Phoenix Dog Park

Sacramento, California, was once home to a number of small airfields. Over time, as the city has grown and these airfields have been turned into neighborhoods and office parks. One, Phoenix Airfield, closed in 1987. It may have been a small airfield, but today it's a nicely sized park, with baseball, soccer, and lacrosse fields. There's a picnic area, a playground, and a community garden. 

In addition, there is a wonderful open space with lots of wildflowers, and lots of walking trails, one of which features a National Natural Landmark, the Phoenix Park Vernal Pools, a series of ponds that are seasonal wetlands, with plants and animals unique to the area. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park, provided they are leashed. 

Phoenix Park has a lot to recommend it, but the real jewel is the dog park, a full two acres set separate from the rest of the park. There is an enclosure for small dogs, an enclosure for large dogs, and a third enclosure for special needs dogs. If your dog is shy, unsocialized, or just wants to be left alone, the third enclosure is a great way to get your dog some off-leash exercise. You have to get permission to use the third enclosure, but the others are open.

Phoenix Park has restrooms, benches, and poop bag dispensers. It also has two separate entries to minimize any confrontation. Outside the off-leash area is a concrete pad with wading pools for the summer months. No child under the age of 5 is allowed in the park, and any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

With all of the natural attractions and its wonderful dog park, Phoenix Park has something to offer the whole family! Phoenix Dog Park is open from 8:00 AM until dusk every day except Thursdays, when the park is closed for maintenance.