Dog park

For dog owners across California, the quest for the perfect outdoor space for their furry companions is a never-ending journey. We’re always on the lookout for a place where our dogs can run, play, and socialize safely, without the constraints of a leash. In the heart of Calabasas, nestled along the scenic Mulholland Highway, lies such a gem: Wild Walnut Park. More than just an open field, this dedicated dog park offers a clean, secure, and engaging environment that caters to the needs of both canines and their human counterparts. It's a true community asset, providing a much-needed outlet for pets to exercise and interact, all while their owners can relax and connect with fellow dog enthusiasts.

The concept of a dog park is simple yet incredibly beneficial. It provides a controlled setting where dogs can express their natural behaviors – sniffing, chasing, wrestling, and making new friends – free from the restrictions of leashes that are often necessary in other public spaces. This freedom is vital for a dog's physical health, mental stimulation, and social development. For us, as owners, it’s an opportunity to watch our dogs thrive, burn off energy, and return home happy and tired. Wild Walnut Park stands out as a prime example of a well-designed dog park, offering features that enhance every visit and make it a favorite spot for Calabasas locals.

Wild Walnut Park is conveniently located at 23050 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA. This prime location places it within easy reach for residents of Calabasas and surrounding communities in the western San Fernando Valley and eastern Ventura County. Situated on a major thoroughfare, Mulholland Highway, the park is easily accessible by car. There is usually ample parking available, though like any popular spot, it can get busier during peak hours, especially on weekends.

While direct public transportation specifically to the park might be limited given its more suburban setting, the City of Calabasas does offer local transit services, including fixed routes and microtransit options. Residents relying on public transport should consult the City of Calabasas's official transit schedules to determine the best routes and stops that connect to the Mulholland Highway area. For many, a short drive or even a pleasant walk from nearby neighborhoods makes this park a readily accessible and highly valued local amenity. Its integration into the larger Wild Walnut Park also means visitors can enjoy other park features before or after their dog park visit.

Wild Walnut Park's dog area is designed with the well-being and enjoyment of your pets in mind, offering a range of services and amenities that enhance every visit. Based on recent renovations and user reviews, here's what you can expect:

• Separate Areas for Large and Small Dogs: A crucial feature that ensures safety and comfort for all canines. This allows smaller or more timid dogs to play freely without being overwhelmed by larger, more energetic companions, and vice versa.

• Water Fountains for Pups: Keeping dogs hydrated is paramount, especially under the California sun. The park is equipped with doggie drinking fountains, ensuring fresh water is always available for your thirsty pets.

• Pooper Scoopers / Waste Bins: Maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility. The park provides readily accessible waste bag dispensers and bins, making it easy for owners to clean up after their dogs and keep the area hygienic for everyone.

• Restrooms: Conveniently located restrooms are available for human visitors, enhancing the overall comfort of your visit.

• Picnic Area: Adjacent to the dog park, visitors can find picnic tables, offering a comfortable spot to relax while dogs play, or for a post-play snack.

The thoughtful design and consistent upkeep of Wild Walnut Park contribute to its status as a premier dog park in the Calabasas area. Here are some of its standout features and highlights:

• Clean and Secure Environment: As highlighted by user reviews, the park is notably clean and offers a secure, fenced area, providing peace of mind for dog owners. The secure fencing ensures that dogs can run off-leash safely within the designated boundaries.

• Open Space for Running: The park provides ample open space, allowing dogs to truly stretch their legs, chase balls, and engage in vigorous play. This is essential for their physical health and energy release.

• Trailhead to Bark Park Trail: While the provided information mentions a "Bark Park" at a different address, it's common for parks in this region to have interconnected trails. Wild Walnut Park itself features a Walking/Hiking Trail, offering an extended outdoor experience beyond the fenced dog park area for those who wish to explore on-leash.

• Children's Play Area/Playground: For families with both canine and human children, the presence of a children's playground within the larger Wild Walnut Park means entertainment for everyone, making it a convenient destination for a family outing.

• Well-Maintained Woodchip and Grass Areas: The park reportedly features both woodchip and grass areas, providing varied terrain for dogs and contributing to better drainage and cleaner paws. Note that the grass area may have specific hours (e.g., Friday-Sunday, April-November) or maintenance closures.

• Community Hub: The park serves as a vital meeting point for local dog owners, fostering a sense of community and allowing for shared experiences and responsible pet ownership.

As a public amenity managed by the City of Calabasas, Wild Walnut Park primarily offers free access to its facilities. Therefore, you won't typically find traditional commercial promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs associated directly with the dog park itself.

However, the City of Calabasas Department of Community Services, Parks & Recreation occasionally hosts community events or initiatives that may benefit park users. These could include:

• Grand Reopening Celebrations: Following significant renovations, like those recently completed at Wild Walnut Park, the city often holds reopening events that may feature giveaways, demonstrations, or free refreshments for attendees and their pets.

• Pet Adoption Events: Local animal shelters or rescue organizations sometimes partner with the city to host adoption days at or near popular parks, providing an opportunity to meet adoptable animals.

• Responsible Pet Ownership Workshops: From time to time, the city or local pet experts might offer free workshops on topics like dog obedience, pet first aid, or leash training, sometimes held in park settings.

• Park Clean-Up Days: Volunteer clean-up events are a common way for communities to engage with their local parks and ensure they remain pristine. Participating in these events is a way to "promote" the park's continued beauty.

To stay informed about any potential community events, closures for maintenance (such as the reported Thursday morning closures for the grass area), or changes to park regulations, it's best to consult the official sources.

Address: 23050 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA

For direct inquiries regarding park hours, maintenance schedules, or general information about Wild Walnut Park, you can typically reach out to the City of Calabasas Department of Community Services, Parks & Recreation.

Main Phone for Community Services: (818) 224-1600

Email: communityservicesinfo@cityofcalabasas.com

It is always recommended to check the City of Calabasas official website for the most up-to-date information, as park hours and maintenance schedules can change. Look for sections related to "Parks, Trails and Facilities" or "Wild Walnut Park" specifically.

Wild Walnut Park is an excellent choice for dog owners living in Calabasas and the surrounding areas of Southern California. Its thoughtful design, evident in features like separate areas for different dog sizes, ample open space, and essential amenities such as water fountains and waste disposal, directly addresses the practical needs of local pet owners. In a region where outdoor activity is a way of life, having a safe and accessible off-leash environment for dogs is incredibly valuable for their health and happiness.

Furthermore, the positive reviews from local users ("Very nice Park: clean, secure, there's a water fountain for the pups") underscore the quality of the experience provided. The sentiment that "the experience depends entirely on how many other dogs show up" highlights the park's function as a community hub, where dogs and their owners can socialize and interact. For those in Calabasas seeking a reliable, well-maintained, and community-oriented space for their canine companions, Wild Walnut Park offers everything you could want and more. It’s not just a place for dogs to run; it’s a place for the community to connect, making it a truly suitable and beloved local destination.