If you are walking with your dog in Woodhaven, be aware that the weather in Queens can be wet and cold in winter and warm, dry outerwear is often required. Summers are much milder with plenty of sunny days. Fortunately, the many trees in Woodhaven that provide shade to streets make walking on these hot days more bearable.
Heavily trafficked Jamaica Avenue and the elevated subway that runs along it intersect Woodhaven and add much character and variety to the landscape. The rest of the district is primarily residential with unique, historic homes and properties, townhouses, and apartment buildings throughout the neighborhood. The large Forest Park on the north side is a prominent feature of the Woodhaven landscape and the mature trees that grace the park extend throughout this well-shaded neighborhood. Although this is a well developed urban area, the quiet residential streets and mature landscaping give the entire area more of a suburban feel. Most of the neighborhood is flat, but the terrain climbs significantly to the north towards Forest Park. If you are walking up to the park with your dog, you will experience some changes in elevation so take water with you in case you work up a sweat, and don’t forget to share with your dog.
Equity playground is located next to a Woodhaven school and there is a small greenway called Whiting Square, situated in a commercial district that provides some green space within the community. However, most residents go north to the magnificent Forest Park to access longer greenways.
Forest Park not only features sports facilities, a golf course, recreation center, athletic fields, and a bandshell with local events and music, but also a carousel and playgrounds for little ones. If you are a dog owner, however, the miles of wooded hiking trails will soon become a favorite destination for you and your pooch. Forest Park has a fenced off-leash dog run where he can play safely and meet other local pups. There are also open off-leash areas elsewhere in the park. If you are planning on allowing your dog off-leash in unfenced areas, make sure your dog obeys recall commands well so you don't lose him in this 500-acre park.