BY SCOTT STIFFLER | Four-legged, tail-wagging creatures in and around the Chelsea Park area who answer to Fido, Frida—or any old name at the sound of the treats jar being opened—will soon have a place to play in an off-leash environment, according to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (Parks).

As Chelsea Community News reported here, here, and elsewhere, the dog run currently under construction will function as a permanent replacement for the Penn South dog run, itself originally installed as a temporary alternative while the Chelsea Waterside Park dog run was closed for upgrades. The long and narrow Penn South destination was shuttered by Parks earlier this year after Manhattan Community Board 4 (CB4) heard a myriad of barking-based noise complaints due to the run’s proximity to Penn South apartment buildings.

This incoming dog run—located on the easternmost part of Chelsea Park (W. 28th St., closer to Ninth Ave. than 10th)—takes over space formerly occupied by three handball courts. (Three courts remain on the opposite side of the wall, spanning the length of the dog run’s westernmost wall.)

“We’re pleased to bring a new dog run to Chelsea Park, responding to community requests for a safe and convenient permanent space for local pets to play,” said Parks Press Officer and official spokesperson Izzy Verdery, adding, “We’re sure that the neighborhood’s furry friends will enjoy using it!”

As reported in our previous coverage or recently confirmed by reliable sources, the Chelsea Park dog run will have a double gate entry, fencing, benches, planters, and water amenities. Despite concerns voiced by individual dog owners and members of CB4’s Waterside, Parks & Environment committee, there will be one area for all dogs (not stand-alone areas for small and large breed dogs). Construction is ongoing, but the new facility is expected to open before the month of July 2023 is over.

The new dog run’s ongoing success will depend, in part, on the work of volunteers who supplement Parks work to keep the facility safe and accessible. If you’d like to be part of the volunteer group currently being formed, click here and put in the subject line, something akin to “Chelsea Park Dog Run Volunteer Inquiry.”

Chelsea Community News will continue to cover this story as it develops—which means, before the end of July, we’ll have pictures of actual dogs in our depiction of the dog run. Meantime, bring a little imagination to the below collection.

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