Monmouth County Reopens Off-Leash Dog Runs In Parks

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Effective immediately Thursday, Monmouth County has reopened off-leash dog areas in county parks.

Other counties in New Jersey have been reopening dog runs. elected Freeholders made the decision to reopen off-leash dog runs in part due to the responsible use of county parks they saw over the weekend.

“We are grateful to the park rangers and sheriff's officers for monitoring the parks and to all of the residents who practiced social distancing while visiting the parks and golf courses,” said Freeholder Director Tom Arnone. “Because of the overwhelming compliance, the Park System has been able to open the off-leash dog areas for our residents to bring their pets.”

There are two off-leash dog runs in Monmouth County parks, at Thompson Park in Lincroft and Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport.

The 1.5 acre off-leash area at Thompson Park consists of a 1¼-acre area for dogs over 35 lbs. and a ¼-acre “small dog area” for smaller pooches. Visitors should park in the Three Barns parking lot.

The Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport is for dogs of all sizes as well as a smaller area for dogs 35 lbs. or less.

Monmouth County parks are open for regular posted hours, which are available at www.monmouthcountyparks.com. However, parking is limited to half capacity. Park Rangers monitor visitor loads and will temporarily close parks if parking lots become too full.