Current status: Do not plan an off-leash visit to Monk’s Dog Run without checking the site first. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation does not include Monkiewicz Playground on its current authorized dog-run list, and the City’s capital plan describes work intended to reopen the larger playground.
What visitors should know
- Official facility: Reverend M. Monkiewicz Recreation Center, 3201 Richmond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134.
- Former dog-run access: Older directories place the run along the Allegheny Avenue side of the recreation property near 2899 E. Allegheny Avenue.
- Status: Current off-leash access is not confirmed. Follow posted closure signs and keep your dog leashed unless a marked dog run is open.
- Water: Historical visitors said they needed to bring their own water. No current drinking-water service was verified.
- Hours: No current dog-run schedule was found. Do not rely on hours in older directories.
Find the former dog run
The City identifies the larger Monkiewicz recreation property at 3201 Richmond Street, near Richmond Street and Allegheny Avenue. The older dog-run pin sits on the Allegheny Avenue edge of the property. Because the City is planning site improvements and does not currently list Monk’s as an authorized dog run, check signs at the property before entering any fenced area.
Review Philadelphia’s current dog-run list and rules before leaving home.
Why the status is uncertain
Monk’s began as a volunteer-built neighborhood dog run at Monkiewicz Playground. Older guides described a fenced, wood-chip or paved play space maintained by local dog owners. More recent official information does not identify it as one of Philadelphia’s authorized dog runs.
The City’s fiscal 2025–2030 capital program includes building and site improvements “to reopen Monkiewicz Playground.” That document does not promise that the former dog run will reopen, so this page does not present the site as a current off-leash destination.
What former visitors said
Past visitors liked having a neighborhood space where friendly dogs could run, play fetch and socialize. Several credited local volunteers with cleaning and maintaining the former lot, and some mentioned waste bags or trash containers.
Other visitors described inconsistent upkeep, damaged play features, gaps or weak points in the fencing and a need to bring water. One 2019 account said the run had closed. These reports are historical experiences, not a check of today’s conditions.
Find a current dog park instead
Browse the Philadelphia dog park directory or choose one of the authorized locations on the City’s current dog-run list. Keep your dog on a leash of six feet or shorter elsewhere on Parks & Recreation property unless signs identify an open off-leash area.
More options and updates
Browse more Pennsylvania dog parks. Last researched September 4, 2026. If Philadelphia confirms that Monk’s Dog Run has reopened, this page should be updated with the new entrance, hours and posted rules.
