Pros, Cons & Effects of Pinole Valley Park
Pros: There is free parking but in a very small “lot”. There are separate areas for small and large dogs for safety and socialization (great for puppies- we went there all the time when Lovie was a puppy for playdates and wrestle mania). There is also a small picnic area. I have never seen a lot of foxtails which is a big concern for Bay Area residents.
Cons: The back lot by the dog park areas is VERY small (like 4-6 spots). It is not very intuitive to find as the entrance to the dog park areas is in the back. The ground is just dirt and leaves not turf.
Etiquette at Pinole Valley Dog Park
Dogs must be leashed when they are not in the fenced dog play areas. Gates must be closed for safety when entering or exiting the fenced enclosures. There is a weight restriction for the small area but I think senior dogs and puppies are allowed since they are vulnerable too. There are bags and garbage cans for responsible owners to clean up after their dogs. I have not noticed a lot of unclaimed poop compared to trails but it’s not spotless either.
Importance & Benefit to Community
I am a big fan of parks and well-maintained, safe dog parks. Both parks are well used, especially on Saturdays. It is a place where people come to socialize their dogs and with each other. The big dog side can get a little rowdy especially when owners take a seat on a bench instead of following their dogs around to prevent rough play that can escalate into a fight. However, the big dog area is not overly small so that can help reduce violent confrontations.
Dog-Friendly Amenities
This park has all the standard dog park amenities: benches, shade from trees, water fountains with low bowls for dogs, garbage waste stations, poop bags, and limited free parking. There is also a picnic BBQ area with a lot of shade from trees on the other side of the parking lot.
Safe Inclusion of Small Dogs
I like it when fenced dog parks have separate areas for big versus small dogs for safety. This park does not stipulate an exclusion for senior dogs and puppies, but most dogs exempt both of these vulnerable populations. With that said, there usually isn’t as much action in the small dog area as it is smaller. When Lovie was a puppy we went all the time to meet one of his puppy 1 friends so that they could wrestle and socialize safely. I have found that fenced parks that are mixed tend to have more fights because the dogs feel trapped and get edgy, but that is my opinion based on my experiences and what I have witnessed.
