Forest Park Barking Lot

For dog owners in New York City, particularly those residing in Queens, finding expansive and dedicated spaces where their beloved canine companions can truly run free, play, and socialize off-leash is a prized commodity. Amidst the urban landscape, the Forest Park Barking Lot stands out as a significant resource, offering a vital area where dogs can expend energy and interact with other furry friends in a natural setting. This dog park, nestled within the sprawling Forest Park, provides a much-needed escape for city dogs and their owners, fostering a sense of community and promoting active lifestyles.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide Queens residents and other New Yorkers with an in-depth look at the Forest Park Barking Lot. We will explore its precise location and how accessible it is within the borough, detail the services and features that make it a notable spot for dog owners, and provide all the necessary contact information. Our aim is to help you understand why this surprising find, as one reviewer put it, is a highly recommended destination for dog owners looking for ample space.

The Forest Park Barking Lot is conveniently situated within the large and beautiful Forest Park, with its address noted as 80-30 Park Ln, Kew Gardens, NY 11415, USA. This location places it within one of Queens' largest and most significant green spaces, offering a more natural and expansive environment compared to many urban dog runs.

Accessibility to the Forest Park Barking Lot can vary depending on your mode of transport. For those coming by car, finding nearby parking might require some effort, as one reviewer mentioned, "If you come by car there doesn’t seem to be any parking area nearby except on street which is strange for such a large park." Street parking in the surrounding Kew Gardens area might be an option, but it's advisable to factor in potential time to find a spot. Public transportation options also serve the vicinity of Forest Park. Various bus lines run along Park Lane and other main roads surrounding the park, offering connections from subway lines (such as the E and F trains at Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike or the J and Z trains). For locals who live near Forest Park, accessing the dog park via the park's extensive trail system is a popular and scenic choice, as highlighted by a reviewer: "I went to this dog park thru the trail and I didn’t even know about it and when I went to the dog park I was surprised about the park and I would recommend this place for dog owners like me." This suggests that discovering the Barking Lot through the park's trails can be a delightful surprise, emphasizing its integration into the natural landscape of Forest Park.

The Forest Park Barking Lot, as a public amenity within Forest Park, provides essential services and infrastructure aimed at creating a functional and enjoyable off-leash environment for dogs and their owners. While it might not boast a wide array of specialized features, its core offerings are geared towards providing a secure and accessible space.

• Two Separate Dog Runs: A key service is the provision of two distinct, fenced-in areas designed to accommodate dogs of different sizes. There is a specific area for small dogs and a separate, larger area for big dogs. This thoughtful separation helps ensure that dogs can play comfortably and safely with peers of a similar size.
• Water Access: The park includes a "water hose" on site. While not a traditional fountain, this allows owners to provide their dogs with water to stay hydrated during playtime, especially crucial during warmer weather. Owners should consider bringing a portable bowl.
• Waste Disposal Containers: Like most public dog parks, the Barking Lot is equipped with waste disposal bins. This facilitates responsible pet ownership, encouraging visitors to clean up after their dogs and thus maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the park.
• Ample Space: The park is noted for being "spacious," particularly the "large dog area is quite roomy." This provides ample room for dogs to run, chase, and play freely, a critical component of a good dog park experience.

It's worth noting that while the park provides essential amenities, some users have pointed out areas for improvement, such as the absence of a water fountain as seen in other dog runs.

The Forest Park Barking Lot, despite some identified areas for improvement, possesses several distinct features and highlights that make it a valuable and appreciated resource for Queens dog owners. These attributes contribute to its appeal and utility.

• Generous Space for Large Dogs: A major highlight is the considerable size of the large dog area. Reviewers emphasize that it is "quite roomy," providing ample space for bigger breeds to stretch their legs, run at full speed, and engage in energetic play. This is a significant advantage in an urban environment where large open spaces are rare.
• Shady Area in Large Dog Run: The large dog area specifically benefits from natural shade, making it more comfortable for both dogs and their owners, especially during sunny or warm days. This is a crucial feature for longer play sessions.
• Natural, Dirt Surface: The play area on both sides features a dirt surface, which provides a natural and often preferred terrain for dogs to run and dig, compared to artificial turf or pavement. This allows for a more authentic dog park experience, though it can lead to dust in breezy conditions.
• Unexpected Discovery: For many, finding this dog park within Forest Park is a pleasant surprise, particularly for those exploring the park's trails. As one reviewer mentioned, "I went to this dog park thru the trail and I didn’t even know about it and when I went to the dog park I was surprised about the park and I would recommend this place for dog owners like me." This element of discovery adds to its charm.
• Integration within Forest Park: Being part of the expansive Forest Park means visitors can enjoy the broader park amenities before or after their dog park visit, including miles of trails for leashed walks, scenic overlooks, and other recreational opportunities.

While the small dog area currently lacks shade and dust can be an issue on windy days, the overall spaciousness, natural setting, and crucial shade in the large dog run remain key attractive features.

As a public amenity operated by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the Forest Park Barking Lot does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Its primary value proposition is its consistent provision of a free and accessible space for community use. However, there are ways the broader Forest Park community and associated non-profit organizations might offer enhanced experiences or value for dog owners.

• Free Public Access: The most significant "promotion" is the consistent provision of a spacious, off-leash dog park at no cost. This includes access to the fenced play areas, water hose, and waste disposal facilities without an entry fee.
• Forest Park Alliance Events: The Forest Park Alliance, a community organization dedicated to the stewardship of Forest Park, often organizes various events, clean-up days, and programming within the park. While not always directly tied to the dog run, participation in these events contributes to the park's overall quality and can bring dog owners together. Information on such events would be available through the Alliance's official channels.
• NYC Parks Pet-Related Information: The NYC Parks Department frequently provides free online resources and signage within parks regarding responsible pet ownership, park rules, and safety tips for dog park etiquette. This educational support serves as a valuable, albeit non-promotional, offering to the dog-owning community.

For the most current information on any upcoming park events or ways to contribute to the upkeep of Forest Park and its amenities, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the official NYC Parks Department website or the Forest Park Alliance's website.

For inquiries related to the Forest Park Barking Lot, or for general information about Forest Park and NYC Parks facilities, the primary point of contact is the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Address: 80-30 Park Ln, Kew Gardens, NY 11415, USA

Phone: While a specific phone number for the dog park itself is not typically provided, general inquiries about NYC Parks and their facilities can usually be directed to the main administrative lines for Queens parks. You can find contact information for the Queens Borough Commissioner's office or the general NYC Parks information line on the official NYC Parks Department website.

It is always recommended to verify contact details on the official NYC Parks Department website, as phone numbers and departmental structures can occasionally be updated.

For New York City locals, especially those residing in Queens, the Forest Park Barking Lot is a highly suitable and valuable amenity for their canine companions. Its suitability stems from its unique blend of ample space, natural setting, and essential facilities, providing a much-needed outlet for urban dogs.

Firstly, the generous size of the dog park, particularly the large dog area, is a significant draw. In a densely populated borough like Queens, finding such a roomy space for dogs to run freely is a premium. This vastness allows dogs to engage in crucial physical exercise and truly stretch their legs, contributing significantly to their physical and mental well-being. The presence of separate areas for small and large dogs also ensures that all pups can play comfortably and safely.

Secondly, its integration within the expansive Forest Park offers a distinct advantage. While the dog run itself might have a dirt surface (which can get dusty), the surrounding park provides a beautiful, natural environment for walks and exploration before or after off-leash play. Discovering this "surprising" park via the trails, as one reviewer mentioned, highlights its natural appeal and seamless integration into the larger green space. The shade in the large dog area is another practical benefit that enhances comfort for both dogs and owners.

Finally, despite minor drawbacks like limited dedicated parking or the lack of a fountain, the core offering of a large, secure, and accessible space for off-leash dog play makes the Forest Park Barking Lot an indispensable resource for Queens residents. It provides a vital community hub where dogs can thrive and owners can connect, fostering a healthier and happier environment for the borough's pet-loving community.