West 87th Street Dog Run is a fenced off-leash enclosure inside Riverside Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The broad dirt-and-gravel play space sits below Riverside Drive, with trees, benches, a separate small-dog section and seasonal water equipment.
Plan your visit
- Location: Riverside Park at West 87th Street, New York, NY 10024.
- Park hours: Riverside Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Follow posted dog-run notices.
- Play areas: Separate fenced sections serve larger and smaller dogs.
- Water: The run has a hose and dog tub, but seasonal shutoffs or maintenance can interrupt service. Bring drinking water as backup.
- Surface: Expect dirt and gravel that can become muddy, especially near the water area.
- Parking: There is no dedicated dog-run lot; use transit or legal neighborhood parking.
Find the dog run entrance
Enter Riverside Park near West 87th Street and Riverside Drive, then follow the descending park path toward the Hudson River. The run is below street level, west of Riverside Drive and near the West 87th Street alignment. Keep your dog leashed until you are inside the gated section that fits your dog.
Open the Riverside Park Conservancy location page or use its interactive park map.
Inside the dog run
The large main enclosure gives active dogs room to chase and socialize, while a separate section offers smaller dogs a more manageable space. Mature park trees shade parts of the run, and benches give handlers places to supervise.
A hose and tub can help dogs cool down or rinse muddy paws when water is available. The wet area can quickly turn the surrounding ground muddy, so bring a towel and watch for slippery patches.
Rules and practical cautions
Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and under control. Close gates, clean up waste, prevent digging and stop play that becomes unsafe. Outside the fenced run, follow Riverside Park’s leash rules and all temporary signs.
Check the fence line when you arrive, especially with athletic dogs. Use the size-appropriate section and give nervous dogs room during busy after-work and weekend periods.
What park goers say
Visitors appreciate the roomy enclosure, shady Riverside Park setting and friendly neighborhood crowd. Many like the small-dog option and the hose-and-tub area during warm weather.
Mud around the water station is the most repeated complaint. Some park goers also mention low sections of fencing and occasional rough play, so close supervision matters even in this established community run.
More options and updates
Dog Run 87 is a volunteer user group that helps with maintenance, fundraising and community events. Check the Dog Run 87 page for ways to get involved. Browse more New York City dog parks. Last researched September 4, 2026.
