New Park Invites Commuters to 'Bark and Ride'

A new dog park has opened in San Ramon that caters to commuters and dog lovers.

The 4.5-acre Bark and Ride park on Bollinger Canyon and Stoneleaf roads boasts 50 parking spots and separate dog parks for small and big dogs.

It officially opened March 9.

“It’s a piece of property that would otherwise have had limited and restricted use given its long, linear shape under power lines,” said Karen McNamara, the city's interim parks and community services director. “That parcel in particular lent itself to not only being a park site, but the coupling of the two together for a parking area for commuters.”

It is anticipated that the parking lot will be full of commuters during work hours, and more people using the dog park evenings and weekends.

Colleen, a dog walker who uses the park, said she noticed it about a week ago.

“I like it,” she said. “I think it’s nice and big and is easy to access. There is a lot of space for the dogs to run.”

She pointed out how happy the dogs were while running around the park.

This is the fourth dog park in San Ramon.

McNamara said that a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held later this spring or in early summer, once the weather improves.

“It’s a nice, positive addition to the park system in general and definitely for the Dougherty Valley area,” she said.