BATTERY PARK CITY — There are no dogs allowed in Teardrop Park — but that hasn't stopped some owners from walking their pups through the picturesque park in Battery Park City, some angry residents say.
Some locals say the park — a little green oasis that sits in the middle of several residential buildings near the west end of Murray Street — was designated dog-free to keep it pristine for the many children who play in area. The measure was put in place for other tenants, too, who want to find one spot in Battery Park City, home to many dogs, that's not overrun with pets.
Now the residents are asking for a more effective way to help to keep the pooches, and their waste, out of the park.
“We need bigger signs. We need more enforcement,” said Community Board 1 member Dennis Gault, who was among several residents who complained about rule-breaking dog owners at a recent meeting. “If owners knew they’d be ticketed, that might stop some people from walking their dogs."
A large “No Dogs” sign sits at the main entrance to the park, while several small ones are located throughout Teardrop. Some residents say it's not enough, however, to clearly let people know that their pups aren't welcomed there.
“I don’t think a bigger sign or signs is a bad idea. People may not realize that it’s completely dog-free,” said Anna Carl, who walks her dog Pepper in nearby Rockefeller Park, which is one block away from Teardrop.
Battery Park City Authority spokesman Matthew Monahan told CB1 members at the meeting earlier this week that the authority would consider adding new “No Dogs Allowed” signs, if residents thought that would help.
Residents also proposed a crackdown by the Parks Enforcement Patrol officers, as well as more involvement from building managers, who could remind their tenants that the park is off-limits to pets.
But some dog owners said the dog-free policy, which bars dogs even from the paved walkways, is unnecessary and inconvenient.
“It’s a hassle sometimes. I can’t go out the entrance with my kids and my dog,” said Carole Reed, who lives in a building that faces the park. “I would never take my dog on the greenery, but if you’re in a hurry, you just want to get into you building as quickly as possibly, and through the park is the fastest way sometimes.”
Reed said some dog owners physically pick up their pets to get through the park without breaking the rules. But her pup is too heavy.
“My golden retriever is 50 pounds,” she added.
