Ohlone Dog Park

The Ohlone Dog Park in Berkeley, California, is a fenced-in portion of Ohlone Park, a five-block-long, multi-use urban park that includes soccer fields, playgrounds for kids and softball fields. The dog park, which should not be confused with a dog park of the same name in nearby Hercules, California, is divided into a small dog section for canines under 30 pounds and a large dog area, where the bigger dogs can chase a ball, charge after a Frisbee or just socialize with other dogs and dog owners.

The off-leash park encompasses the area between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Grant Street on Hearst Avenue in northwest Berkeley. It enjoys a reputation as a relaxed place to romp, but too small to consider it a place to go for a long stroll. It is an urban park, so comes with a few of the multi-use confusion that might entail, such as complaints from other users and local residents about barking or uncontrolled dogs. 

Owners are respectfully required to clean up after their pets. Dogs must be leashed until they enter the fenced enclosure and they must be licensed and wear a collar with ID and rabies verification tags. It's recommended you don't bring aggressive dogs or puppies to the park and generally “be aware that the Dog Park is in a residential neighborhood.”

In 2014-2016, Ohlone Dog Park underwent a $450,000 renovation with the addition of the small dog section, water fountains, and a fully paved sidewalk to make the park wheelchair accessible. It also has plenty of picnic tables and benches, allowing dog owners the chance to relax and socialize.

A plaque at the park claims Ohlone is “widely considered to be the world's first dog park.” It was begun in 1979 through a grassroots initiative that grew to become the Ohlone Dog Park Association, which was officially incorporated in 1983.