Dog Park Drawings are out in Carpinteria for a Permanent Off-Leash Site
John Palminteri
CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A permanent off-leash dog park could soon be coming to Carpinteria, building on the success of a temporary version that’s been in place for the past year at Monte Vista Park off Bailard Avenue.
Last Saturday, the city unveiled three proposed designs for the future park during a public event at Monte Vista Park. City leaders were on hand to answer questions and encourage residents to vote on their favorite layout.
Juliza Briones with the City of Carpinteria said, “The city is so excited. I know our council is very excited to get this process going and get the final dog park up and running very soon.”
Each of the designs includes separate areas for small and large dogs, along with amenities like benches and dog-themed water fountains. One concept even features playful design elements tailored to canine visitors.
Briones added, “What we want to know from the residents is what their furry pups want here at the park. And we’re really excited for this next phase.”
“I love the new drawings,” said Sandra Duncan who owns a dog. “I voted on the one, of course, that I liked. The more space, the better, right? But there’s a lot of benefit to having the large dog and small dog area.”
Currently, all dogs share the same space. The proposed designs aim to improve safety and comfort for dogs of all sizes. While funding is still being secured, the city has already invested in preliminary planning.
Briones explained, “The city is definitely putting its dollars towards it now in terms of the preliminary designs and making sure that we have all of those key components in place.”
The Carpinteria Dog Owners Group (C-DOG), a nonprofit advocating for the off-leash park, was also present at the event.
Board member Van Fleisher said, “The dogs that know each other, they go greet each other immediately. It’s the same with the people. So it’s a win-win.”
The park has become a social hub not just for dogs, but for people too.
“I think all of us feel a lot better when we get to come to the park, see our friends, see the dogs play,” said Fleisher.
Dog owner Sharon Webb said, “They bring joy and you meet people. These people here are very friendly. You get to know them and then you start coming about the same time each day.”
Some residents visit the park even if they don’t currently own a dog.
Webb continued, “They bring great joy to a lot of people, whether you have them or not.”
Sandra Duncan added, “It’s socialization not just for our dogs, which is really important, but for the people as well.”
The city’s goal is to ensure the final design blends seamlessly with the surrounding park features, including sports fields and children’s play areas.
Community feedback is being collected through the end of September. Residents can vote for their favorite design online at carpinteriaca.gov/dogparkfeedback or in person at City Hall.
Feedack can be conveyed at carpinteriaca.gov/dogparkfeedback or in-person at city hall.
The Saturday event also had the Carpinteria Dogs Owners Group (C-DOG) merchandise including water bottles and t-shirts. There were free samples of pet food from the Lemos Pet Store. Hot dogs were served by Penelope’s Shaved Ice. Photos were also taken of more than 50 dogs for Robin Karlsson’s upcoming book, The Dogs of Monte Vista Park.
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