Devoe Park

NYC PARKS UNVEILS BRAND NEW DOG RUN IN DEVOE PARK IN THE BRONX

Today, NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa joined City Council Member Fernando Cabrera, dog-lovers and members of the community to celebrate the completion of the brand new dog run located in Devoe Park in the Bronx.

“Recreation, socialization, community – our City dog runs are a wonderful resource for New Yorkers and provide many benefits, both for those on two legs and four,” said Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “I’m thrilled to announce the opening of the brand new Devoe Park Dog Run, and I thank Mayor Bill de Blasio and Councilman Cabrera for their investment in this new recreation space in the heart of Fordham.”

"One of my best friends has fur and a tail. I am honored to have made available $600,000 from our Office available for dog-lovers and members of the community for the completion of the brand new dog run located in Devoe Park in the Borough of the Bronx. Our furry friends will now have a safe haven to play safely and make new friends," said Council member Fernando Cabrera.

The Devoe Park Dog Run Construction project has created two new separate dog areas in the park – one for large and one for small dogs. The dog runs feature stone screening surfaces and concrete pavement entrances to the corrals. Natural stone boulders in the runs provide play elements for dogs, and plantings have been added for increased shade. Water service has also been provided with yard hydrants in both dog runs.

The $796,000 project was made possible by a $196,000 allocation from Mayor Bill de Blasio, and $600,000 from Council Member Cabrera.

The history of Devoe Park in University Heights begins with the construction of the First Reformed Dutch Church in 1705 on the site. This church is said to be the oldest Bronx church with a regular ministry. The City of New York acquired three parcels of land for the park between 1885 and 1904. The Board of Alderman named the site Devoe Park in 1915 in honor of the previous owners. Two new playgrounds opened in 1935 and 1936. In 1995, as part of a reconstruction of the park, three scholar trees (Styphnolobium japonicum) and eleven pin oaks (Quercus palustris) were planted to provide park goers with the pleasure of green shade.