Edna's Playground

For dog owners in Davis, California, seeking a specialized and engaging environment for their canine companions, Edna's Playground offers a truly unique destination. Located at 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616, this dog park is not just another patch of grass; it's a thoughtfully designed space, particularly renowned for its focus on dog agility. Created and opened in 2006 thanks to a generous donation by the Gorland family, Edna's Playground serves as a testament to the community's dedication to providing enriching experiences for local pups.

Unlike expansive, open-field dog parks, Edna's Playground is described as a "very small dog park and sitting area." This more intimate setting is perfectly suited for dogs and owners looking for a focused and controlled environment. Its primary allure lies in its comprehensive agility course, featuring a full assortment of equipment designed to challenge and entertain dogs of all abilities. As one description notes, it includes "a pause table, weave poles, a couple of jumps, and contact obstacles such as a dog walk, a see-saw, an A-frame, and a tunnel." This makes it an ideal spot for practicing agility, burning off energy in a structured way, or simply introducing your dog to new and stimulating activities.

Beyond the agility equipment, Edna's Playground also offers a poignant touch with its memorial brick walkway. These carefully laid bricks, some dedicated to donators and others serving as "memorials for loved pets," add a heartfelt dimension to the park, making it a place of quiet reflection as well as active play. While a local review mentions it's "located near a large field that often contains several horses and a donkey, hence with a light breeze a corresponding smell is noticeable," this natural aspect often blends into the overall outdoor experience. The consensus from users, even dating back to early reviews, emphasizes that "It may be small but it's the only one that's free in the greater Sacramento area," and that dogs "love the place and it's good place to work out a high energy dog." This enduring sentiment highlights Edna's Playground as a cherished and valuable resource for the Davis dog community.

Edna's Playground is conveniently located at 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616, USA. This address places it strategically within the vibrant campus area of the University of California, Davis. Specifically, it is situated just outside the Center for Companion Animal Health (CCAH) building of the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). This unique positioning makes it easily accessible for students, faculty, and staff associated with the university, as well as local Davis residents.

Accessibility by car is facilitated by its proximity to the UC Davis campus. Visitors should be aware that, as part of a university campus, parking regulations may apply. One older comment noted that "Park may be free to use, but you have to pay for parking during the week." Therefore, visitors should be prepared for potential parking fees or specific permit requirements, especially during weekday business hours. Weekend parking might be more readily available or free, but it's always advisable to check UC Davis parking information prior to your visit.

For those who prefer alternative transportation, Davis is a highly bicycle-friendly city, and Edna's Playground is likely accessible via the extensive network of bike paths that traverse the city and the university campus. Its location near a major university facility also means it's often close to public transportation routes, providing additional accessibility options for locals. The precise address makes it easy to locate using GPS, guiding dog owners directly to this unique agility park within the UC Davis grounds.

Edna's Playground is uniquely focused on providing specialized services and amenities that cater to dog agility and active play, setting it apart from more traditional open-field dog parks.

• Full Agility Course: The primary service offered is a comprehensive set of agility equipment. This includes a pause table, weave poles, various jumps, contact obstacles like a dog walk, a see-saw, an A-frame, and a tunnel. This provides an excellent opportunity for dogs to practice agility skills, improve coordination, and engage in stimulating physical and mental exercise.
• Fenced Off-Leash Area: Crucially, Edna's Playground is described as a "fenced dog park." This provides a secure environment where owners can confidently let their dogs off-leash to utilize the agility equipment and play, without concerns about them wandering off into adjacent areas.
• Dedicated Sitting Area with Benches: For human companions, the park includes an outside sitting area with several benches. This allows owners to relax and observe their dogs, or to connect with other pet parents. Some benches are dedicated to donors, adding a community touch.
• Memorial Brick Walkway: A unique and touching feature is the carefully laid brick walkway, where many bricks serve as memorials for beloved pets, family members, and even veterinarians. This adds a contemplative and commemorative aspect to the park, honoring the bond between humans and animals.
• Suitability for High-Energy Dogs: While small, the agility focus makes it an excellent "place to work out a high energy dog," providing a structured way for them to expend energy.
• Free Public Access: A significant "service" for the community is that the park is free to use, making specialized agility equipment accessible without charge (though parking fees may apply on weekdays).
• Proximity to Veterinary Facilities: Being located near the UC Davis VMTH and CCAH provides an indirect benefit, as it’s close to professional animal health resources, adding a layer of convenience for pet owners using the park.

Edna's Playground is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that make it a cherished spot for dog owners in Davis, particularly those interested in agility and a more structured play environment.

• Comprehensive Agility Equipment: This is the park's standout feature. It boasts a full array of agility obstacles, including weave poles, jumps, a pause table, dog walks, A-frames, see-saws, and tunnels. This makes it an ideal destination for practicing dog sports, training, or simply providing engaging and challenging physical activity for pets.
• Secure Fenced Environment: Unlike some open off-leash areas in Davis, Edna's Playground is a "fenced dog park." This provides a crucial sense of security for owners, allowing dogs to play off-leash with confidence, especially important when navigating agility courses.
• Memorial Brick Walkway: A deeply touching and unique highlight is the presence of a memorial brick walkway. These bricks serve as lasting tributes to beloved pets, family members, and donors, creating a poignant and reflective atmosphere within the park. It adds an emotional depth that goes beyond typical dog park amenities.
• Intimate and Focused Size: Described as a "very small dog park," its compact nature allows for a more controlled and focused play experience. For some owners, this is preferable to vast, open spaces where dogs can get lost or overwhelmed. It's ideal for concentrated training or quiet play.
• Good for High-Energy Dogs: Despite its smaller size, the agility equipment provides an excellent outlet for "high energy dog" to work out their energy efficiently and effectively.
• Free Public Access: The fact that this specialized agility park is free to use (outside of potential weekday parking fees) is a significant highlight, making advanced play and training accessible to a wider range of the community.
• Convenient UC Davis Location: Its placement directly outside the Center for Companion Animal Health at UC Davis provides easy access for many, particularly those affiliated with the university, and also offers the peace of mind of proximity to world-class veterinary care.

As a public dog park, Edna's Playground, like most public recreational facilities in Davis, does not typically offer commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional retail sense, such as discounts or sales. Its primary "promotion" is the consistent provision of a unique, free-to-use (with potential weekday parking fees) agility-focused off-leash area for the community's dogs.

The value it provides can be seen as an ongoing benefit to the Davis community. The existence and maintenance of such a specialized facility, made possible by donations (like that from the Gorland family) and managed by relevant public bodies (likely through UC Davis or the City of Davis Parks and Recreation), represent a continuous "promotion" of canine well-being and recreational opportunities.

Any "special offers" or unique events related to Edna's Playground would likely be community-driven, informal, or academic in nature, given its university affiliation. These might include:

• Agility Practice Meet-ups: Local dog training clubs or informal groups might regularly schedule meet-ups at Edna's Playground to practice agility, offering a consistent "event" for those interested in the sport.
• Veterinary School Outreach/Events: Given its location at the UC Davis VMTH, there might occasionally be public outreach events, demonstrations, or educational programs related to animal health and behavior that utilize the park space. These would be offered by the university or associated groups.
• Community Fundraising for Park Upkeep: While not a promotion for users, there might be periodic community-led initiatives or drives (e.g., selling engraved bricks for the memorial walkway) to raise funds for the park's continued maintenance or improvements, allowing locals to contribute.
• Dog-Related Research/Studies: As part of a veterinary school, the park might be used for observational studies or demonstrations related to canine behavior or training, offering a unique "behind-the-scenes" look for interested individuals.

For the most up-to-date information on any potential events or specific details about the park, it is advisable to check local Davis community boards, UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital public notices, or the City of Davis Parks and Recreation Department website. The very existence of this free, specialized agility park is its enduring and significant "special offer" to the California pet community.

For those planning a visit or seeking more information about Edna's Playground, here is the primary contact information:

Address: 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616, USA

As Edna's Playground is a specialized dog park located on the UC Davis campus, direct phone numbers specifically for the "dog park" itself are not typically provided. For general inquiries related to the park, its facilities, or potential events, it is best to direct questions to the relevant departments or entities.

Given its location, the most appropriate contacts would likely be:

• UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) / Center for Companion Animal Health (CCAH): Since the park is situated just outside the CCAH building, their general inquiry line might be able to provide information or direct you to the correct department. A general phone number for UC Davis Vet Med or the VMTH is (530) 752-1393.
• City of Davis Parks and Recreation Department: While on university property, public recreational facilities sometimes fall under city guidelines. The City of Davis Parks and Recreation Department oversees various dog parks in Davis, and their main contact would be (530) 757-5626 for general inquiries regarding city parks and animal regulations.

For the most current information regarding parking, hours, or specific park rules, it is highly recommended to consult the official UC Davis website (particularly their parking services or Vet Med section) or the City of Davis Parks and Recreation website. These official resources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date details for your visit to Edna's Playground.

Edna's Playground at 1 Garrod Dr in Davis, California, is an exceptionally suitable and highly valued resource for local dog owners, particularly those who appreciate specialized training opportunities and a more intimate park setting. Its unique features and community integration make it a distinct and essential part of the Davis pet landscape.

Firstly, its primary suitability for locals stems from its dedicated focus on dog agility. For owners who wish to engage their dogs in stimulating physical and mental exercises beyond simple running, the full array of agility equipment—from weave poles to see-saws—is an invaluable asset. This allows locals to train their dogs, practice for dog sports, or simply provide a fun and challenging workout in a structured environment that is easily accessible. This specialized offering fills a niche not always met by larger, more general dog parks.

Secondly, the park's secure, fenced design provides crucial peace of mind for owners. In contrast to unfenced areas, this enclosure allows dogs to confidently navigate the agility course and play off-leash without the constant worry of them wandering off. This security is particularly beneficial for those working on recall or who have dogs prone to exploring. The smaller, more contained "very small dog park" feel also fosters a sense of intimacy and allows for focused training sessions.

Furthermore, the poignant memorial brick walkway adds a unique emotional depth that resonates deeply with the local community. It provides a space for reflection and remembrance of beloved pets, transforming a recreational area into a place of shared experience and empathy among pet owners. This human element enriches the overall atmosphere of the park.

While weekday parking costs should be considered, the core benefit of free access to such specialized agility equipment remains a significant advantage for Davis residents. Its location on the UC Davis campus also offers a unique connection to a world-renowned veterinary institution, providing an indirect sense of expertise and care in the vicinity. For Davis locals seeking an engaging, secure, and thoughtfully designed space to exercise their dogs' bodies and minds, Edna's Playground is not just a suitable option; it is a beloved and distinctive agility haven that truly enriches the lives of canine companions and their devoted human families.