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Committee backs synthetic turf for Washington Square Park dog runs; off‑leash hours debate continues
Summary
The committee endorsed a Conservancy proposal to replace gravel with synthetic turf in both Washington Square Park dog runs (projected cost $161,000), while public commenters pressed for designated off‑leash morning hours. Parks staff said Parks policy precludes off‑leash hours in parks that already have formal dog runs; enforcement and health questions remain.
The Community Board 2 Parks & Waterfront Committee voted to approve the Washington Square Park Conservancy's plan to resurface both dog runs with a synthetic turf system, while leaving unresolved the larger public debate over designated off‑leash hours on adjacent lawns.
Will Morrison presented the resurfacing plan, describing an installation method that grades existing gravel, lays a backing and places synthetic turf over the prepared surface. He said the Conservancy would pursue fundraising and that the project would need Landmarks Preservation Commission review because it affects a landmarked park. Morrison told the committee the…
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