Tail Waggers’ ‘It’s Your Bark’ Day

By Dan Guarino

Dozens of volunteers and dozens more dogs came out for “It’s Your Bark” Day organized by the Tail Waggers Task Force at Rockaway’s Freeway Dog Park on a warm, sunny Saturday, March 29.

Dogs roamed, socialized, ran and played, while their human companions were hard at work cleaning up, clearing leaves, pushing wheelbarrows, restocking doggie cleanup bag stations, painting picnic benches and more.

The “getting ready for spring” cleanup is part of numerous “It’s My Park” events scheduled across the city over the next few weeks, where NYC Parks invites thousands of New Yorkers to “come together each year to volunteer and celebrate their neighborhood parks and public spaces …”

Saturday’s Rockaway event was visited by NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, new Administrator of Rockaway & Broad Channel Parks Elizabeth Walsack, and Rockaway Parks Deputy Administrator Khalil Bratton over the day.

Each offered assistance, checked in on progress and complimented the group on their hard work. Walsack, an Arverne resident, even brought her dog.

Rockaway Freeway Dog Run, as it is officially known, at 83-02 Beach Channel Drive, is the largest dog park in New York City. Tail Waggers President Fred Rodriguez and member Susan Jasper explained that up to fifteen years ago it was an unused, overgrown parcel of land. With the help of then Rockaway Parks Administrator Jill Weber, community groups were able to secure it for use as a dog park.

Originally under the community stewardship of the Allied Rockaway Foundation For Animal Recreation And Fitness, ARF-ARF, the space became a welcoming place for dogs and their owners. With three separate fenced in areas for dogs of all sizes to feel safe to play in, picnic benches, large grass areas, paths, special pet and people water fountains, and even doggie exercise installations, it is visited by thousands each year. Neighbors and dogs often meet and greet, and new friendships are formed by dog owners.

Taking over stewardship from ARF-ARF, the Tail Waggers Task Force formed in July 2024. Since then, often supported by local businesses, they have held several events, such as a first annual “Dog Halloween Costume Pawty” and “Photos with Santa Paws.”

They will be holding a “Rockaway Best of Show & Ice Cream Social” on Saturday, July 19, and on Saturday, Jun 21, an “Adoption and Donation” event with the North Shore Animal League and will be accepting food and monetary donations for support of Brat Rescue. “Every contribution saves lives!” Tail Waggers notes.

About pet adoptions and the many dogs waiting for a new best friend, Jasper emphatically states, “Don’t shop. Adopt!”

For more information find Tail Waggers Task Force on Facebook or go to www.tailwaggerstaskforce.org

 Photos by Dan Guarino.