We're Closed for Renovation for Spiffying Up and Grooming

Originally posted April 17, 2008

Well not the dreaded grooming exactly. However the large and small dog runs in Tompkins Square are closed until renovations are complete -- scheduled to re-open June 1. 

In the meantime you can find us in our temporary location on the field beneath the cherry tree just inside the park entrance along St. Marks and Avenue A. 

We have separate fields for both small and large dogs in our temporary spot.

Spring comes to Tompkins Squre park

Our temporary large dog run

Folks enter our temporary small dog area

Southern view of the dog park

Interior of the large dog run awaiting renovation

The large elm will be fitted with a circular ground deck for root protection. The three posts in the foreground are being removed so it will remain open and increase the size of the small dog arera. In the summer months it will be the location of our new swimming pool, plus running water and a drinking fountain for small dogs.

The bath and fountain area has been expanded

The service entrance was a requirement to bring trucks into the run for maintenance. The fences on either side are creating narrow corridors so they are being removed. A new drinking fountain will be installed here plus a second swimming pool for the dogs during summer months.

The tree areas have been fitted with a low fence which will remain open to dogs

View of the ancient elm from inside the large dog area

Friends of First Run (Tompkins Square dog run) announces it will partner with NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to begin $400,000 restoration of the city's first dog park

Originally posted Wednesday, June 27, 2006 

New York City Parks and Recreation announced today that the FIRST RUN dog park in Tompkins Square Park will recieve a $150,000 renovation. This will be the largest renovation a New York city dog park has seen and will showcase FIRST RUN as a state-of-the-art model for dog park design across the country.

The project was initiated through a unique partnership between the community and N.Y. Parks Dept. who worked together to research the latest trends and developments in the evolving science of dog park design. The approved designs where presented by Parks Dept. architect, Bradley Romaker along with the challenge for the community to raise $50,000 for the project. Ground breaking is set to begin in early 2007 and should take 6-8 weeks to complete.

The run will include a novel, state-of-the-art, organic running surface that is hospitable to dogs paws and easy on their hips. This will lie on top of 9-18 inches of underground drainage to keep the park dry and facilitate irrigation to the park's elm trees. Friends of First Run says the new surface composed of zeolite is so holistic and ogranic that it is also used as a food supplement. It is a natural antioxidant that will deordorize the run for years and provide smooth footing for the dogs paws -- a much better alternative to gravel and pebbles seen in other dog runs.

Additional features in the park will include separate entrances for a small and large dog area. Running water and dog baths. Improved lighting and seating. Restoration of the surrounding fences and gardens. A flowering tulip tree in the center of the run as well as wheel chair access. 

Here's your chance to make a real contribution to FIRST RUN and be involved in one the most exciting community renewal projects our neighborhood has seen.

The main gate to the dog run before the renovation

Puddles and muddy conditions in the run before the renovation