Point Isabel Closed in Compliance with Updated Bay Area Health Officers “Stay-at-Home” Order

Point Isabel Considered One of the Largest Dog Parks in the Nation

The joint “Stay-at-Home” health order covering six Bay Area counties – San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda, as well as the City of Berkeley – was updated on Tuesday, March 31, extending the “Stay-at-Home” order until May 3, 2020, with additional restrictions, specifically closure of “recreational areas with high touch equipment or that encourage gathering, including but not limited to playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment, picnic areas, dog parks, and barbecue areas.”

The Park District has already taken action to close some parks and park areas in response to the earlier public health order, including all picnic areas, restrooms, water fountains, swim facilities/areas, playgrounds, campgrounds, group campsites, backcountry campsites, sports fields, kiosks, and reservable facilities.

To comply with the updated “Stay-at-Home” and its inclusion of dog parks, the Park District is closing Point Isabel Regional Shoreline in Richmond on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 am. Point Isabel functions as a dog park and is considered by many to be one of the largest dog parks in the nation. While Point Isabel offers a variety of reactional activity, it is best known for allowing dogs to be off leash and for concessions catering to Dogs. Point Isabel includes Mudpuppy's Tub & Scrub, a dog washing and dog-specific retail shop facility, and the Sit & Stay Cafe offering food for people and pups.

“The safety of the public and our employees is our top priority during the COVID-19 health crisis,” said Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “The joint health order needs to be followed for the safety of everyone.”

The San Francisco Bay Trail spur through Point Isabel will not be accessible during the closure. The Bay Trail along Rydin Road will be open.

Continuation of Dogs on Leash During COVID-19:
To ensure social distancing compliance during the COVID-19 health emergency, all dogs should be kept on leash at all times in East Bay Regional Parks. Keeping dogs on leash during this crisis will avoid unsafe crowding and minimize human on human interaction. It is difficult to maintain social distancing when dogs are off leash.

“The Park District is proud to be one of the most dog-friendly organizations in the nation,” said Mr. Doyle. “However, during this health emergency, we need dog owners’ help and cooperation with this temporary request to keep dogs on leash for the protection of all park visitors.”

Up-to-date information about COVID-19 park closures.

Dave Mason
510-544-2217
dmason@ebparks.org