This started with some talks in 2009 about why there was not a local dog park in this area....Then For Paws of Ulster came together in 2010 to bring a County Dog Park to New Paltz. As a group, we have been working on this initiative for over five years, and couldn't be more thrilled to finally have our For Paws of Ulster County Dog Park. Now that we are open (September 23, 2014), we will still be
very active in supporting the maintenance and enhancements of the dog park. We also carry insurance and contracts with Ulster County and the Town of New Paltz to ensure the dog park remains open for public use! Board is Christie DeBoer, Marion DuBois, Karen Bennett, Helen Gutfreund, and Danielle Cardella. We're all dog owning residents of Ulster County, who want to be able to bring our dogs to a local dog park, same as you. We also have a very dedicated volunteer Events Committee who assist with our fundraising and awareness events. If you would like to host an event or help with one of our events, PLEASE let us know! MEET THE BOARD:
Dr. Karen Bennett, owner of the Compassion Veterinary Center of New Paltz since 1989 joined the For Paws of Ulster Board in early 2014. She looks forward to seeing you in her office and around town where you can submit your suggestions and comments about the progress of the park. Having a safe, accessible and fun place for our good dogs to meet and play is a priority! Christie DeBoer, Executive Director of the Wallkill Valley Land Trust, is "mom" to Cricket, Cosmo, and Coco: all rescued terriers. At home she also has Rocky, a mutt mix that is 15 years young with her partner Eric Fye. Christie originates from Miami, FL and has 15 years experience in wildlife conservation and environmental education. She is often seen in and around Ulster County being walked by her pups, especially on Huguenot Street, where her office is located! After her family, Marion DuBois' true love lies in all creatures both wild and domestic. Marion spent nine years on the New Paltz Town Board working as an environmentalist and animal advocate. She now continues this work as a proud member of the Town of New Paltz Clean Water and Open Space Preservation Commission. Marion's goal is a safe and healthy environment for all and an Ulster County Dog Park is a big step toward this goal. Helen Gutfreund is the Director of Marketing & Communications at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and mother of two rescue dogs - Noodle, a miniature poodle mix, and Frisky, a Cocker/Clumber Spaniel mix. She joined the Board in the summer of 2014 after being involved with For Paws of Ulster, Inc. from it's inception as a volunteer for our many fundraising events, as well as assisting with social media.
