Alameda Dog Park

You gotta love it when a park makes the effort to split the small and large dogs. When I was in between jobs, I would go every weekday at 2pm and met some great regulars. Everyone there, for the most part (in the small dog park) are very responsible about picking up after their dogs and knowing when they need to leave the park if their dogs are not getting along. Just to be clear, ive only been to the small dog part

It's really lovely around sunset there. Most dogs and owners are gentle with my senior blind pug and my bug loves to run with the small dogs in the small dog are and then likes to move to the large breed area to try and play with larger dogs. We have had very few difficult dog or owner incidences. The bathrooms are usually pretty clean. If ever we walk around the grassy areas though I have to muzzle my older blind dog who mistakes the geese poop as snacks. There is a lot of goose poop which can be something to be aware of for picnics in the area. I usually bring a tarp for under my blanket and a spare pair of shoes to put on to get back in the car. But the dog area does have a hose sometimes if you need one. It's really a lovely spot, especially so during the golden hours at sunrise and sunset. And I rarely struggle to find parking!

One of the largest dog parks in the east bay. Mostly sandy with a few grassy areas. Weekdays aren’t busy but weekends can be. Dogs are generally well behaved here though I’ve seen a couple of incidents between dogs, but the owners were quick to react and resolve. A pretty social environment too, people like to talk to you here. There are also nice areas outside of the dog park to walk your dog (on leash). Parking is usually not a problem, which is nice. Good water fountain, a good amount of trash bins and there is a separate smaller dog park for small dogs that need to be away from the big guys.

Nice and cool area with the breeze from the bay air. Perfect place for large and small dogs. Pretty bustling on the weekends with so many pups playing. There's always a trashcan within and reach to drop off the dookies.

Pros: It is usually well maintained, and when not too crowded it is large enough for most dogs to get some excercise running and playing. At times it is the only reasonable and convenient option for dogs groups of 3 or more. Parking in the adjacent lot is usually available and free. On many days is is quiet and relaxing, and the few owners around are controlling their dogs. Cons: Can be hot and dirty in the summer and windy and muddy in the winter. There is some unpredictability about the types of interactions that might occur with other dogs. Nearly every time I go there is a another dog helping themselves to all of my dogs’ things while the owner looks on, while this is annoying I appreciate the responsible owners. Needs improving: In/Out Gates are cumbersome and a lot of tangling and confusion could be avoided by installing a simple sliding gate. Bathroom facilities are rarely clean. More water stations. Kudos for: Creating and maintaining a free large dog park, something that is we really need more of.