Dog Walkers in Port Ivory, Staten Island

Port Ivory, located in the northwest section of Staten Island, is an industrial area with several parks and some residences along the southern border. There is a mobile home park, Staten Island's only such community, along Goethal Road and some older residences near the commercial area of Forest Avenue. Residents of Port Ivory can walk to many shops and services in the commercial area. Many parks in the area are within walking distance, however, access to parks may not have pedestrian paths or may be hampered by wetlands, water bodies, industrial areas, or train tracks.  

The weather on Staten Island can sometimes be inclement with winter storms from the Atlantic bringing rain and cold weather. Snowfall in the area is usually minimal, but wet weather at this coastal location is frequent, so be prepared with warm, dry outerwear. Summers are hot and humid and walking in the heat of the day can be uncomfortable. 

Port Ivory has large tracts of natural wetlands, parks, and industrial zones. Roadways to access parks do not always have pedestrian ways and parks may need to be accessed by a vehicle. A railway running through the neighborhood can also hamper on-foot travel. The area is not hilly and there are no steep inclines, however, marshland and natural areas are not always traversable on foot where pedestrian paths are not supplied. Industrial areas are also not pedestrian-friendly regions for walking with your dog.  

Interstate 278 runs through the district and crosses Goethals Bridge, providing access to New Jersey. This busy thoroughfare brings plenty of traffic and noise along the neighborhood's south border and should be avoided by pedestrians. Port Ivory’s coast and the waterway between Staten Island and New Jersey runs along the northwest border. Wetlands and a large creek feed the channel on the northwest shore.

This industrial, coastal area has several natural areas and parks situated within the region. Bridge Creek and the Goethals Pond Complex create natural spaces in the area, however, established trails and creek basins are rare due to the wetland terrain.  

Mariners Marsh Park provides 107 acres of more developed natural park area. This unique park has been reclaimed by nature as it was formerly an industrial area. There are 10 ponds in the park and the wilderness area provides a habitat for a variety of bird species including waterfowl and owls. There are trails providing access to natural areas and allow visitors to view such attractions as Pin Oak Swamp and grasslands, ponds, streams, rare natural trees, and shrubs. Dogs must remain on a leash and owners need to take care not to disturb local wildlife for whom this park provides a vital home.