This is a large, informal grassy area beside a softball field, next to Sobelsohn Playground, behind the Queens Headquarters of the Parks Department at Overlook. The Parks Department asks that you keep your unleashed dog between the backstop of the ball field and the fence of the playground; after 9pm at night or before 9am in the morning. (Leashed dogs at other times, as per citywide regulations.)

Largest number of dogs, and therefore the best times to socialize dogs are weekend mornings between 8 and 9am. At other times, there are usually some dogs but not enough to generate that irrational exuberance that young dogs crave.

Most dogs are relatively well behaved, there are very few fights, and the owners are a conscientious bunch. (No, not “contentious”, “conscientious”.)

The dog area is pretty large (especially compared to the fenced dog run on the other side of Forest Park, at Park Lane South and 85th Street,) it has no border fence, but it is far enough from the streets that the dogs are safe. The dog area is not marked but the other owners can describe the boundaries for you.

Try it. You'll like it.



-- additional:

[updated on 2008-12-20 23:50:40 GMT]:
This is a "designated off-leash area" of the Parks Department, the rules of which are described at: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forestpark/facilities/dogruns:
“Designated Off-Leash Areas: Certain park areas allow dogs to be off-leash from the time the park opens until 9 a.m. AND from 9 p.m. until the park closes. Dog owners/attendants with dogs off-leash in these designated areas must obey all general rules, including having their dog under control at all times, licensing the dog, and carrying proof of the dog's rabies vaccination.”

Pros: Large, open area. Good mix of dogs.

Cons: Underutilized during the week.