Location: East 10th St and Avenue A
Fun Factor: 4/5
Cleanliness: 4/5
Toys & Tools: 3/5
Human Crowd: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
In the East Village, between East 10th and East 7th Streets and Avenues A and B, is Tompkins Square Park, home of the Tompkins Square Dog Run, the first dog run in New York City. The run is located in the northeast section of the park, next to the flag pole immediatley outside the park office.
This large dog run was constructed in 1990 as part of a large-scale renovation project targeted at revitalizing the dilapidated park. Divided into two separate areas, one for smaller dogs (less than 23 lbs) and one for larger breeds, the park boasts plenty of running room for dogs of all sizes. The play areas are covered in a gravel and sand mix, conducive to serious frolicking, and are kept relatively odor and debris free by the dedicated group of community regulars who frequent the park. Water spigots and metal drinking bowls will keep fido well-hydrated and the dog run boasts three plastic wading pools during the summer months (one for the little dogs and two for the big guys) so your pooch can really beat the heat.
The park is comfortable for human guests as well. The small-breed side features a wooden deck area with built-in seating and additional benches around the gravel covered area, while the large-breed run has picnic tables and benches scattered around the outside fence. Shade trees surround the dog run, so you can relax in the shade while your dog gets their exercise for the day.
If it's your first time visiting the Tompkins Square dog run, it's easy to feel like a bit of an outsider, as you observe the local regulars - both human and canine alike - exchanging pleasantries like they're old friends (in many cases they are). The run does have an active community of regular visitors, who keep the park running and give it its unique character. The eclectic crowd varies wildly at Tompkins Square Dog Run, mirroring its East Village surroundings. You're just as likely to see an elderly lady playing with her Rottweiler as you are a sunglasses-sporting hipster primping his toy chihuahua. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with your fellow dog owners - the regular crew of owners at this dog run are welcoming and friendly and with a crowd this diverse, you're bound to make new friends!
If your dog enjoys social interaction (and if you're taking them to the dog run, it goes without saying that they do!), they'll find no shortage of playmates. Both large-breed and small-breed areas typically host a fair-sized pack at any time of day, every day of the week, with weekends being particularly popular.
If your hound goes to the dog run expecting a good game of fetch, we suggest bringing along your own ball (one that you're willing to share!) as the "house" balls tend to be in short supply, particularly in the small-dog run.
The park does not supply bags for cleanup duty, but does have slotted shovels that you can use for cleaning up after your dog.
The small-breed run, seen from the entrance.
A view of the large-breed run from the entrance.
A view from the deck area of the small-breed run.
The wading pool in the small-breed dog run.
Cavorting canines and relaxing owners.
The frolicking dogs often draw a crowd of passers-by, stopping to watch on their way through the park.
A view out onto Tompkins Square Park, as seen from the entrance of the dog run.
Ahh, nothing like a good day at the dog park!
