Morris Canal is a neighborhood favorite park in Paulus Hook, Jersey City. The Jersey City area has seen an increase in dog ownership over the last few years. As a result, dog owners and their pets are looking for safe places to socialize and exercise. Dog owners are already using the park as an informal dog park, often letting them off their leashes. To ensure visitors and pets alike stay safe, we propose either a designated secure dog area or off-leash hours for dogs based on the rules of Central Park in New York, NY and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY.

Proposed off-leash rules

• Off-leash hours are 6:00 am–9:00 am and 9:00 pm–1:00 am. Dogs must be on-leash 9:00 am–9:00 pm.
• Dogs must always be under the control of their owner.
• Dogs must have a City of Jersey City license tag and valid rabies tag.
• Dogs must not dig, chase, or harm wildlife, damage Park property, or interfere with other Park users.
• Owners must always clean up after their dogs, including dog hair that is brushed off in the Park.
• All visitors will respect signs, fences, and red flags that may indicate temporary closures due to restoration, maintenance, or weather conditions.