Petaluma Deserves a Real Dog Park
A community proposal for a safe, welcoming, dedicated off-leash dog park — backed by data, survey research, and Petaluma residents.
Our Goal: A 15/15 safety-rated dog park open in Petaluma by 2027
A Community Coalition Fighting for Safe Dog Spaces
We are a group of Petaluma residents who believe our city deserves a safe, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed dog park. Petaluma Dog Park Advocacy was formed to turn that belief into action.
Our committee was formed to:
- Gather community feedback and survey dog owners
- Assess current park offerings against safety criteria
- Research successful models in neighboring communities
- Identify potential locations and design priorities
- Advocate for funding and city support
We believe dog parks are more than recreation spaces — they strengthen community connection, support mental and physical health, and improve quality of life for residents of all ages.
Our Committee
- 🐾 Deanna Dawson & Izzy
- 🐾 Sherri Oster & Bella
- 🐾 Suze Cardiff & Loki
- 🐾 Laura DeCook & Sadie
- 🐾 Melinda McIlvaine & Lexi
A Dog Park Serves the Whole Community
A dog park isn’t just a place for pets — it’s a community investment that pays dividends for everyone.
Mental Well-Being
Dogs reduce stress, encourage routine, and give owners a reason to get outside. Studies show dog owners report lower anxiety and greater sense of purpose.
Neighborhood Connection
Dog parks are social magnets. The morning regulars at McNear Park, Prince Park, and Oak Hill are proof — these are community rituals Petaluma hasn’t supported.
Health & Activity
Dog owners walk more, sit less, and spend more time outdoors. A dedicated park gives the whole family a daily destination that supports physical health year-round.
Safer Shared Spaces
Without a dedicated dog park, off-leash dogs share space with children, cyclists, and other users — creating conflict. A proper park keeps everyone safer.
Petaluma’s Dog Park Landscape Today
10 parks with designated off-leash hours. 2 dog-focused parks. Zero that meet the minimum standard for safety.
| Location | Type | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arroyo, Bond, Del Oro, Lucchesi, McNear, Wiseman | Neighborhood parks | M–F: 6–11am & 8–10pm · Sa/Su: 6–8am & 8–10pm | Shared with sports fields & picnics |
| Urban Separator, Glenbrook, Sunrise Pkwy, Westridge | Open space | 6–10am · 6–10pm daily | |
| Oak Hill Park | Neighborhood park | M–F: 6–10am & 5–10pm · Sa/Su: 6–11am & 5–10pm | Small enclosed area |
| Prince Park | Sports fields | Sep–May: 6am–3pm M–F · Jun–Aug: 6–8am M–F | Summer hours shrink to 2 hrs/day |
| Rocky Memorial Dog Park | City dog park | 6am–10pm daily | ⚠ Unfenced · Foxtails · Gopher holes |
| Deer Creek (Friedman’s) | 1.5-acre enclosed | Varies | PRIVATE — no city oversight |
We Evaluated Petaluma’s Parks Against 15 Safety Criteria
The results demand action.
What a Dog Park Must Have: Our 15-Point Safety Criteria
Researched and developed to define the minimum standard for a safe, accessible, well-maintained off-leash space. These aren’t luxury features — they’re standard at dog parks in neighboring cities.
How Do Petaluma’s Parks Measure Up?
Scored against all 15 safety criteria. Nearby cities’ dog parks shown for comparison.
Where Every Park Falls Short
We Surveyed Petaluma Dog Owners
What Dog Owners Are Experiencing
“I do not use the Petaluma dog parks currently — most of them are in great disrepair, so we leave town to go to the dog park.”
— Survey respondent, Petaluma dog owner
What Dog Owners Consider Must-Haves
Features selected as essential across nearly all respondents — these are minimum expectations, not a wish list.
Secure, Fully Fenced Perimeter
The single most-cited requirement. Without complete fencing, there is no safe off-leash space — full stop.
Dog Waste Disposal
Bags and bins throughout the park. Basic hygiene that every respondent expects as standard.
Dog Hydration Stations & Hoses
Fresh water for dogs is a safety necessity, not a luxury. Current parks often have nothing accessible.
Clean & Regular Maintenance
A park that isn’t maintained is a park that won’t be used. Consistent upkeep is foundational.
Double-Gated Entry
A secure two-gate entry system prevents escapes. Respondents cited escape risk as a top safety concern.
Hazard-Free (No Foxtails)
Foxtails were the #1 cited issue. A park with foxtails is not a safe park — this is non-negotiable.
Shady Areas & Seating
For year-round use, shade and benches are essential. Owners need to supervise comfortably.
Separate Small Dog Area
Critical for safety. Small, timid, and senior dogs need their own space away from larger dogs.
Dog Parks Build Community
“We are a ‘dog group’ now. Made at Arroyo Park — the park is how we stay connected.”
— Petaluma dog owner
Petaluma Residents Are Driving to Other Cities
Here’s what those parks offer that ours don’t.
Petaluma residents are already spending time and money in neighboring cities. A proper dog park keeps that community value at home.
Three Paths Forward — We’re Ready to Drive Any of Them
Upgrade an Existing Dog Run Area
Transform an underused city park section into a safe, dedicated dog park — without requiring new land.
- ⭐ Prince Park — Primary. SE end near E. Washington. Already has parking, restrooms, water, and no foxtail issues.
- Oak Hill Park — Secondary. Large park with water access and parking.
City Invests in a New Location
A purpose-built dog park at a new location — ideally on the outskirts of town where space is plentiful. Inspiration: Dog Bone Meadow, Novato — spacious, tree-lined, fully fenced on the edge of town.
Community-Funded Private Dog Park
If city investment isn’t feasible, we raise the funds ourselves.
- Apply for Prop 68, ADA compliance grants, and state park funding
- Corporate sponsors: local pet businesses, vets, and pet-friendly brands
- Community crowdfunding backed by 120+ survey respondents
- Fundraising events: Yappy Hours, PupFest, and more
Prince Park — Our Primary Recommendation
Already a daily destination for Petaluma dog owners. The SE end near E. Washington has a baseball field that is rarely used for sports since the athletic fields moved across the street. Already fenced on three sides.
Underused SE Field
Rarely booked for sports since E. Washington complex was built. Repurposing causes zero disruption.
Already a Dog Community Hub
Dedicated groups visit daily. An established community is already here — just needs the right infrastructure.
No Foxtail Problem
One of the biggest safety risks at other Petaluma parks is already a non-issue at Prince Park.
Ready to Go
Parking, restrooms, water, shade, and 3 sides of fencing already exist. City investment goes further here.
Our Next Steps
Our Goal: At least one 15/15 safety-rated dog park open in Petaluma by 2027.
- 1Assess costs for a purpose-built, 15/15 dog park
- 2Identify and engage a qualified park designer
- 3Launch a fundraising campaign with the community
- 4Meet with local community and business leaders for support and funding
- 5Consult with Parks & Recreation on viable sites and process
- 6Review the Petaluma Parks Master Plan for alignment and recommendations
- 7Grow the committee — every voice strengthens the case
Together we can give Petaluma’s dogs — and their humans — the park they deserve. 🐾
A Dog Park That Activates Petaluma
A dedicated dog park isn’t just green space — it’s a venue that drives foot traffic, supports local vendors, and builds community identity.
Yappy Hour
Happy Hour for dogs & humans. Food trucks, local winery or brewery, vendors, live music.
Petaluma PupFest
30+ vendors, costume parade, agility demos, food trucks, rescue spotlight, silent auction.
Holiday Events
Howl-O-Ween costume contest. Santa Paws photos & toy drive. Bark & Brew.
Community & Education
Trainer demos. Vet in the Park Q&As. Rescue Roundup. Puppy Playdates. Senior Dog Socials.
Dog Olympics & Contests
Fastest recall, best sit-stay, obstacle course. Easy fundraisers with wide community appeal.
Two Signature Events
Join Us! 🐾
Help us build Petaluma’s first dedicated, safe, purpose-built dog park by 2027.
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