Hillsdale gets new dog run

 Hillsdale and the surrounding area have a new place to play and socialize, thanks to the opening of Roeliff Jansen Park’s Old Route 22 Dog Run. Columbia County’s newest — and only public — dog run has separate areas for large and small dogs and is designed to let dogs run free and play with other dogs. The large, grassy, fenced-in area includes chairs and a picnic table for owners keeping an eye on their pets while chatting with other dog lovers.

Roeliff Jansen Park’s dog run, which is open every day from sunrise to sunset, just as the park is, is quickly becoming popular with local and visiting dog owners. Tammy Madore of Copake, a regular user of the dog run, is delighted to have a safe, enclosed place to let her dog run.

“I throw tennis balls for Lickles and she has a fun time,†she said. “Before the dog park opened I had to play with her in the house. I’m looking forward to more people bringing their dogs to the dog run so they can socialize.â€

Built on what was once a section of Route 22, the run is shaded by large trees that had been planted along the old road. Volunteers organized by Maj Kalfus of Copake devoted many hours to cleaning up the former roadway, removing trash, pieces of asphalt, weeds and rocks. The area was seeded and then fenced and stations for discarding dog waste have been installed. Thanks to a nearby well, water for the dogs will soon be available. The run is just a short walk from the parking lot of the park, which is on Route 22 about one-half mile south of the Hillsdale traffic light.

“When Maj approached the park steering committee on behalf of local dog owners, we quickly agreed to the project,†said Caroline Stewart, chair of the Roeliff Jansen Park Steering Committee, “because community needs and interests drive the development of this park. Plus, the volunteers were willing to raise the money needed as well as clean up and maintain the area. That spirit of volunteerism is essential to the Roe Jan Park. The park would not exist without volunteers.â€

Regular users of the dog run have started setting up “play dates†for their pets. To set one up for your dog, contact Kalfus at majkalfus@fairpoint.net.

Donors to the dog run can have the name of a favorite dog or dogs printed on a “bone†plaque on the dog run fence. T-shirts featuring RJ, the dog run mascot, are available at Passiflora, on the Green in Hillsdale.

“Local dog owners were excited about the prospect of an enclosed dog run and have been very generous with their donations and their time helping to create the dog run,†said Kalfus. “They are pleased not to have to drive to Egremont’s dog run in order to let their dogs exercise off leash.â€

Dogs will continue to be allowed in the rest of Roe Jan Park but must be on leash at all times except when in the dog run. Owners must clean up after their dogs in the dog run as well as in the rest of the park. Waste stations are provided at the dog run and the parking lot. Users of the dog run must follow rules posted at the dog run. All dogs must be healthy, vaccinated and collared with identification including a valid license.

Information about the Old Route 22 Dog Run at Roe Jan Park, including rules of usage and how to donate, is available at the park’s website, roejanpark.org.Donations are tax deductible.

The Roeliff Jansen Park is owned by New York state and managed by the town of Hillsdale for the use of area residents and visitors. The park includes walking trails, a picnic grove and access to the Roeliff Jansen Kill.  Information about the park and upcoming events can be found at roejanpark.org.

Submitted by Roeliff Jansen Park Steering Committee member Meg Wormley.