Dear Editor: As Parks Superintendent for the City of Hoboken, I would like to take this opportunity to address several misconceptions that resulted from recent letters to the editor regarding the issue of dog runs. Hoboken has three dog runs, one in Elysian Park, another in Stevens Park and one in Church Square Park. The City built these after 1993 when Mayor Anthony Russo was first elected to office. Before that time, Hoboken had no dog runs. In fact, dogs weren’t even allowed in the parks when I was a kid. But, the City responded to the needs of dog owners and we have provided dog runs. One recent letter questioned the maintenance and health status of our dog runs and the performance of the Hoboken Parks Division. As Superintendent, I can assure the public that our dog runs are maintained on a regular basis. But we rely on dog owners themselves to pick up remains from their dogs. While one writer wrote that it appeared that the sprinkler system at Sevens Park is never turned on, in fact, it is turned on when required, usually during early morning hours when no one is present. This prevents dog owners and their pets from getting soaked with water during daytime use of the dog run. We have worked hard to provide the best dog run facilities in our region and I believe we have accomplished that goal. Really, just take a look at dog runs in other communities and you will find that ours are well maintained, user friendly and adequate in size in relation to the parks they occupy. Compare our mile square city and its three dog runs to the City of Los Angeles, which, as I’m told, has only three dog runs. I’d say we are providing adequate space. What we would like to see more of from the public is cooperation in picking up after their dogs. Just because their dog may roam freely within the dog run and do “their duty,” doesn’t mean that the dog owner doesn’t have a responsibility to pick up and dispose of waste. Most dog owners do this. However, some choose to look the other way, which makes it harder for everyone. “Picking up” is something that also applies on our streets and sidewalks and we need more cooperation with this as well. In regards to the “no dogs on the grass” issue, I’d just like to point out the fact that this is the law. While some choose to disobey this law, they are putting the health of the public in jeopardy by allowing their dog to defecate on the grass. Children play on the grass and adults like to sun bathe in our open spaces. They have a right to be there, and dog owners have a responsibility to obey our laws which were designed to protect the public. In closing, the Parks Division works hard to keep our parks clean and green. We appreciate the cooperation of the public in meeting this goal. Our parks are for every one to enjoy. Pierre Maneri Hoboken Parks Superintendent