Ward Canyon Dog Park - San Diego, CA
Ward Canyon Dog Park in San Diego, CA, is a spacious and welcoming off-leash dog park perfect for pet owners seeking a friendly and safe environment for their dogs. Featuring two large fenced areas for both small and big dogs, this park offers ample room for dogs to explore, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. The park is well-maintained with amenities such as benches, picnic tables, a basketball court, playground equipment, and nearby water fountains, making it a great spot for families and dog lovers alike.
While the park is mostly covered with soft shredded mulch to reduce dust, it lacks extensive grassy areas and shade, so visitors are encouraged to bring water and be mindful of the sunny conditions. The community atmosphere is positive and welcoming, with responsible dog owners and friendly dogs. Located at 4624 40th St, San Diego, this dog park is a must-visit for those looking for a pet-friendly outdoor space with scenic views and a vibrant local dog community.
FAQ for Ward Canyon Dog Park in San Diego California:
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated areas of Ward Canyon Dog Park.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, there are two sectioned off-leash dog parks, one for big dogs and one for small dogs, although the fences are relatively short and some larger dogs may be able to jump over them.
- Are puppies allowed at the park? Yes, puppies are welcome and the park is used by owners for socializing young dogs.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? There used to be dog water bowls but they have been chained due to theft and the water doesn’t last long because of drainage issues. It’s suggested to bring your own water for your dog.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The park has some trees and a semi-shade structure, but shade is limited and at certain parts of the day there may be very little or no shade at all.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, poop bags are available at the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are a few benches and picnic tables for seating inside and near the dog park.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, there are separate large and small dog areas within the dog park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available and have been maintained and improved with murals at times.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? While the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, the dog park itself is covered in wood chips without paved pathways, making it difficult for wheelchair access inside the dog play areas.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park includes playground amenities such as slides, swings, a basketball court, and is good for kids.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small parking lot as well as street parking, and it tends to have ample spots open even on weekends.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is described as well-maintained and clean with owners responsible and picking up after their dogs.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can have from 20 to 60 dogs on average and was noted as not too busy on some weekends, with generally good availability of parking.
Reviews
there is a small lot and street parking. came on a sunday around 11am and there was an ample amount of spots open. there are two sectioned off-leash dog parks. we took my puppy who is starting to socialize. all the dogs seemed well trained and the owners were very kind and respectful. the ground is soft shredded mulch and not dirt so it doesn’t get kicked up. love it!
Small dog park but clean. The ground cover was shredded mulch which kept dust way down. No water in the dog park but a fountain is close by the basketball court.
Decent amount of space for your dogs. Pretty clean and bags are available. Great park to get some air and with the kids as well.
Accessibility: this park really is not accessible as it is all wood chips inside, no paved area for wheelchairs to move easier on. There are also only three small benches to sit on inside the dog park, and there is almost zero shade. In certain parts of the day there will be zero shade, period. It’s very hot here for people and the dogs.Experience: wood chips…that’s the first thing to say. The entire dog park has woodchips with no grass or paved areas, so when the wind blows and when dogs are running around, playing, lots of dirt flies up in the air and gets the dogs dirty as well as getting in your eyes. Also the fences of this dog park are super short so big dogs could easily jump over them. I have a 14 pound, small dog, and people were bringing other small and big dogs in here. It wasn’t too busy on a Saturday which was surprising but all of the other dogs were friendly and the owners were very responsible, picking up after their dogs. I think it is great there is a fenced in dog area at all over here, but I wish they would do a few upgrades on accessibility as well as adding grass and more trees for shade.
This is a somewhat hidden dog park as the street on my navi doesn’t actually go all the way through, but once you find it you’ll love it because there is a huge area for big dogs and an equally large one for little dogs. We hold our puppy reunions there and it’s really fun. There is a bench and a couple of trees, plus a semi shade structure. Make sure to bring your own water. I guess someone has been stealing the dog water bowls because now they have them chained and the water doesn’t last long because the hole for the chain makes it drain out early.