Park time is an important part of your routine with your furry best friend, and dog families like yours are a vital part of our Hudson River Park community. When you’re in the Park with your pup, we ask that you follow certain rules and guidelines so that everyone—on two legs and four—can enjoy the Park safely.
Put safety first, always
Hudson River Park is narrow, with the West Side Highway and one of the busiest bikeways in the nation on one side and the Hudson River’s dangerous currents on the other. Keeping your dog on a leash outside of dog parks helps protect your dog and helps keep other dogs, wildlife and Park patrons safe.
Get to know your local dog park
Hudson River Park loves pups, and has created five designated areas for your furry friends to run-off leash with their Park pals. All our dog parks are open daily during Park hours, from 6:00 AM-1:00 AM, with three scheduled daily cleanings. Find your dog’s favorite play space:
- Pier 84 Dog Park at W 44 St.
- Chelsea Waterside Dog Park at W 23 St. in Chelsea Waterside Park
- Gansevoort Peninsula Dog Park located on the north side of Gansevoort Peninsula
- Leroy Street Dog Park near HRPK’s Pier 40 at Leroy St.
- Tribeca Dog Park in Hudson River Park near Hubert St.
Doing your duty when your dog does theirs
Did you know that your dog’s bathroom habits can harm the beautiful green space you both enjoy? Dog urine, rich in salts, can actually kill grass and plants, leaving unsightly patches in its wake. And as for dog poop, it’s not the natural fertilizer you might think it is. In fact, it’s filled with harmful bacteria like E. coli, posing risks to humans, pets and water quality.
Hudson River Park’s four miles provide access to greenery for millions of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, and our horticulturists work hard to keep our riverfront lawns and gardens clean, safe and beautiful. Doing your part by keeping your dogs off Park lawns goes a long way to helping keep these green spaces healthy for everyone. And picking up after your furry companion when nature calls shows respect to the gardeners who keep Park gardens thriving and your fellow park users.
Remember the rules
Now that you’re ready to explore the great outdoors with your pup, let’s quickly review some important rules and regulations:
- Dogs must be on a leash (no more than six feet long) at all times, except in designated dog areas.
- New York State Law: All dogs must have a NYC license tag and valid rabies tag.
- Keep dogs off the grass and out of planted areas.
- You must pick up after your dog — including brushed dog hair — and dispose of the waste in containers provided throughout the Park, not in compost bins.
- Dogs must always be under the control of their owner.
- Dogs are not permitted in playgrounds, on ballfields, basketball and tennis courts.
Together, let’s keep the Park clean, green and safe
You and your dogs are some of our most dedicated Park patrons—filling our dog parks, piers and esplanades with playful energy no matter the season. As responsible dog owners, you help us preserve the beauty and integrity of Hudson River Park.
By following these guidelines and showing respect for the environment, fellow park-goers, and dedicated staff who keep this green space safe and beautiful, we can ensure that dogs, people and wildlife can continue to enjoy this urban sanctuary.
Interested in getting more involved with our HRPK dog community? Consider becoming a member of Hudson River Park Friends’ Four Legged Friends Program, which enables dogs, their people, and businesses to build a “pawsitive” community and ensure our dog-friendly Park stays clean, green and growing.