Dog parks on Long Island: Where Fido can run and play outdoors
It's a dog meet dog world at Long Island dog parks. Credit: Danielle Silverman
From amenities to park tips, everything you need to know before you take Daisy or Fido out for an afternoon of outdoor fun.
NASSAU: Dog runs, water fountains and more
BALDWIN
" Jake" at a meet up and first birthday celebration for a group of puppy siblings and their owners at the Newbridge Dog Park in Bellmore. Credit: Linda Rosier
BAYVILLE
Centre Island Beach, oysterbaytown.com/dog, 516-797-4128. Seaside retreat with water views, separate fence play areas for small and large dogs. Features Fibar footing, shaded areas, fresh water, dog waste disposal bags. Dogs are not permitted on the beach. Open 8 a.m.-dusk seven days a week.
BELLMORE
EAST MEADOW
EAST ROCKAWAY
The dog run in Nickerson Beach Park in Lido Beach is a popular meeting place for dog owners. Credit: Aaron Zebrook
LIDO BEACH
MASSAPEQUA
OLD BETHPAGE
ROSLYN/EAST HILLS
A labrador-shepard named Cash, left, shows affection to a redboned coon hound named Reba at the dog run inside Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn. Credit: KEVIN P. COUGHLIN
ROSLYN/NORTH HILLS
SEAFORD
VALLEY STREAM
George Fiore of Levittown plays with his dog and other pups at the Wantagh Park dog run. Credit: Danielle Silverman
WANTAGH
WEST HEMPSTEAD
SUFFOLK: Beach access, agility courses and more
AMAGANSETT
BABYLON
Juan Lema of Babylon plays ball with his dog, Dexter, in the dog park at Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore. Credit: Barry Sloan
BAY SHORE
Gardiner County Park, Montauk Hwy., 631- 854-4949; open dawn to dusk daily. Park includes agility training area and around and over obstacles such as a suspended tire and wooden beams and planks. The area for small dogs is 80 feet by 300 feet, big dogs, 120 feet by 300 feet, while the agility training area measures 40 feet by 100 feet. There are two water stations in the park for dogs
BROOKHAVEN
CALVERTON
EAST ISLIP
Heckscher State Park, Heckscher Parkway, 631-581-2100; open dawn to dusk daily. Leashed dogs allowed on undeveloped trails year-round.
RULES FOR ROVER
Know before you go
Only some of the Island’s undeveloped parklands are open to dogs. The Long Island State Parks regional office has designated areas within select parks that are open to four-leggers. Dogs with special tags, such as guide dogs, therapy dogs and those assisting the hearing-impaired, are allowed in all state parks. Dogs must be on leashes no more than 6 feet long and owners must be able to show proof of up-to-date rabies shots. Other rules:
- Owners must pick up after their dogs; violators are subject to removal from the park.
- Dogs must not be left unattended at campgrounds.
- Only hunting dogs can run without leashes in specified areas of state and Suffolk County parks. Field trials are permitted at Napeague State Park with a Department of Environmental Conservation permit (dec.ny.gov/)
- Not all areas have access to water, so bring your own water and bowl.
- Owners are expected to keep an eye on their dogs at all times. Dogs acting aggressively should be removed immediately.
- A natural-borders park means it is surrounded by non-chain-link fencing and one or more sides of the park can be a natural border, such as water or other obstacles.
- Visitors are required to remove anything they bring in, including dog waste and trash. Natural border parks may be unavailable during certain bird-nesting and other habitat-related periods.
EAST NORTHPORT
EAST PATCHOGUE
HUNTINGTON
Tina Blanco from Middle Island splashes her dog Sadie at the Middle Island Dog Park in Middle Island where dogs can roam in this membership dog park. Credit: Randee Daddona
MIDDLE ISLAND
MONTAUK: CAMP HERO STATE PARK
MONTAUK POINT STATE PARK
SHADMOORE STATE PARK
NESCONSET
PECONIC
RIVERHEAD
Janet Spano, with her dog Patches, in the dog park on Boyle Road in Selden. Credit: James Carbone
SELDEN
SMITHTOWN
SOUTHAMPTON
Monica Morris, left, and Jordan Nicholson with their dogs at the Springs Dog Park on Three Mile Harbor / Hog Creek Road in East Hampton. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
SPRINGS
WADING RIVER
Brett Cassidy of Sayville tries to stay warm as he runs with his dogs at the Cherry Avenue Dog Park in West Sayville. Credit: Randee Daddona
