rude and disrespectful population that now inhabit Dumbo.
    What a shame for the neighborhood when humans talk to their dog-owners neighbors as such. How bout if i said, “ypur amnoying whining rug-rats for children suck?

  • CW: You are the one that “sucks”..saying that ‘our dogs suck’ shows the rude and disrespectful population that now inhabit Dumbo.
    What a shame for the neighborhood when humans talk to their dog-owners neighbors as such. How bout if i said, “ypur amnoying whining rug-rats for children suck?

  • This is why dogs and kids should not be allowed in Brooklyn

  • This is why dogs and kids should not be allowed in Brooklyn

  • Carousel yes, dogs no? There is no benefit from that carousel to the neighborhood or the park, it’s a disfiguring eyesore that steals park space. Where is the balance? Neighbors have dogs, tourists use the carousel. Jane’s ego inflates (maybe it will explode?) while dogs walk on hot pavement in summer or salty streets in winter. No need to donate to that park. Let them build the hotel, it’s not our park anymore anyway. And oh yes, don’t forget to say goodbye to St. Ann’s. Another gift from our park bwanas.

  • Carousel yes, dogs no? There is no benefit from that carousel to the neighborhood or the park, it’s a disfiguring eyesore that steals park space. Where is the balance? Neighbors have dogs, tourists use the carousel. Jane’s ego inflates (maybe it will explode?) while dogs walk on hot pavement in summer or salty streets in winter. No need to donate to that park. Let them build the hotel, it’s not our park anymore anyway. And oh yes, don’t forget to say goodbye to St. Ann’s. Another gift from our park bwanas.

  • This park is a great place to sit by the water and relax the mind! Not being able to sit with my dog defeats the purpose of the park. I can’t exactly leave him in the Dog Run then go relax on the lawn. Dumbo, like the city is too full of dogs to have them banned from any public out door area. If our dogs can go to work with us, they should be able to play and relax with us. My Dog loves the grass, he’ll gravitate to it roll around a sit for hours, in the dirt of the dog run he goes in and is ready to come right out if there isn’t a patch of grass available. I am sure that many will ignore this notice if not we’ll have dogs and dog owners OCCUPYING the lawn next spring!

  • This park is a great place to sit by the water and relax the mind! Not being able to sit with my dog defeats the purpose of the park. I can’t exactly leave him in the Dog Run then go relax on the lawn. Dumbo, like the city is too full of dogs to have them banned from any public out door area. If our dogs can go to work with us, they should be able to play and relax with us. My Dog loves the grass, he’ll gravitate to it roll around a sit for hours, in the dirt of the dog run he goes in and is ready to come right out if there isn’t a patch of grass available. I am sure that many will ignore this notice if not we’ll have dogs and dog owners OCCUPYING the lawn next spring!

  • I like the occupy the park idea..look at the end of the day, we really have no say, soon they’ll lock the park and charge an entrance fee..i’ve lived in this neighborhood for a few years, with my dog, am born and raised in BK. I remember when Dumbo was just a cartoon character. Change is inevitable, change that we don’t agree with is even more inevitable. Imagine the decision making process behind this, trying to accomodate the stroller pushers, dog lovers and tourists that have made this hood what it is, its gotta suck, i would hate that job. but until we actually speak up (not type) and organize a “town assembly” like the good old days, all that’s going to happen is that we’re all going to suffer from sore wrists/fingers…FIGHT THE POWER!

  • I like the occupy the park idea..look at the end of the day, we really have no say, soon they’ll lock the park and charge an entrance fee..i’ve lived in this neighborhood for a few years, with my dog, am born and raised in BK. I remember when Dumbo was just a cartoon character. Change is inevitable, change that we don’t agree with is even more inevitable. Imagine the decision making process behind this, trying to accomodate the stroller pushers, dog lovers and tourists that have made this hood what it is, its gotta suck, i would hate that job. but until we actually speak up (not type) and organize a “town assembly” like the good old days, all that’s going to happen is that we’re all going to suffer from sore wrists/fingers…FIGHT THE POWER!

  • “To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.”
    ? Milan Kundera

    @SM- Your comment above re: the kinds of people who populate Dumbo is accurate. But it’s been so for some time. Many of the people responsible for this policy (and policies like this) live or have lived in 1 Main. I knew these people, having lived there and seen them in action firsthand, most notably with their conniving, duplicitous and collusive behavior with Walentas. I sold my apt. at a profit and moved. Best thing I ever did. There was a piece in the NYX recently about a guy (with a dog) who sold his apt. at 1 Main and wound up in Williamsburg. He said he is much happier and only now realizes how loud and horrible Dumbo was/is. Take special note of what he says about his dog and how he began to understand her needs. (While she lived there, I got to meet Topeka. What a beautiful dog. She deserved so much better than Dumbo.)

    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/realestate/a-neighborhood-for-man-and-dog-the-hunt.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=Dumbo%20+%20Topeka&st=cse

    Just last week, I was walking in Carroll Gardens and met another guy I knew while we were both living in Dumbo . He was walking his dog. We stopped and chatted. We found agreement that living in Dumbo was a miserable experience. He actually called it the “worst years of his life.” I should point out, I know people (some with dogs, some without) who left Dumbo for California, Chicago, Texas, Chelsea, Park Slope, and elsewhere. Across the board, the sentiment is relief that they no longer live there.

    I’m with you on this policy. It’s disheartening, exclusionary, elitist, and cruel. I don’t know what your living situation is, but my recommendation is to sell your apartment and leave Dumbo. Whatever you think, Dumbo is, in reality, unpleasant. As are so many of its people. Once you extract yourself (and your family and dog) from the noise, filth, and chaos of Dumbo, you’ll be calmer, saner, happier, more productive. And you won’t be living near idiots like CW (or DW, for that matter). The curious, if maddening, thing to me is that Walentas and the policy makers in Dumbo (the Dumbo Bid and the BBPC), ruined the very thing that made Dumbo attractive in the first place. In racing to make the area a “destination” they’ve made the place unlivable.

  • “To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.”
    ? Milan Kundera

    @SM- Your comment above re: the kinds of people who populate Dumbo is accurate. But it’s been so for some time. Many of the people responsible for this policy (and policies like this) live or have lived in 1 Main. I knew these people, having lived there and seen them in action firsthand, most notably with their conniving, duplicitous and collusive behavior with Walentas. I sold my apt. at a profit and moved. Best thing I ever did. There was a piece in the NYX recently about a guy (with a dog) who sold his apt. at 1 Main and wound up in Williamsburg. He said he is much happier and only now realizes how loud and horrible Dumbo was/is. Take special note of what he says about his dog and how he began to understand her needs. (While she lived there, I got to meet Topeka. What a beautiful dog. She deserved so much better than Dumbo.)

    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/realestate/a-neighborhood-for-man-and-dog-the-hunt.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=Dumbo%20+%20Topeka&st=cse

    Just last week, I was walking in Carroll Gardens and met another guy I knew while we were both living in Dumbo . He was walking his dog. We stopped and chatted. We found agreement that living in Dumbo was a miserable experience. He actually called it the “worst years of his life.” I should point out, I know people (some with dogs, some without) who left Dumbo for California, Chicago, Texas, Chelsea, Park Slope, and elsewhere. Across the board, the sentiment is relief that they no longer live there.

    I’m with you on this policy. It’s disheartening, exclusionary, elitist, and cruel. I don’t know what your living situation is, but my recommendation is to sell your apartment and leave Dumbo. Whatever you think, Dumbo is, in reality, unpleasant. As are so many of its people. Once you extract yourself (and your family and dog) from the noise, filth, and chaos of Dumbo, you’ll be calmer, saner, happier, more productive. And you won’t be living near idiots like CW (or DW, for that matter). The curious, if maddening, thing to me is that Walentas and the policy makers in Dumbo (the Dumbo Bid and the BBPC), ruined the very thing that made Dumbo attractive in the first place. In racing to make the area a “destination” they’ve made the place unlivable.