dimondites

The highly anticipated Joaquin Miller dog park is open and is literally 5 minutes by car from Dimond. I was surprised how quiet the dog park was when we visited, considering all the hoopla. I suppose people need to find out about it.

I am very happy we have another off-leash dog park.

It is small and quaint and lacks glamour [i.e. Piedmont). But it is nice and clean, and the visiting dog owners are very friendly. There are two dog areas (which I didn’t know, and Jean Quan kindly guided me), one for small dogs and one for big dogs. (I was confused because people abandon the small dog area, as there are not enough dogs there.)

Word is we have Oakland Dog Owner’s Group to thank for diligently lobbying for and making this park happen. Thank you! 

Location is Joaquin Miller Road at Sanborn Drive. The dog park is a half mile into the park. It cannot be seen from the road. Map

 
Richmond

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (off Center Ave Exit)

website

map

Additional information:
PIDO (Point Isabel Dog Owners and Friends)
East Bay Regional Park District
SF Gate Article , Aug 16, 2004.

 
My favorite of all the local dog parks. Point Isabel is a clean off-leash area adjacent to the canal, though it has not been designated officially as an off-leash park. It’s one of those unsaid things. I love it here because the walk for owners is more than pleasant, with a great view of the Bay. Should Fido decides to do a swim and roll routine, no worries. Walk him across the street to the dog wash service.

• Not fenced.
• Off leash.
• Lots of free parking.
  
• It is not really playground. Better for strolling (photo below).
  
• It is adjacent to a protected wildlife conservation, so no eating the birds.
• Biodegradable bags are provided.
• Not a whole lot of water fountains, so dogs will try to drink salt water.
  
• Water is in the channel is clean enough to swim in, but ocean side is better (photo above).
• Very well-kept.
• Can be windy often, so bring layers.
  
• There is a Costco is near by.