Dog Walkers in Stapleton, Staten Island

If you do not know what to think about the distinct neighborhood of Stapleton on Staten Island, you are not alone. This quiet little space was originally home to the Vanderbilts, but despite the beautiful Victorian mansions that still remain from this era, parts of this neighborhood have fallen in disrepair. Many say a renaissance is on its way, given the area's affordable rents and the influx of artists and young professionals flowing in. Ultimately, between a combination of all of the historic buildings and the commercial areas complete with food and drink, this area makes for a great place to go for a walk. Sadly, there are no real pet amenities in the area. Weather is, however, generally mild from spring to fall with some hot, humid days that might require you to adjust walks to early mornings. Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, so you may need to spend a few days indoors. 

Closer to the water in what would be the downtown area of the neighborhood, the terrain is flat. However, once you leave this area, that starts to change. The elevation changes are mild at first, but as you go farther inland, the elevations tend to increase a bit. What this means is that you can pick your own intensity for your walks. If your pup needs to take a few pounds off, you can include your walk to include some of the long inclines at the west and north ends of the neighborhood.

Of course, if you are not up for or into a hard walk, just stay down along the waterline and your walk can be a nice stroll without breaking into a sweat. Some of the roads have sidewalks, although many of the roads and sidewalks in this neighborhood are a bit on the old side, so be aware of where you are walking.

There is only one actual greenway inside of Stapleton in the southeastern quadrant of the neighborhood. Tappen Park is one of the oldest public parks on Staten Island and is named after a World War I veteran. There is plenty of grass and trees to enjoy, including some very large chestnut trees that provide ample shade for those steamy hot days. 

If you are looking for more extensive greenways, your best option is to head to Silver Lake Park. This park is part of the Silver Lake neighborhood and spans over 200 acres. In addition to ample walking paths, the area is also home to the Silver Lake Park Dog Run where your pup can let loose and run until they have no energy left. If you have a high energy dog, this can be a great way to ensure that you can head home with a worn-out pup who is ready to sleep through the night.