Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs is Washington Square Park’s dedicated off-leash space for dogs weighing 25 pounds or less. Find it along the southern path between Thompson Street and LaGuardia Place. It is separate from the all-size dog run behind the Park House farther west.
The lead photograph was taken in June 2014. It shows the small-dog enclosure at that time, not a guarantee of today’s surface or equipment conditions.
Plan your visit
- Arrival address: 59 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012. Continue inside the park to the small-dog run.
- Who can play: Dogs 25 pounds and under, according to the Washington Square Park Conservancy.
- Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to midnight, New York time. Follow signs for temporary maintenance or access restrictions.
- Parking: The Conservancy says there is no car parking inside the park. Plan your arrival on foot or check nearby street and garage options separately.
- Bring: Drinking water, a bowl, waste bags, a leash and proof of current dog licensing and rabies vaccination.
Find the dog park entrance
Get directions to Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs. Walk along the southern pathway inside Washington Square Park between Thompson Street and LaGuardia Place. Look for the small-dog designation before entering.
For a dog over 25 pounds, the Conservancy identifies a different run behind the Park House between Thompson and Sullivan streets. See its dog-run locations and hours to choose the right destination.
Official park map: Open the Conservancy’s interactive Washington Square Park map and select Dog Runs to locate Robin Kovary’s run, the all-size run and nearby restrooms.
Surface, water and what to expect
The Conservancy describes gravel maintenance in its December 2025 dog-run update. Visitors also describe dusty conditions in dry weather and mud after rain, so expect a cleanup stop after play rather than assuming a grass surface.
In its 2026 water-service update, the Conservancy reports water operating at both dog runs while the park’s central fountain undergoes repairs. Bring backup drinking water: a published update does not guarantee a working bowl or fixture when you arrive. The central fountain is a separate feature, not a dog-swimming area.
The 2014 photo shows benches, trees and a fenced enclosure. Check available seating, shade and the gate on arrival, and stay close enough to supervise your dog.
Rules before you enter
Respect the small-run weight limit and keep your dog leashed on the approach and elsewhere outside designated dog runs. NYC Parks rules require a leash no longer than six feet outside permitted off-leash areas, licensing and rabies-vaccination proof, prompt waste cleanup and preventing dogs from chasing wildlife.
Check posted dog-run rules before entering and avoid fenced garden beds. Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, fountains or other prohibited facilities. A separate small-run admission fee is not stated on the reviewed official pages; dog-licensing requirements still apply.
What parkgoers say
A March 2026 visitor described many enjoyable visits but warned that the ground becomes dusty in heat and muddy when wet. A January 2026 reviewer liked the friendly owners and number of dogs, while noting that the run could be dirty at times.
The attraction is a social space sized for smaller dogs; the main recurring tradeoff is the ground condition. Crowds and upkeep vary. Read current parkgoer reviews on Google Maps before choosing your visit time.
More options and updates
Compare the separate Washington Square Park Dog Run or browse more New York City dog runs. Check each run’s size and access rules.
Sources checked August 30, 2026; no site visit was made. Check the Conservancy’s dog-run page for updates, or call 311 about city park access and maintenance. Report a correction to this listing.
Photo: Robin Kovary run for small dogs NYC, June 2, 2014, by Ijon, CC BY-SA 4.0. Original photograph used without editorial alteration; display sizes may vary.
