MAYOR PALMIERI ANNOUNCES OPENING OF TR PROCTOR DOG PARK
UTICA -- Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri announced the opening of the dog park at Thomas R. Proctor Park. The dog park consists of separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs and is the latest of several additions to T.R. Proctor Park.
Use of the dog park is restricted to dogs that are licensed by the City Clerk’s office. Initially, the licensing requirement will be enforced by Animal Control officer patrols, but in the coming months the City will launch a key fob system. At that time, residents can visit the City Clerk’s Office to obtain a permit with a key fob to open the park gates.
The project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and has taken nearly a year to complete. There are shade areas, benches, decorative fire hydrants and dog-friendly water fountains in the park. The City also constructed a new sidewalk and parking lot with lights to accommodate travel to the park. Also, part of this project were flood mitigation measures and passage to the rest of T.R. Proctor Park.
With more residents living in apartment complexes and places without back yards, dog parks became one of the top requested park additions by residents. The dog park at T.R. Proctor is the City’s largest dog park and only the second in Utica’s history. Last month, Mayor Palmieri announced Utica’s first-ever dog park at Cinderella Field. The construction of two dog parks, the other being at T.R. Proctor Park, are part of an effort to diversify the Utica parks system to allow residents more outdoor opportunities for recreation and fitness. Both projects are a result of the Utica Prosperity Initiative’s emphasis on providing a healthier, more diverse park system.
Other recent improvements to Thomas R. Proctor Park include:
- The creation of a Sal Longo Field, a turf football and soccer stadium.
- A new inclusive playground at the east end of the park.
- A new skatepark, slated be completed later in the fall.
- New sidewalks along Culver Ave.
- A new, lit parking lot behind Buckley Pool.
Mayor Palmieri said: “I’m excited about the new dog park and about the future of Thomas R. Proctor Park. This dog park has extended T.R. Proctor Park and improved the look and functionality of the area it is in. The goal is for our park system to be the best park system in New York State. We want our parks to be a destination for our residents and visitors.”
Fourth Ward Councilperson Frank Meola said: “The Fourth Ward and the City of Utica are great places to live and enjoy for two-legged residents and their four-legged family members. Many people have pets but limited greenspace, and we wanted to make sure they have a place to go. The goal is to enhance the beautiful park system and the quality of life for everyone, and I’d like to thank the mayor and all who made this happen.”
