NYC Tailblazers, a professional dog walking and pet care business serving the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, respectfully submits this proposal to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation requesting the designation of a permanent off-leash dog run within Sunset Park.
Sunset Park is a beloved 24-acre green space in one of Brooklyn's most densely populated and rapidly growing neighborhoods. Despite a high concentration of dog owners in the surrounding community, there is currently no designated off-leash area within the park — leaving residents with no safe, legal space for their dogs to exercise freely.
The Sunset Park neighborhood is home to thousands of dog-owning families. Without a designated off-leash area, residents are forced to either keep dogs on-leash at all times (limiting the animals' physical and mental health) or allow off-leash activity in non-designated areas — creating enforcement issues, safety concerns, and tension with other park users.
Neighboring Brooklyn neighborhoods with similar population densities — including Park Slope, Bay Ridge, and Red Hook — have established dog runs that are heavily used and well-maintained. Sunset Park deserves the same.
Park: Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY
Address: 41st–44th Streets, between 5th and 7th Avenues
Proposed Area: Underutilized eastern lawn section (approx. 5,000–8,000 sq ft)
Access: Separate entrance gate from main park path
The eastern lawn area of Sunset Park currently sees low recreational use and is not designated for any organized activity. It offers:
| Benefit | Who It Helps | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Safe off-leash exercise for dogs | Dog owners, dogs | Reduces behavioral issues; improves animal health |
| Reduced illegal off-leash use | All park users, NYPD, Parks | Fewer conflicts; cleaner enforcement |
| Community gathering space | Neighbors | Builds social connections among residents |
| Supports local pet businesses | Local economy | NYC Tailblazers + other small businesses |
| Physical & mental health of residents | Dog owners | Regular park visits improve wellbeing |
| Equity for dense neighborhoods | Sunset Park community | Matches amenities available in other boroughs |
NYC Tailblazers commits to acting as a community steward for the proposed dog run, including:
We propose the following funding pathways for consideration:
Petition signatures, CB10 presentation, City Council outreach
Site assessment by NYC Parks, formal application submission
Site design, environmental review, community board vote
Fencing, amenities installed, grand opening event
We are prepared to gather community petition signatures, present at a Community Board 10 meeting, and work with local City Council Member Alexa Avilés (District 38) to advance this request.