Long Island’s first-ever ‘natural borders’ dog-run park opened recently in Patchogue on Mud Creek County Park at the end of Roe Avenue, facing the Great South Bay.

The Suffolk Parks Department gained input from dog-park enthusiasts, community members and Brookhaven Town officials in picking the location as a pilot for other potential Suffolk natural border parks. Unlike other dog parks that are defined by chain-link fencing or other man-made barriers, the perimeter of the Mud Creek park is distinguished by areas of existing natural and sensitive vegetation that are protected by snow fencing.

The facility is a “carry in, carry out” park; patrons are expected to pick up after their pets and to remove the waste from the premises, in addition to transporting and providing water for their pets. The park is scheduled to be open from dawn to dusk, Sept. 1 – March 1 and will be closed during other months to ensure the protection of wildlife around the site.