So I have been meaning to update this for some time, I am ashamed it has taken me so long to do so. I was incorrect in my previous review - there is a smaller run available. It just seems to be the rule of thumb here that only "bad dogs" go in there, where typically smaller runs are for smaller dogs who may be more delicate or intimidated by larger dogs. Anyhow, the large open space is what Cleo loves so that is what she gets! There are little hills, rock formations and areas to dig, run a kind of circuit and benches / tables for the humans to seek refuge from the pups that rule this land. Two things that can be improved here are: 1) Have a water fountain, although I always am sure to bring a large bottle this would greatly help if anyone was under-prepared so no pooches get dehydrated 2) More lights for use during the evening. There are several uncovered areas here that the lights do not reach which makes it difficult to monitor your baby On that note, cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war! read more

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I've been told this is the biggest dog park in the city. I also believe it to be the best in Manhattan and Brooklyn, combined. The terrain is all over the place and it truly feels like you're in a sliver of the Catskills. I love it and so does my little pupper. He's medium sized friendly barker of a dog and does laps around this place. They're also in the process of expanding it currently. So lots of construction. They've rebuilt the entrance fence to it and so it feels very safe. There's a real sense of community if you come often enough. Love this place! read more

Well, we haven't had much experience with dog runs since we just moved to New York a few weeks ago. We have a German Shepherd who is used to being off leash and playing catch with my husband, at least four times a day. New York City just ain't the place for that. So we checked out this dog run and compared to what we're used to and what we'd like, it doesn't quite hit the mark. However, being in New York, it's the only place we've been able to find so far where we can play a little bit of catch with her even though there are a couple of other dogs around. At least on the day that we went, those dogs seem to not be too interested in her or her ball so all was okay. We will likely go back since it's our best option as far as we know now. But we'll still be looking... read more

Another pleasant surprise....with a little work it could be a great unique run. Things it has going for it: - Separate large & small dog runs with separate entrances - Adequate seating for dog owners - Plenty of shade during the summer (maybe too much) - Rock outcrops for dogs to climb on Things it has against it: - No bathrooms near run for humans - No poop bags, but plastic shopping bags available when I have been there - No water available in either run - Built on the side of a hill, so not level - Wood chips as ground cover but not enough laid down.....dirt is exposed - Temporary fencing used, is a little to short in some areas due to build up of wood chips. This run isn't bad. Its a little unique with the rock outcrops. New ground cover, water and better fencing would make this a 4 star run in my opinion. Dog runs/parks I have been to so far: http://www.yelp.com/list/nyc-area-dog-parks-runs-queens-3 read more

Bring my dog here a few times a week and I'm not sure why this part it's such a bad review. Is larger than most of the dog parks in the city I've visited, it has more benches, and it has hills and trees unlike a lot of the parks in the city. On the bad side, like most of the dog parks I've visited, it doesn't have water, and sometimes bad owners with non-socialized dogs come out to terrorize. This dog park is located in the boonies I mean you have to have like a map and a damn tour guide. You have better luck finding Waldo on a huge cereal box. I literally just let my dog loose in the parking he found the dog park but I won't give him the credit lol read more

Saint Nicholas Park Dog Run - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Went to check out this dog run on a fall evening. The entrance is inside the west side of St. Nicholas Park and just north of W 135th St. I found it a little difficult to find and just followed another dog owner in hopes they were heading to the dog run. There is a dirt gravel road just off the paved walkway that leads to the dog run gate entrance. This is the first dog run I've been to in the city that feels like you are out in nature since the run sits on the side of a hill. The run slopes down with lots of trees, fallen leaves, and big broken slabs of concrete that my have been an old roadway. Any kind of "stairs" in the run are jagged and are steep so I felt that I had to be careful getting around. My dog has little legs so he had to walk out of the way to flatter parts on the side of the run to get around. Bonus points for the nature feel but seems better suited for larger dogs than mine to run around and climb. Not a lot of seating that I remember. A bench at the very bottom of the run and a picnic table at the top. And since it was fall, it got dark quickly and lighting was limited. read more

I have a love hate relationship with this park. What some of the other yelpers have said is true, shopping bags for waste (I bring my own baggies so this isn't a problem for me), no water and the gates are a little short. However, it is beautifully sloped, has a little mountain, perfect shading in the summer, benches, two parks (one for small dogs or non-socialized dogs) and the big park for everyone else. What really brings down this park is some of the people, sometimes bigger dogs will terrorize the smaller dogs and their doggy parents will just continue texting, talking to their friends or laugh meanwhile their dog is scaring the smaller dog. This isn't fun for anyone else. Recently, there have been people who bring their fighting dogs to "practice" with the dogs at the park. Really hope someone puts a stop to this. I really like this park. read more

Full of the friendliest people and dogs imaginable, Saint Nicholas Dog Park is almost as fun for me as it is for my energetic pup! This park is nice and big with fun terrain for my dog to explore. With a dirt and wood-chip ground floor and lots of trees and rocks to break it up, the park is big enough for us to play a game of fetch without disturbing other dogs playing. There is also a smaller area above the park for little dogs. Sometimes people bring their less friendly dogs to that area, which is nice because it keeps them out of trouble. I was nervous when I saw a review about people bringing their dogs to practice fighting, but I have NEVER experienced that. Sure, a couple dogs have gotten in a scuffle, but it was all accidental and well-managed by their owners. That's to be expected at any dog park. Mostly, the pups here are well-socialized and great friends for our canine companion. One recommendation: bring water and poop bags. There is almost always a ball to throw, but the park is often out of bags and has no water source. read more

You have to take the good with the bad, besides some poor landscaping, bad fencing and no water for the dogs (park wide issue, there are no working water fountains, even for two legged walkers). this park is a blessing to the community, there are very few dog runs within distance of this Parks. Hopefully the parks Commissioner will be diligent enough to hear his community and their request for bettering our dog walk. read more

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Love this place for my dog but only draw back is some people can't control their dogs and it can get a little hectic read more

Saint Nicholas Park Dog Run - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I come here regularly with my cavvy. You tend to see the same people with their pups, so there is a real sense of community. Most people are very nice and attentive to their dog's behavior. There is a small run and a very, very large run. The small run here is mostly used for "aggressive" dogs, rather than for small dogs. So most small dogs end up running around the larger, and much nicer, part of the dog run. The downside of that is that sometimes, understandably, the large dogs can physically out-do the little dogs even if playing nicely. When too many big dogs are there being very playful, I tend to go because my lil gal just physically can't keep up or be as strong as the big dogs, even if playing nicely. I love that this park feels like you are in the woods. The entire area is made of mulch, tree stumps, natural boulders and under a huge canopy of trees. Sometimes people bring their aggressive dogs and cause fights. Not fair, but that might happen anywhere. Overall, nice park with decent/responsible owners and mostly friendly, happy dogs. But be aware to watch for your pup's safety first, like anywhere else. read more

Dom and I just moved to the city. Dom is a Great Dane. Walks aren't doing it for Dom. This park is perfect: big, varied terrain, TREES, lots of places to sit. Super convenient and running up and down the big hill tires him out like mad. read more

Saint Nicholas Park Dog Run - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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This dog run is BEAUTIFUL! Loads of space and even picnic tables. The only downfall I really see is that there were no other dogs here...so my dog was kinda lonely. read more

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This is doggie heaven .if I were a dog I would live here. It's clesn,huge and everyone is do friendly. Very responsible dog owners keep the pups active but welk behaved. read more

little tricky to access and they don't have water bowls/water like the other dog runs. very spacious though!

Great park for large dogs. He run has nice terrain for he dogs to run and exercise. Love his place for my dog. The only downside is that there is no water available so remember to bring water for your pup! read more

One of the better dog parks terrestrially, unfortunately it wasn't as popular as others with less dog-friendly surfaces downtown.