Hawthorne Park Forest Hills - Forest Hills, NY
Hawthorne Park Forest Hills – A Hidden Community Gem for Dog Owners
Located in the heart of Forest Hills, New York, Hawthorne Park Forest Hills is a small, residents-only green space with a unique local charm. Though not officially designated as a dog park, it’s a popular spot for pet owners looking for dog-friendly trails and open areas. Mature trees provide some lovely shade, and the park is intersected by paved sidewalks, making it easy to stroll or let your dog enjoy some exercise. Visitors frequently mention the warm, community-focused atmosphere and the beautiful gardens bordering the space.
While the park once featured grassy areas, much of the central portion is now primarily dirt, and flooding may occur after heavy rains. There are currently no benches or dedicated fenced dog areas, and signs state “no dogs,” though many locals still bring their pets. Community events like Halloween are a highlight, drawing crowds with beautifully decorated houses nearby. Hawthorne Park Forest Hills is ideal for locals seeking a casual, dog-friendly outing in Forest Hills, NYC’s suburban core.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs are formally not allowed (“no dogs” signs are posted), but locals commonly bring their dogs.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no designated fenced-in dog area.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? No, there are currently no benches available in the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, mature trees offer natural shade throughout the park.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the park is prone to flooding and can become muddier after rainstorms.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the area is family-friendly and especially busy during community events.
Reviews
Very busy in the evening on Halloween day. The residents in the neighborhood did an amazing job decorating the houses. Kids had a great time trick and treating
A small, residents-only park with mature trees and no benches. It’s criss-crossed by a pair of sidewalks and the rest is meant to be grass, but lately is mostly dirt. It was originally designed to be flooded to make an ice rink in winters and it’s still prone to flooding in heavy rains.
If you live in Forest Hills this is a great little park. However it could use some management and planning. Most of the central part of the park is dirt. Leaves stay on ground because no one cleans it up. Says “no dogs” but people bring their dogs anyway, which I actually like.
There’s been a terribly ugly plastic fence bordering the park for over a year now. Dogs are apparently not allowed in the area, even though I see children making more of a mess in the dirt than my small dog would ever make. Makes the neighborhood look so bad!
Love this spot, love visiting our friends who lives right across the park and letting our little ones run around. Love being in the gardens ✨️💖