There's nothing better than enjoying the great outdoors with a few good friends, but what if your friends are among the four-legged set? Long Islanders enjoy several parks where dogs are free to socialize, romp and play to their heart's content. So go ahead, BYOD -- bring your own dog -- and check out a few great spots for you and your furry friends.
In general, dog runs are open from dawn to dusk. Most are fenced, some with separate areas for large and small (usually 25 pounds or lighter) dogs. You're expected to clean up after your animal, be able to produce proof of rabies vaccination and obey park guidelines about where dogs can roam on and off their leashes.
Some parks charge a fee or have resident-only restrictions from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Here's a growing list of state and county parks where your dogs can roam free or leashed.
NASSAU COUNTY PARKS
Bay Park: First Avenue, East Rockaway, 516-571-7245
Fees: Free parking
It's hard to tell who enjoys the socializing more here - the four-leggers or their owners. This run is a real neighborhood hangout - regulars organize doggy birthday and barbecue parties throughout the year. This park has a dedicated dog run for off leash play. Dogs are not allowed in any county parks, preserves or facilities. Cons of the run include slow draining after a big rain, no water source inside the run, which is far-flung from parking, and very little shade.
Christopher Morley Park: Searingtown Road (north of LIE), Roslyn- North Hills, 516-571-8113
Fees: Free parking
A strong group of regulars congregate in this attractive dog run. The fenced area has a wood chip base, with easy parking and a water source. Small and large dogs share the same space - and dogs are only allowed in the run, not elsewhere in the park.
Cedar Creek Park: 3340 Merrick Road, Seaford, 516-571-7470,
Cedar Creek Park Dog Run Association
Fees: Free parking
This well-kept Nassau County park has side-by-side fenced areas for small and large dogs. It's small enough for owners to all know each other. The entire park offers loads of other amenities, but dogs are not allowed in any county parks, preserves or facilities. In terms of cons, there's little natural shade and in terms of room to roam and sprint, these runs are on the small side.
Eugene Nickerson Beach Park: 880 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach, 516-571-7700
Fees: $8 residents and those with a Leisure Pass, $20 nonresidents without Leisure Pass, Memorial Day-Labor Day
This large park, beside the sand dunes, is one of the busier dog runs on the Island. There's a raised cement platform with seating and a user-installed agility area where dogs can try basic obstacles. A separate small-dog area is sometimes used as a "doggy timeout" for canines that get too rambunctious.
Wantagh Park: Kings Road and Canal Place, Wantagh, 516-571-7460,
Wantagh Organization of Friends Dog Park (WOOF)
Fees: Free parking
There's lots of regulars at this dog park, with large- and small-dog runs situated around a grassy picnic area that's close to other park amenities. Dogs are not allowed in any county parks, preserves or facilities.
See photos from the Basset Hound Olympics held at Wantagh park.
