Our Mission

Downtown Dog NYC is a non-profit organization with a mission of enhancing the life of the downtown dog by advocating for green space for dogs, families, and the community. Downtown Dog NYC is a 501(c)(3) registered as The Battery Park Residents Action Corp.

Our Vision

A downtown NYC where dogs can enjoy green space together with their humans.

How We Began

The NYC Parks Department requires dogs to be on leash except in designated off-leash areas at certain times. While many of the City’s parks have grassy areas designated for off-leash hours, Battery Park (The Battery) does not. Nonetheless, for more than twenty years, downtown dog owners used the Woodland Lawn at The Battery for off-leash play in the early morning hours. That came to an end in 2010 when the Parks Department began ticketing dog owners, The Battery refurbished its lawns, and dogs were not permitted on the lawns at all, much less off leash. 

In 2016, through the hard work, research, patience, and lobbying of DDNYC’s dedicated volunteers, Community Board 1, NYC Parks Department, and The Battery Conservancy established an off-leash trial period. The trial period was a success, and The Battery continues to make the lawns available for off-leash play hours when the season and weather permits.

But our work is not done. The NYC Parks Department has not officially changed the off-leash rules for The Battery, and Downtown Dog NYC will continue to lobby NYC Parks and Community Board 1 for additional dog-friendly green space in downtown NYC, as well as improvements to existing dog runs. 

What rules are currently in place?

NYC Parks Department does not officially allow off-leash hours in The Battery. As a courtesy, The Battery Conservancy permits off-leash hours from 9 PM - 9 AM. Location changes seasonally, and the lawn might be closed after rainstorms, so please be sure to join our mailing list and check back here to get the latest updates.

Do you accept donations?

Yes! Click on our Donate Button to make a tax-deductible donation. 

How else can we support Downtown Dog NYC?

To support us at no cost to you, designate Downtown Dog NYC as your charity on Amazon Smile and Amazon will donate a portion of the cost of eligible purchases to Downtown Dog NYC.  See how at https://smile.amazon.com/.