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for larger version       ARF, ARF! Dog Run Group Introduces Itself
A new group that wants to establish a dog run on Parks Department property in Rockaway detailed its intentions late last week in a letter sent out to various community members and stakeholders. The Allied Rockaway Foundation for Animal Recreation and Fitness, or ARF ARF, says its first matter of business will be working with the community, local representatives and the city to find a suitable location. Then they'll raise money for amenities, monitor how the run is used, organize clean-ups and serve as liaison with the city, neighborhood and dog handlers, according to the letter, which is signed by member Peggy Page Press and dated March 16. "ARF ARF is deeply committed to responsible dog ownership and is presently devising various means of demonstrating this commitment to the citizens of Rockaway," the group says in its letter. To do that, ARF ARF wants to march in the Rockaway Memorial Day parade, and the group is planning the second "It's My Bark Day" event, tentatively scheduled for mid-May on the boardwalk between Beach 109 and Beach 99 streets. "We are hoping that "It's My Bark Day" will also serve as a fundraising event as we will need finances to support our immediate goals," the letter says. ARF ARF is also looking to partner with several animal agencies to offer spay and neutering, micro-chipping, pet licensing and adoption services. The Wave reported last week that the group is working on a proposal for a trial dog run on Shore Front Parkway and Beach 99 Street. That location was met with opposition from Delores Orr, who is the president of the Rockaway Beach Civic Association and the chairwoman of Community Board 14. It remains to be seen if ARF ARF's bid for the Beach 99 Street and Shore Front Parkway location will be successful; other spots have been considered along Shore Front Parkway, at Freeway Park and on Beach Channel Drive in Belle Harbor. Each of those locations has its pros and cons. The group is holding another open meeting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 25 inside the Department of Parks and Recreation building on Beach 86 Street and Shore Front Parkway. "We're striving to reach out to everyone in the community and we don't want to leave anyone out," ARF ARF member Valerie McClean told The Wave this week.
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