Tenafly Dog Park

For dog owners across New Jersey, particularly those in Tenafly and the surrounding Bergen County area, the opening of a dedicated dog park is a significant and welcome development. The Tenafly Dog Park, located on Grove Street, offers a much-needed off-leash space for canine companions to run, play, and socialize freely. In communities where private yard space might be limited, public dog parks become essential resources for ensuring the physical and mental well-being of our beloved pets.

This park represents the town's commitment to providing diverse recreational opportunities for all its residents, including its four-legged ones. While it's noted as a newer facility with "lots of potential," it already provides a valuable environment for dogs to burn off energy, interact with other canines, and enjoy the outdoors. For owners, it's an opportunity to connect with fellow dog enthusiasts and observe their pets thriving in a safe and designated area. The journey to fully realize its "intended vision" is ongoing, but its current state offers a promising start for local New Jersey pet parents seeking a dedicated space for their dogs.

Tenafly Dog Park is situated in Tenafly, New Jersey, and its address is:

147 Grove St, Tenafly, NJ 07670, USA

Locating the park might require a little guidance, as one reviewer noted it can be "hard to find" due to a lack of prominent signage. However, they provide excellent directions to help fellow New Jersey locals: it's "next to the Tenakill Swim Club parking lot (not at the end)." To reach it, you "have to walk out in front of the parking lot to go towards the adjacent old pool club area," or if you "park by the train tracks then you just cross the street." Crucially, visitors need to "go through the old pool entrance (through the brick pavilion), and in that court is the dog park." Despite the initial navigational challenge, the presence of parking near the Tenakill Swim Club and potentially by the train tracks offers convenience for those driving. The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, providing ample hours for visits.

Tenafly Dog Park provides a range of features designed to facilitate a positive off-leash experience for dogs and their owners:

• Two Fenced-Off Areas: The park features "two fenced off areas," which can be utilized to separate large and small dogs. This is a crucial service for ensuring the safety and comfort of all canine visitors, allowing appropriate play among dogs of similar size and temperament.
• Diverse Terrain: The park boasts "grass, dirt, and pebbled areas," offering varied surfaces for dogs to explore and run on, adding to the richness of their play experience.
• Benches for Seating: "Benches to sit" are available, providing comfortable spots for owners to relax and observe their dogs while they play.
• Water Bowls: The park provides "bowls all over" for water, though it's important to note that public data and reviews indicate "no water spout" or a "water fountain" in the past, implying owners should bring their own water to fill these bowls.
• Shade Areas: There are "many areas with shade," which is a valuable amenity, particularly during warmer months, offering respite from the sun for both dogs and humans.
• Open Daily: The park is generally open seven days a week from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, offering extensive hours for locals to visit.
• Free Public Access: As a municipal park, there are no fees for entry, making it an accessible recreational option for all dog owners in the area.

Tenafly Dog Park, while still developing its full potential, already offers several key features that make it a valuable asset for the New Jersey community:

• Spacious Design: Despite being newer, the park is described as "very big," with "many different areas where dogs can run play or relax." This ample space is a significant highlight, allowing dogs to engage in vigorous exercise without feeling confined.
• Separate Play Zones: The presence of two fenced areas for large and small dogs is a critical safety and comfort feature. This thoughtful design minimizes potential conflicts between dogs of different sizes and play styles, ensuring a more harmonious environment.
• Varied Surfaces: The inclusion of grass, dirt, and pebbled areas provides sensory stimulation and varied traction, enriching the dogs' experience and catering to different preferences.
• Shade Availability: The provision of shaded areas is a practical and appreciated feature, offering a cool retreat, especially on sunny New Jersey days.
• Community Development: The fact that Tenafly now has a dedicated dog park is a major highlight for local residents. It signifies the town's investment in pet-friendly amenities and provides a much-needed community gathering spot for dog owners.
• Potential for Growth: One reviewer mentions "lots of potential" and hopes for improvements to "complete it with the intended vision," suggesting ongoing development. Recent news from April 2025 indicated the new Grove Street Park (which includes the dog park) is now open, with plans for expanded dog park areas, water fountains, walking paths, and a pollinator garden, indicating significant enhancements have likely been completed or are underway. This forward-looking aspect is a promising feature.
• Positive User Experiences (for some): Despite its "empty" periods, the park provides a valuable space for dogs to play, and when others are present, it allows for socialization.

As a public municipal park, Tenafly Dog Park does not typically offer commercial promotions or special sales. Its primary "promotion" is its valuable status as a free, publicly accessible recreational amenity for the community.

The most significant "offers" for local New Jersey residents include:

• Free Public Access: The park is entirely free to enter and use, ensuring that all dog owners in Tenafly and surrounding areas have access to a safe and dedicated off-leash play area without any cost barriers.
• Ongoing Municipal Development and Maintenance: The Borough of Tenafly's commitment to the park, as evidenced by recent construction and improvement plans (expanded areas, walking paths, water fountains), signifies continuous investment. This ensures the park remains a high-quality and evolving facility for the community.
• Community Engagement: The park serves as a hub for local dog owners to connect and form a community. While not a direct "promotion," the social benefits are immense.

For inquiries regarding Tenafly Dog Park, its rules, maintenance, or future developments, the most appropriate contact would be the Borough of Tenafly’s Recreation Department, as they manage the town’s parks and recreational facilities.

Address: 147 Grove St, Tenafly, NJ 07670, USA

For direct contact with the Tenafly Recreation Department, you can use the following information:

Phone: (201) 871-3008 (Tenafly Recreation Department)

Email: recreation@tenaflynj.org

It is always advisable to check the official Borough of Tenafly website (tenaflynj.org) for the most current information regarding park hours, specific rules and regulations, and any announcements about ongoing improvements or temporary closures.

Tenafly Dog Park is an increasingly suitable and valuable resource for dog owners throughout New Jersey, especially for those in Tenafly and neighboring Bergen County towns. Its primary strength lies in providing a much-needed, dedicated off-leash space for canine companions. For residents whose homes may not have large yards, or apartment dwellers, this park is essential for ensuring their dogs receive adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation. The "very big" size and the variety of "grass, dirt, and pebbled areas" offer diverse play opportunities that cater to different canine preferences and energy levels.

The park's thoughtful design, including "two fenced off areas" for large and small dogs, is crucial for safety and promotes harmonious interactions among pets of varying sizes. This feature provides peace of mind for owners, knowing their smaller or more timid dogs have a dedicated space to play without being overwhelmed. The presence of benches and shaded areas also enhances the human experience, making it a comfortable spot for owners to relax and socialize.

While some past reviews noted challenges in finding the park or a lack of water spouts, recent municipal updates suggest significant improvements, including expanded areas and the eventual addition of water fountains. This ongoing commitment from the Borough of Tenafly signifies that the park is a developing asset, continually striving to meet the needs of its community. For New Jersey locals, Tenafly Dog Park offers a promising and increasingly well-equipped environment for their dogs to thrive, socialize, and enjoy the freedom of off-leash play within a dedicated and well-maintained public space. Its potential and ongoing enhancements make it a growing gem for local pet parents.