Dracena Quarry Park Off Leash Dog Area

The town of Piedmont, California, on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a small community with a lovely neighborhood dog park. Dracena Quarry Park is a repurposed quarry. The quarry was originally opened in 1852 and provided much of the stone for the streets of the city of Oakland. The quarry ceased operations around the turn of the 20th century and was made into a park. There are still blue rock outcroppings that overlook parts of the park, and amateur historians and geologists occasionally lead tours of the area.

Dracena Park is a small park of about 8 acres. As far as neighborhood parks go, it's very interesting. There's a small grove of Redwoods with an elevated bridge over a small "canyon," a children's playground with a climbing wall and a stone slide, and a few redwood picnic tables. There's enough different flowers and plants to catch the attention of any little botanist, and, because the park started out as a quarry, there are a number of amateur geologists who love to poke around. 

There is an off-leash dog run next to the redwood grove. It is very close to the children's play area, so dog owners should be careful of any potential run-ins between out of control children and excited dogs. The dog run is not fenced, and there is no place for small dogs, so, as always, use caution and your best judgement. Your dog is welcome in the rest of the park, but she must be leashed. The city has not provided any dog poop bags, so be prepared to bring your own, as you are expected to clean up after your fur baby.

There is a word of caution when going to this park. Be aware that, in case of an earthquake, the rock outcroppings could become quite dangerous.