Ask any dog owner in town, and they’ll tell you: Jersey City is crazy dog-friendly. As one myself, I’ve definitely noticed how easy it is to have (that is, entertain) a pooch here. Without a doubt, the fantastic dog parks are some of the prime reasons why. So begins a monthly series highlighting each and every one of these parks, including where to find them, their amenities, and lots (and lots and lots) of pictures of their clientele.

First on the list is the dog run in Van Vorst Park (VVP) in downtown JC. I go here twice a day, every day (really!), so I may be a bit biased, but this park is undeniably beautiful and the dog run within it is no exception.

Located on Montgomery Street between Barrow Street and Jersey Avenue, the VVP dog run boasts both big- and small-dog sections in an effort to keep pint-sized pooches safe. My own dog is of a size that allows him to play both sides of the fence, so I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know dogs of all shapes and sizes (and their owners) that frequent VVP.

Let me tell you—these are some of the friendliest, most easy-going people and pups out there. Regulars have a pretty tight-knit community, but newcomers are very obviously welcome and made to feel like one of the gang after just one visit.

Things might seem to get heated in the park every now and then, but as anyone will tell you, it’s all in good fun!

Both sides of the run have benches and water fountains operating at dog height, but the big dog section has some extra charm with its gazebo-style seating surrounding an old tree stump. If you’re lucky, you just might find a tennis ball or two hidden in the rafters, purposely left for a future pup to play with.

Just when it couldn’t possibly get any better, there’s a secluded pathway that runs the length of the dog run, nearly hidden from view. You can take a stroll past the seriously unbelievable Dinner Plate Hibiscuses and multicolored rosebushes that are planted all along the run, or you can take a seat on a bench and watch the action from outside the park gates. You also never know when you might get to hear Shakespeare rehearsals from the center of VVP while hanging at the run!

Combine all of this with a recurring weekend farmer’s market right next to the dog run, and you’ve got a pretty terrific place to spend time with your best friend.

-Erin