If you’ve ever stood on the corner of Broadway and 23rd Street and watched a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sprint up a tiny grass hill toward the Flatiron Building, you’ve already seen Jemmy’s Dog Run — Madison Square Park’s surprisingly clever dog spot on the western edge of the park.
Most NYC dog runs are flat rectangles of dirt or gravel. Jemmy’s is something else.
Where It Is
Jemmy’s Dog Run sits on the western side of Madison Square Park near 24th Street, between Broadway and Fifth Avenue. The park itself is bounded by 23rd Street to the south, 26th Street to the north, Fifth Avenue to the west, and Madison Avenue to the east — a six-acre green island in the middle of the Flatiron District.
The Flatiron Building, the Empire State Building, and the MetLife Tower are all visible from inside the dog run. It is, hand on heart, the most photogenic dog run in Manhattan.
What Makes It Different
- Hills. The run has manmade rolling hills instead of one flat surface — better for tiring out high-energy dogs and easier on older dogs who like to perch.
- Mix of pavement and turf. Some dogs prefer one over the other; here you don’t have to choose.
- Separate areas for small and large dogs. Two dedicated zones reduce the awkward Great Dane-meets-Chihuahua moment.
- Water features. Built-in water spots run during late spring, summer, and early fall to help dogs cool down.
- Double-entry gates. Two-stage gates mean nobody’s dog bolts when somebody else walks in.
- Conservancy-maintained. The Madison Square Park Conservancy keeps the surface, the water, and the cleanliness at a level the city’s larger free-for-all runs can’t match.
Hours and Practical Info
Madison Square Park is generally open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and the dog run is open during park hours. Note that the park’s open lawns operate on different hours (typically 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting), so the dog run is your reliable option early in the morning and late in the evening.
Water is available inside the run during late spring through early fall — but bring your own bottle just in case the fountain is being serviced. A collapsible silicone bowl lives easily in any tote.
How to Get There
- Subway: N, R, W, 6, F, or M to 23rd Street — every entrance is within a 3-minute walk of the park.
- PATH: 23rd Street station, walk one block east.
- Citi Bike: Multiple docks on the perimeter of the park, including 23rd & Broadway and 26th & 5th Avenue.
NYC Dog Park Etiquette (Pro Tips)
- Leash on entry, off only inside. NYC requires dogs on leashes (max six feet) everywhere except inside designated runs and during off-leash hours. Take the leash off only after both gates close behind you.
- Pick up. Always. Bags and trash cans are provided throughout Madison Square Park — no excuses.
- Keep your dog from chasing wildlife. Squirrels and birds are off-limits; rangers do enforce this.
- Read the room. If your dog is overwhelmed, leave. The hills and the open layout mean a stressed dog has nowhere to fully hide.
- Vaccines current. NYC parks expect dogs in shared runs to be up to date on rabies and core vaccines.
What to Bring
- Leash (six feet or shorter)
- Water bottle and collapsible bowl
- Waste bags — bring backups, never rely on the dispenser being stocked
- A towel for muddy paws after rain
- Treats for recall practice — Jemmy’s is small enough that a good recall is realistic
- Your phone, charged — the Flatiron backdrop is a free photo op every visit
What’s Nearby
Madison Square Park is surrounded by some of the most dog-friendly storefronts in Manhattan. After the run, you can grab a coffee from any number of patio-friendly cafes along Fifth Avenue, walk one block south to the original Shake Shack (yes, the one in the park — patio dogs welcome on the perimeter), or loop through Flatiron’s quieter side streets for a calm walk-down before heading home.
Other Dog-Friendly Outdoor Wins This Week
If your dog liked Jemmy’s, the next steps for a Manhattan-based pup looking to expand the rotation:
- Stuyvesant Square dog run — tree-filled, clean, and small enough that timid dogs can warm up before bigger runs.
- Central Park’s 23 off-leash areas — most operate before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. through April.
- Hillside Dog Park in Brooklyn Heights — 1.4 acres, wooded, ferry-accessible from Manhattan.
Safety Note
As temperatures warm into the high 60s and 70s this week, watch for hot pavement on the surrounding sidewalks during peak afternoon sun. The dog run itself stays manageable, but the walk to and from can scorch paws by mid-June. The classic test: if the back of your hand can’t sit on the pavement for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jemmy’s Dog Run free?
Yes. Madison Square Park, including the dog run, is free and open to the public.
Are small dogs and large dogs separated?
Yes. Jemmy’s has separate areas for small and large dogs to keep play matched in size and energy.
What are the hours?
The dog run is open during regular Madison Square Park hours, generally 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Is water provided for dogs?
Built-in water features run during late spring, summer, and early fall — but bring your own bottle as a backup.
What’s the closest subway?
The 23rd Street stations on the N/R/W, 6, and F/M lines are all within a three-minute walk of the park.
