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. 

Officially, it is called The Alameda Dog Exercise Area, located at Washington Park on 8th Street. It may look a bit shabby when compared to Point Isabel or Linda Park, but it has its many advantages. It is large. here are always lots of dogs in this park (except once when I made the mistake of going in 95 degree weather in the middle of the day.)

• Fenced 5 acre park
• A separate fenced area for small dogs
• Off-Leash
• Bring your own bags
• Water fountain
• Minimal shade
• Plenty of parking
• Sand playground
• Water hole during rainy season
  
• 15-minute drive from Dimond
• No usage license required
• Handicap accessible.
  

Lots of space for running after balls (or in this case, just staring it down).

Because of the lack of shade structure, the park becomes almost unbearable during the hot summer days.

LOCATION:

Washington Park
8th Street (+ Central Avenue)
Alameda

Dogs really dig it here.

A very cute little off-leash park off Lakeshore exit, but it does require a permit, which you can obtain from the Oakland Police Department (yes, my eyes are rolling, and I’m being cynical). This multiple-level park has lots of trees, a great drinking fountain, some throw toys, and very well-groomed dogs. Not handicap accessible.