Laguna Lake Dog Park will be closed for construction starting next week as the City of San Luis Obispo prepares for construction on the Laguna Lake Dog Park Revitalization Project. Construction is anticipated to begin Monday, September 16, 2024, and community members can expect the park to be closed until construction is complete in Spring 2025. 

During construction, dog owners can walk their dogs on leash in their neighborhood and City parks. Dog owners can enjoy other off-leash dog parks, such as El Chorro Park dog park just north of San Luis Obispo off Highway 1 toward Morro Bay and other dog parks and beaches in neighboring cities. Please note, only the 3-acre dog park will be closed. 

“We understand closing the City’s only off-leash dog area will be an inconvenience to our furry friends and their owners, but this closure underscores the project’s importance to the community,” said Greg Avakian, the City’s Parks and Recreation Director. “We appreciate the community’s patience over the next few months as we work to improve the Laguna Lake Dog Park for dogs and their pet parents to enjoy. Fortunately, there are many walkable parks where dogs can be walked on leashes, as well as neighboring cities off-leash dog parks.”  

In addition to the approved construction plan, City Parks and Recreation staff will be working with local service groups for additional amenities, such as play structures for the dogs and additional seating areas. Upgrades to the dog park will include: 

• Fencing & Safety: Full perimeter fencing around the 3-acre property with separate areas for small and large dogs. The dog park currently does not have perimeter fencing.  
• Accessibility: ADA upgrades and new pathways for enhanced accessibility. Current pathways and concrete pads are cracked and worn.  
• Ground Improvements: Upgraded turf areas, mulch, and improved drainage to maintain the natural landscape for year-round use.  
• Landscaping: Inclusion of irrigation, additional landscaping, and new trees to enhance the park's beauty. Due to years of drought impacts, as well as disease, many of the original trees and natural landscaping have been impacted.  
• Amenities: New play structures for dogs (in partnership with local community groups), additional seating areas, and drinking fountains with dog bowls. There are currently no play structures at the existing dog park and only one drinking fountain location. 

The dog park is being improved as part of the The Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future to create a more resilient, vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community and with an overarching objective to provide a more accessible opportunity for all types of dogs and owners to enjoy this special off-leash dog location.  

“The importance of socialization for both our four-legged family members, as well as the dog owners, is what makes this dog park so special,” Avakian added. “These long-awaited upgrades will provide a safer and more accessible dog park for all of our community to enjoy."

For more information, visit www.slocity.org/ParkProjects. Project updates will be provided through the City’s SLO in Motion communications. To sign up for project updates via email, visit www.slocity.org/Subscribe.