J. Hood Wright Park – Jay’s Run
W 173rd St between Fort Washington and Haven Aves
The former residence of financier J. Hood Wright, these grounds now accommodate the scenic spot where locals come to relax under a picturesque pergola while their dogs frolic freely.

Harlem
St. Nicholas Park
St. Nicholas Ave between W 135th and 136th Sts
Volunteers keep the run well landscaped and blanketed in woodchips. Owners convene here the first Saturday of every month (9-11 am) to sip coffee and mingle with other dog-loving locals.

Marcus Garvey Park
E 120th St at Madison Ave
Dangerous voltage leaks and un-picked-up doggy treats have deterred some owners from this otherwise lovely historic park.

Thomas Jefferson Park
E 112th St at First Ave
Right by the FDR Drive, this small run is little noisy, but it’s the only one in the area.

Upper West Side/Morning Side Heights
Theodore Roosevelt Park – Teddy’s Dog Run
W 81st St at Columbus Ave
Set against the grand backdrop of the Museum of Natural History, the run is a city favorite. The park provides plenty of shade, water faucets and fountains, and a separate area for small dogs.

Upper East Side
Carl Schurz Park (2 runs)
E 86th St at East End Ave
With runs for both small dogs and larger ones, the canine-friendly park throws many dog-specific events throughout the year.

East 60 Pavilion Esplanade (private)
E 60th St at East River
An annual fee guarantees that poop bags are always in stock at this simple but clean run. User comments confirm the prevalence of well-behaved dogs and people.

Central Park
No official dog run exists as of yet in the city’s largest park. For now, well-marked signs let owners know where dogs should be leashed. Plus, there are park-wide off-leash hours before 9am and after 9pm.

Midtown East
Peter Detmold Park
E 49th St at FDR Dr
Because of its proximity to the highway, owners often complain about the noise and strong river winds. Nevertheless, the generous space features lots of trees, benches and quaint historical lamps.

Robert Moses Park
E 41st St at First Ave
The pleasant community of owners who frequent this run compensates for the otherwise uninviting strip of pavement.

Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton
Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association (HKNA)/Astro’s Community Dog Run (private)
W 39th St at 10th Ave
Situated next to a lovely community garden, the exclusive run requires a key to get in and $25 plus dollars in membership. See www.hkdogrun.rog to join.

DeWitt Clinton Park
W 52nd at 11th Ave
Thanks to the Friends of DeWitt, who oversee the run, it now has a water supply as well as a miniature doggie swimming pool in the summertime.

Gramercy/Flatiron/Union Sq
Madison Square Park – Jemmy’s Run
E 24th St at Fifth Ave
One of the most popular in Manhattan, this run named for James Madison’s nickname, is a place to see and be seen for dogs and owners alike.

Stuyvesant Square
E 15th St between First and Second Aves
Hours are limited (7-9 am and 9-11 pm), though they do go a little later on the weekends. That being said, the before- and after-work crowds who go there are as diverse as they are friendly.

West Village
Washington Square Dog Run – George’s Run
W 4th St at Thompson St
The “it” downtown destination for four-legged animals, the NYU home base becomes fairly packed on the weekends with romping dogs and admiring passers-by. Luckily, there’s enough space, thanks to a combination of George’s Run, for mid to large-size dogs, and a second run across the way for smaller pups.

West Village D.O.G. Run (private)
Little W 12th St between Washington St and 10th Ave
A key for this members-only run costs $40 for the 300 families who apply on a first-come, first-serve basis every spring. If you’re fortunate enough to get off the waiting list, perks include drinking bowls, asphalt paving, and 24/7 access. For more info, go to www.wvdog.org.

Mercer-Houston Dog Run (private)
W Houston St at Mercer St
Tucked away from the rough and tumble of Washington Square Park, this well-maintained dog run, located just across the street from the Angelika, is yours if you’re prepared to cough up $50/year for membership and stick it out on the wait-list. Request an application at www.mhdra.org.

Hudson River Park – Dog Lawn
Leroy St at the northeast corner of Pier 40
One of the best-kept secrets in the West Village, this welcoming patch of grass offers fresh air for dogs and stunning views for handlers.

Soho/Tribeca
Tribeca Dog Run (private)
Warren St between Greenwich and West Sts
Adjacent to PS 234, the asphalt-covered run is maintained by the Dog Owners of Tribeca and requires a membership. Call (212) 732-9657 to find out more.

Lower East Side
Fish Bridge Park
Dover St at Pearl St
Stroll down the timeless cobblestone streets of Lower Manhattan and you'll reach this charming, brick-lane dog run, whose name reflects the junction between the Fulton Fish Market and Brooklyn Bridge.

Financial District/Battery Park
Battery Park City (2 runs)
Sirius Dog Run at Kowsky Plaza and North End Avenue Islands at Warren St
Named for a yellow Labrador who died on 9/11, the new run at Kowsky Plaza comes complete with a bathing pool for dogs to drink and wade in and long wooden benches from which owners can admire the view. The run at North End Avenue also provides a nice alternative for downtown Manhattanites.

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BROOKLYN

Brooklyn Heights
Palmetto Playground
Columbia Place at State St
Occupying a corner by the BQE, the run is small and well maintained. The convenience of being open 24 hours per day adds to its popularity.

Hillside Park
Columbia Heights at Middagh St
Just two blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge, the fenced-in, two-plus acres of open space have enough wooden benches to seat as many as 30 (humans, that is).

Carroll Gardens
Dimattina Park – Rapelye Street Dog Run
Rapeyle St at Hicks St
Having found a home in an abandoned basketball court, the recently renovated dog run has been resurfaced and refashioned with a new, double-gate entrance. It’s too bad you can still hear cars rumble by on the BQE.

Prospect Park
Prospect Park
The park is almost like one giant dog run thanks to the victory of legal off-leash hours (9am-9pm). Many of the fields allow for permanent off-leash time, and there’s even a dog beach (enter at 9th St). The first Saturday of the every month hosts “Coffee Bark” in the Long Meadow where treats are served to humans and canines. For more info about the sponsors, visit fidobrooklyn.com.

Bay Ridge
Owl’s Head Park
68th St at Shore Rd
The grassy surface, trees and spectacular views of the New York Harbor make this one of the most beautiful dog runs in Brooklyn.

Dyker Heights
Dyker Beach Park
86th St at 7th Ave
The members of the nearby golf course have graciously permitted the presence of off-leash dogs here, but the area’s future status as an official run remains uncertain, so don’t forget to pick up after your animal.

Fort Greene
Fort Greene Park
Striving to be as dog-friendly as Prospect Park, the park receives support jointly from the Fort Greene Park Users and P.U.P.S. Check out fortgreenpups.org for a calendar of events. Off-leash hours are before 9 am and after 9 pm.

Williamsburg/Greenpoint
McCarren Park
Driggs at N 12th St
This is a standard run that nonetheless attracts probably the most zealous dogsters around. The McCarren Park Dog Run Association ensures that big and little dogs can both play here safely.

Park Slope
J J Byrne Memorial Park
4th St between 4th and 5th Ave
It's a small plot of dirt. Not much to write home about.

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QUEENS

Little Bay Dog Run
Cross Island Parkway between Clearview Expressway and Utopia Parkway

Woodside
Windmuller Park - Doughboy Plaza
Woodside Ave at 56th St

Forest Hills
Flushing Meadow Park Adjacent Dog Run
Grand Central Parkway between 64th Rd and 64th Ave

Astoria
Astoria Park
Shore Blvd at Astoria Park South

Long Island City
Murray Dog Run
21st St at 44th Ave

Vernon Boulevard Dog Run
Vernon Blvd between 48th and 49th Aves

Fresh Meadows
Cunningham Park and Dog Run
193rd Street South at Union Turnpike

Woodhaven
Forest Park – K-9 Korral
Park Lane South at 85th St

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BRONX

Riverdale
Ewen Park – John’s Run
Riverdale Ave at W 232nd St

Frank S. Hackett Park – Frank’s Run
Riverdale Ave at 254th St

Seton Park
W 235th St at Independence Ave

Van Cortlandt Park – Canine Court
W 252nd St at Broadway

Pelham Bay
Pelham Bay Park
Middletown Rd at Stadium Ave

Norwood
Williamsbridge Oval
Reservoir Oval at 208th St

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STATEN ISLAND

Silver Lake Park
Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments

Wolfe's Pond Park Dog Run
End of Huguenot and Chester Aves