Wrigley Heights Dog Park

Hello, fellow dog lovers in Long Beach and throughout California! When it comes to finding the perfect outdoor space for our beloved canine companions, we're always on the lookout for places that offer ample room to run, opportunities for safe socialization, and the amenities that make our visits enjoyable. Wrigley Heights Dog Park in Long Beach is one such location that garners attention, often sparking conversations about its current state and its promising future. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Wrigley Heights Dog Park, helping you, as local users, determine if it's the right fit for your pup's next outing.

Located in the heart of Long Beach, Wrigley Heights Dog Park offers a dedicated off-leash area that serves a significant portion of the community. We understand that every dog park has its unique characteristics, and while some may have all the bells and whistles, others are appreciated for their potential and the simple joy they bring to our furry friends. This guide will walk you through the specifics of Wrigley Heights Dog Park, from its precise location and accessibility to the features that make it a notable spot, along with important considerations based on recent user feedback. Join us as we explore what makes this Long Beach dog park a topic of discussion among local pet owners.

Wrigley Heights Dog Park is situated at 3401 Golden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA. This address places it within the Wrigley Heights neighborhood of Long Beach, making it a convenient option for residents in this part of the city and surrounding areas. The park occupies a parcel of land that was formerly a police horse stable, providing a historical context to its current use as a recreational space for dogs.

Accessibility to Wrigley Heights Dog Park is generally easy. It's described as having "Easy access," suggesting that getting to the location itself is straightforward for those driving. However, customer feedback indicates there's "not much parking for vehicles," which can be a significant consideration, especially during peak hours. Street parking might be available, but limited dedicated parking could pose a challenge. The park is located at the northwest corner of Golden and Wardlow Road, which are established streets in Long Beach, aiding in navigation. For those relying on public transportation, Long Beach has a comprehensive bus system, and routes serving the Wrigley Heights area might offer stops within walking distance of the park. Despite the noted parking limitations, its placement within an urban neighborhood means it is generally reachable for local residents, encouraging regular visits for dog owners looking for a nearby off-leash space.

Wrigley Heights Dog Park provides the fundamental services expected of a public off-leash dog facility, focusing on creating a designated space for canine exercise and socialization:

• Off-Leash Play Area: The primary service is offering a large, designated fenced area where dogs can safely run and play off-leash. This provides a crucial outlet for canine energy and encourages natural social behavior.
• Water Fountain: The park features "one wonderful water fountain" for dogs, essential for hydration, especially on warm California days. However, users note that "on hot days there is little to NO use at all!!" because "the dogs cannot stand at the water fountain and drink without burning their paws," suggesting the need for additional shaded water sources or a cooler surface around the fountain. There's also a mention of a "freshwater source coming through the outer wall" that has been "leaking for sometime, and needs replaced."
• Waste Disposal: The park is equipped with dog waste bags and separate trash receptacles, promoting responsible pet ownership and cleanliness within the park.
• Entry/Vestibule Area: There's an "entry/vestibule area where dogs can be unleashed or held while entering or exiting the dog park section," which is a safety feature for secure entry and exit.
• Seating: The park provides chairs or benches for human companions, though it's noted there are "very few shade trees, and setting places," and the existing "mature trees" at the back edge are "not comfortable to sit under."
• Open Daily: The park is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week, offering extensive hours for visitors.

Wrigley Heights Dog Park has several features and highlights, though some also point to areas with "potential" for improvement:

• Large Open Area: It's consistently described as a "Large dog park" or "a large open area for dogs-both big and small." This spaciousness is a major highlight, allowing dogs ample room to run and play freely. The park spans approximately 1.9 acres.
• Size-Inclusive: The "large open area for dogs-both big and small" suggests it accommodates all sizes, though it does not explicitly mention separate fenced areas for different sizes.
• Ground Surface: The surface material is described as "dirt and rock area" with "wood shake" in some parts, which can get "extremely hot on the dogs feet" on hot days. It has been "filled in, and leveled out from what it was a few years ago," which is a positive update, making it "Looking much nicer."
• Fencing: The perimeter and division of the site are identified by "painted chain link fencing," ensuring a contained environment for off-leash play.
• Thorn Alert: A significant concern highlighted by a customer review is the presence of "THORN ALERT!" due to "plants or trees dropping thorns that got between Kobi's pads twice." This indicates a need for vigilance in certain areas, particularly "outside the dirt and rock area."
• Lack of Shade: A major consistent concern is the "little to NO use at all!!" on hot days due to "very few shade trees," which renders the park uncomfortable for dogs and humans alike. The existing trees are "not comfortable to sit under," highlighting a deficiency.
• Mural: Wrigley Heights Dog Park is home to a 2022 mural painted by James Brooks, part of the “7 for 7” initiative, adding an artistic touch to the space.

As a publicly operated facility by the City of Long Beach, Wrigley Heights Dog Park does not offer traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers." Its primary "offer" to the community is the provision of a free and accessible off-leash recreational space for dogs and their owners.

However, it's worth noting some aspects that contribute to its value proposition for local users:

• Free Public Access: The most significant benefit is that the park is free to use for all members of the public with licensed and vaccinated dogs. This ensures that canine exercise and socialization opportunities are available without a financial barrier.
• City Maintenance: While there are noted areas for improvement, the park does undergo regular maintenance. It "may be closed Mondays before noon for repairs" or "maintenance," indicating ongoing efforts by the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine Department to keep the facility functional. This commitment to upkeep, though sometimes inconvenient, ensures the park remains a viable option.
• Long Operating Hours: Being open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily provides extensive flexibility for dog owners to visit at their convenience, accommodating various schedules.
• Community Development Context: The park's future "potential" is a significant, albeit informal, "offer." With "a large development going up nearby," there's hope among locals that the dog park will be "updated to version 7.0," implying future improvements and enhancements that would benefit the community.

For specific information on maintenance closures or potential future development plans, residents are encouraged to consult the official City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine website or local Long Beach community news sources.

For general inquiries, information regarding park rules, or to report issues related to Wrigley Heights Dog Park, you can contact the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine Department.

• Address: 3401 Golden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA (The physical location of the dog park).
• Phone: (562) 570-3150. (This is the primary phone number provided for the park).
• Mobile Phone: +1 562-570-3150 (This appears to be an alternative or direct contact number).
• City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation Main Line: (562) 570-3111 (As seen on official city directories for parks).
• Email: LBParks@longbeach.gov (General email for Long Beach Parks inquiries).
• Official Website: For the most current information, including specific park rules, maintenance schedules, and other Long Beach dog park details, always refer to the City of Long Beach's official Parks, Recreation & Marine website, specifically the page dedicated to Wrigley Heights Dog Park.

Wrigley Heights Dog Park, despite some acknowledged shortcomings, holds a distinct suitability for locals in Long Beach, California, primarily due to its core offering and undeniable potential. Its greatest strength lies in being a "Large dog park," providing much-needed open space for canine exercise in an urban environment. For residents, this expansive area is crucial for dogs to run freely, burn off energy, and engage in natural behaviors that might be restricted in smaller, leashed public spaces.

The park's location offers "easy access" for those in the Wrigley Heights neighborhood and surrounding Long Beach communities. While parking can be limited, the very existence of a dedicated off-leash area within reasonable proximity is a significant advantage for many dog owners seeking a convenient option for daily outings. The presence of a water fountain and waste disposal bags, though with areas for improvement, indicates that essential amenities are considered, facilitating responsible pet ownership.

Critically, the park is actively undergoing "leveling out" and "improvements," signaling a commitment from the City of Long Beach to enhance the user experience. The potential for future upgrades, especially with nearby development, offers a promising outlook for increased shade, better ground surfaces, and expanded amenities, which are currently the primary areas of concern for users. For local dog owners who prioritize spaciousness and a no-frills environment for their pups to socialize, and who are hopeful about future developments, Wrigley Heights Dog Park remains a viable and frequently visited option. It serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to provide valuable recreational spaces for the beloved canine population of Long Beach.