FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 5, 2021
Contact:
San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
RPDcommunications@sfgov.org
Renovated Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area Opens Saturday
SF Pups Embark on New Era in Off-Leash Play
SAN FRANCISCO, CA –San Francisco’s largest fenced dog park will re-open Saturday following a $2.4 million renovation that includes separate areas where big and small dogs can safely frolic, natural elements to climb and jump, and a new surface to run and play, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced today.
The Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area, near Fulton and 36rd Avenues, boasts fetching new details such as a pet drinking fountain, wildlife-proof trash receptacles, and improved fencing. Natural elements, including eucalyptus trunks and climbable boulders, serve as agility equipment where dogs can unleash energy. Human visitors will find new picnic tables and benches, a community message board, dog waste bag holders, a water bottle filler and improved accessibility along pathways and in the parking lot. Sand makes up most of the new surfacing. Synthetic turf with natural infill is also present.
Assemblymember Phil Ting, working with former supervisor Sandra Fewer, secured a $2 million grant from the California State Natural Resources Agency to fund the bulk of the renovations. The additional $400,000 was funded through Rec and Park’s general fund.
“Open spaces are valuable because they allow communities to safely gather and enjoy the outdoors. I’m proud to have secured state funding for the Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area renovations to ensure people and pets alike can enjoy this beloved playground for generations to come. With the work finally done, the grand opening is simply ‘pawsome’,” Ting said.
The park’s design was shaped through a user survey and series of community meetings.
“Open space is vital for families, many of which include our furry friends. I’m excited for this puppy playground to come to Golden Gate Park and District 1,” said Supervisor Connie Chan. “I look forward to working with SF Rec and Parks and making more improvements to recreation and open space in District 1.”
“One of the lessons of the past year is that time in nature is absolutely essential for our mental and physical health. That goes for everybody, whether we have two legs or four,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “These improvements couldn’t have happened without the dogged determination of so many—from our elected leaders to the community of San Francisco dog lovers.”
For former District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer, the opening represents the fruition of four years of advocacy alongside San Franciscans and their dogs.
" I am thrilled that this project, which I started in 2016, is ready to receive our furry friends. Many thanks to Assemblymember Phil Ting, Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsberg and all the neighbors who attended community meetings to create this long overdue renovation of the dog training area. I encourage dog owners and dog lovers to join the Friends of Golden Gate Park Dog Park so we can work together to keep this precious space usable and maintained," Fewer said.
Friends of the Golden Gate Park Dog Park, comprised of Richmond and Sunset neighbors and off-leash fans citywide, gathered support for their project at their weekly “Yappy Hour” events, ensuring the design reflected the community’s needs.
“This park will be very special to the community. The new split for large and small dogs means many more people will be able to safely enjoy the park. We’re thrilled by everyone at Rec and Park’s hard work and for the support of the city, particularly former supervisor Fewer for making this new park a reality,” said Alex Strachan and Nina Hwang of the Friends of the Golden Gate Park Dog Park.
The facility was established in 1905 in Golden Gate Park as a space where dog training clubs could practice their hobby. In the past several decades, the Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area has served as a fenced, off-leash dog park for everyone.
Media: Please find photos, b-roll footage, and social media video of dogs enjoying the renovations.
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