Irvine Central Bark is one of 13 dedicated dog parks in Orange County. Scott submitted a recommendation for Central Bark because of its separate Big Dog/Little Dog areas. Scott warns he’s seen relatively big dogs in the little dog area –which could be explained because the sign outside says older, frail dogs can use the smaller park (even if they are larger). I would add the following tips:
- Don’t recommended bringing kids – the park is designed for dogs
- The park is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance
- Pause on the “Rules” sign in the slideshow for more info (click on title of this post to see the slideshow)
- Scott directed me to the City of Irvine website for more info.
Location: Central Bark is located very near the Irvine Animal Shelter. Take the Sand Canyon exit from either I-5 or I-405. From the 5, head away from the foothills and turn right onto Oak Canyon. From the 405, head away from the ocean and turn left onto Oak Canyon. Central Bark is the third driveway on your right (shares parking lot with Household Hazardous Waste drop-off). MAP to Irvine Central Bark
If you’d like to drop one parent off with the dogs, while the other takes the kids to play — here are some ideas:
- Pair Irvine Central Bark with Valley Oak Park
- Pair Laguna Canyon Dog Park with Nix Nature Center
- Pair Heritage Park (Dog Park) with Lantern Bay Park
If you have a dog, I’d encourage you to visit OCDogFriendly.com for more canine parks: