A dog park that happened by accident.
A highway split the park in two. A hospital closed. Neighbors and their dogs filled the gap — and never left.
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1941
A gift from the hospital
Long Island College Hospital gives the parcel to the City while Tracy S. Voorhees — later Truman's Assistant Secretary of the Army — is its president. The park still carries his name.
NYC Parks -
1956–60
The BQE cuts the park in half
The highway trench severs "Lower" Van Voorhees (playground, courts) from the "Upper" sliver on Hicks Street — and Cobble Hill from the Columbia Street waterfront.
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2014
LICH closes. The dogs move in.
After years of fighting, the hospital shuts down. Neighbors from Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill start using the abandoned Upper Van Voorhees "park" as an off-leash dog run.
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2021
The campaign to make it official
In December the Cobble Hill Association launches its push to codify the run — to secure its future and win real improvements.
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2022
A committee, a fence, a fan club
The Dog Park Committee forms in February. 200+ sign up. Three volunteer workdays draw 10–20 people each. On Nov 11, NYC Parks installs CHA-funded perimeter fencing.
CHA State of the Organization 2022 -
2025
Let there be light
DOT restores the park's lighting after six dark years and a four-year push by Assembly Member Simon, Senator Gounardes and Council Member Hanif.
CHA Annual Meeting, Nov 2025 -
2026
The BQE window opens
The City announces BQE Central. Public scoping this fall is our best shot yet at real capital money for the park.