Union Square Park

Dog Fountain Unveiled In Union Square Park

IMMEDIATE
Thursday, April 10, 2008
No. 28
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Parks & Recreation, the Union Square Partnership and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) today unveiled a brand new fountain at the dog run in Union Square Park. The ASPCA donated $30,000 to the Union Square Partnership for the creation, installation, and future maintenance of the fountain, which can be used by both dogs and their owners.

“This beautiful new fountain will provide much-need respite for pooches and their owners during the approaching ‘dog’ days of summer,” said Commissioner Benepe. “Thanks to the ASPCA and the Union Square Partnership for bringing this amenity to the Union Square Park Dog Run. The renovation of Union Square Park is sure to make this popular urban oasis even more enjoyable for all users—including our four-legged friends.”

“We are enormously grateful to the ASPCA for bringing the idea to the Partnership’s attention and partnering with us to bring this beautiful dog fountain to Union Square Park,” said Jennifer Falk, Executive Director, Union Square Partnership. “This new fountain will enhance the experience for dog run users and their owners, and is truly another great feature in our beloved park.”

“The ASPCA is thrilled to continue our long standing tradition of quenching the thirst of New York City’s animals by providing clean, cool drinking water in public parks,” said ASPCA Senior Director of Special Projects Valerie K. Angeli. “Since 1866, the ASPCA's mission has been to provide comfort and compassion to living creatures who cannot speak for themselves. It is our hope that this new doggie-friendly drinking fountain will be enjoyed by many canines for years to come. We also hope that those use it, or even just pass it by on their way through Union Square Park, will see the ASPCA name on the plaque and be inspired to be just a little bit kinder to all living things throughout their day.”

The fountain was designed by Parks & Recreation and contains a drinking fountain at the top for humans and a water bowl at its base for dogs. The bowl has moving water tray that allows the water to empty into a drain. The bowl can then be refilled with fresh water by an attached spigot.

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA has a long history of providing drinking fountains for animals since its founding in 1866, primarily for working horses that were the source of transportation during that time. In 2000, the ASPCA donated a historic horse water trough to Central Park for its carriage horses.