Acocella Foundation Donates 10K to Dog Park

The Joseph Acocella Jr. Foundation has donated $10,000 to the Harrison Dog Park. The dog park was one of Acocella's final and favorite projects as town clerk before his death last year.

The family made the announcement through a statement read by Councilwoman Marlane Amelio Thursday night. The money paid for renovations repair some drainage issues in the park. A plaque in Acocella's memory will also be added this spring, as well as a bench and trees. Those additions are expected to be complete by the end of May.

The Joseph M. Acocella Jr. Foundation shortly after Acocella's death in August 2011. The foundation has pledged to support a cause or charity important to Acocella every year.

"It was brought to our attention that the dog park had drainage issues as well as other issues that needed to be addressed," the letter read. "Our family decided that due to this being Joseph's last project, that meant so much to him, the work needed to be done and done immediately."

After unofficially opening in 2010, the Harrison dog park has been a welcomed addition to on Crystal Street. The Town/Village of Harrison hosted a grand re-opening of the park for the 2012 season Saturday morning.