Miller Knox Regional Shoreline: Pros & Cons
We go to Miller Knox on a regular basis especially when foxtails are in full bloom due to the medical risk to dogs. A pro for this park is that it is family and dog friendly. It’s clean and I have never seen any drug or fighting drama. There is also a fair amount of grass year-round, which is nice in a state with regular droughts.
The main con is that it is a leash only park, though that can be good for safety if you walking with an older dog. We went from Lovie’s border puppyhood (around 2 years) all the way to the end (almost 16). We always felt safe.
Dog-Friendly Etiquette
The primary rule is dogs must be on lead. Though people who have their dogs under strong voice control will often play with their dogs in some of the exterior fields along the western shore (see below) away from the picnic area and food in the interior portion of the park (seen in photo above).
Importance & Benefit to Community
This park is well used and frequented by locals from the nearby condos. It is right across from the East Bay Regional Park District western hub so it is very well maintained. In addition to giving people a place to walk their dogs year round on paved roads that do not get swarmed by fox-tails every summer, there is also a small beach area for families to frolic and cool down on hot days, and a lot of fishing opportunities. There is also a huge area in the interior filled with BBQ pits and picnic areas that are well used by families, offices, clubs, and churches.
Park Amenities
In addition to multiple free off-street parking lots (but with restrictive hours so get their before they lock the gates at 4PM PST), there are picnic areas that can be reserved, full bathrooms, a utility sink for fisherman to clean their catches, water fountains with lower dog bowls, benches along the exterior and interior pathways, a beach shower to wash off after a dip in the bay, and a pier for fishing.
Small Dogs Safety & Participation
As long as people stick the leash rules, the park is safe for all sizes and ages. I have on occasion seen dogs that were not under voice control due to poor ownership and I have heard a few accounts of violence from dog attacks, but fortunately, I have not witnessed a fight. People do spread the word when someone spots a stray or an aggressive dog.
