DiMattina Playground Money Going To The Dogs—In A Good Way

They say every dog has its day. But this week a win was announced for all of man's best friends—at least those who live in the Carroll Gardens community.

The city is planning a $450,000 renovation of the DiMattina Playground dog run at Hicks St. and Hamilton Avenue, Borough President Marty Markowitz confirmed with Patch Tuesday afternoon. In the 16 years since it was created, the dog run has suffered from being too small, poorly lit and exhibiting severely cracked concrete that inevitably tripped up canines and humans alike. But local dog-owners had few other options for areas to let Fido frolic leash-free.

Proposed improvements to the DiMattina dog run will include landscaping, lighting, separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as a cast-iron water fountain set low to the ground and bowl-shaped, designed specifically with pooches in mind.

“I used to bring my two dogs there but stopped due to the poor conditions and lack of lighting,” said Sackett Street resident Jamie Bless, who owns a poodle, Joey, and a bichon, Kenji. “The neighborhood is really lacking a good dog park. So after the renovations I will definitely bring them back.”

The cost of the project, which is still pending approval by Community Board 6, will be split down the middle between the offices of Borough President Marty Markowitz and Councilman Brad Lander, D–Carroll Gardens.

When asked to comment, Markowitz e-mailed this jovial, if pun-heavy, response:

“I was thrilled to join Councilman Brad Lander to provide funds to upgrade Carroll Garden’s beloved DiMattina dog run for man’s best friend and their ‘two-footed’ companions. Even after a ‘ruff’ day frolicking in the sun, there won’t be any ‘hot dogs’ at the park—thanks to the Park Department’s cleverly designed dog-only water fountain. Rover—not to mention all of Carroll Garden’s coddled canines—never had it so good!”