Building Community at Sir William’s Dog Run: A Successful Meet & Greet

On a warm morning at the famous Sir William’s Dog Run, Fort Tryon Park’s four-legged residents—and their humans—gathered for a Dog Run Meet & Greet hosted by the Fort Tryon Park Trust. Over coffee, donuts, and music, neighbors came together to strengthen their community, discuss improvements to the beloved dog run, and organize a leadership structure to ensure its long-term care.

One of the biggest takeaways? NYC’s dog runs are not run by the Parks Department or the Trust—they’re run by you, the community! That’s right—every NYC dog run is citizen-led, meaning it’s up to the people who use them to keep them clean, safe, and welcoming. During our gathering, we discussed what structural improvements need to be addressed, what supplies need to be purchased, and most importantly, how to organize as a collective to maintain and enhance the space.

We’re thrilled to announce that our first community-led Dog Run leaders have stepped up, ensuring that Sir William’s Dog Run continues to thrive. The Trust and NYC Parks are here to provide support, but it’s the passion and dedication of dog owners like you that make this space special.

Want to get involved? Whether you’re interested in becoming a dog run leader or volunteering to help keep the space in top shape, we’d love to have you on board! Email us at info@forttryonparktrust.org to learn more.

Thank you to everyone who came out—both two-legged and four-legged friends alike! We look forward to seeing this community grow stronger and Sir William’s Dog Run continue to be a wonderful space for all.