This is actually a great off-leash park! Our 2.25 yo pup, however, came down with kennel cough about 5 days later. Yes, she is full vaccinated and not due for Bordetella for another 2 mos. We also had a nice long walk at Bidwell the following day, so it could have been picked up anywhere. That said, maybe put up a park notice that either a dog that was potentially exposed prior to going to the park, or picked it up at the park? There were a couple of puppies there who weren't yet fully vaccinated, so hopes they're all OK! Park gets a solid 4-stars (Bidwell is steep competition!) but please keep water buckets clean, just in case... and maybe the notice. Thanks! read more

A beautifully green, picturesque park. Wonderful for playing some sports, walking your dog or just taking a stroll to clear your mind as you take in the scenery. Compared to some other parks I've been to in Chico, this one is on the safer side. I've yet to have a negative experience here. Normally my reviews are a little longer, but it's a public park. You can come bask in the sun, unwind a little, play a sport, meet a friend, chat a little and have a pleasant time, sit on a bench while staring into the distance for no other reason other than it's calming. That's what I do when I go to any park. read more

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My one dog acts overly aggressive in the car upon arriving, so I leave her in the car till she calms down. When I take he in, she acts just the opposite! She starts crawling up on strangers laps and won't let any dogs come near her. My other dog acts like he's the only one there! He pays no attention to the other dogs and walks around the perimeter checking his messages! lol. I enjoy this park so much, but agree, it needs more trees or shelter! A mister for the dog owners would be nice too! read more

I really like this park however, I wish there was a separation from the large dog park and the small dog park. Some small dogs don't wanna kick it with the biggers and get super aggressive when put in "trample" situations. Mine, in particular- she goes from 9 pound mini dachshund to 50 pound pitpull crazy bitch in 2.2 seconds when one of the biggers comes around to sniff her lady parts. Uh uh, no sir, does she want a big doggie sniffer down there, not even for a second. Now for the little doggie sniffers, she'll have a trade sniff and be on her merry way. Really that's my only complaint about the park. Other then that, the people hangin the park are usually nice and keep and eye on their pooches (big plus because problems can arise in 1/2 a second). There is a TON of other space to exercise your dog if they are kept on the leash outside of the actual "dog" park, this is where I take my dog (actually this is where she prefers to run around). Parking is super easy too, another huge plus :) 3 Stars- Arf! read more

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This dog park has good potential but too many people bring their aggressive dogs to the park and say "that's just how they play." It is not OK to bring dogs that repeatedly express "male dominance," threatening/aggressive growling and biting, placing their jaw around another dog's neck, repeated pinning.... Please, read an article on dog park etiquette and leave your aggressive dogs at home. read more

The listing on Yelp is a little misleading for those of us not familiar with the area. DeGarmo Park has a dog park, but is most definitely a Children's Park. It was clean. The jungle gyms, slides, etc. we're all clean and well maintained. Restrooms were also clean (much appreciated) Many rolling hills for children or pets to run around, as well as a baseball field. Each area appeared to have some type of shaded area to beat the heat. Everything was wheelchair accessible. 5 Stars for sure. read more

DeGarmo Park - Park Entrance - Dog Parks Near Me - Chico, California

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We have really loved this park - its a nice facility and our dog has a great time there. As several others have noted though, it really needs a segregated area for smaller dogs. Our little terrier has had a few bigger dogs plow him down (nothing malicious, just playing too hard for the size differential) and a particularly aggressive German Shepard bit him today and took a chunk out of his back. With the size differential our dog didn't have a chance of not getting hurt when the other dog went after him. Aggressive dogs aren't supposed to be there but there isn't really any way of ensuring that owners are responsible, and even if it's just the usual rough play or the minor little scuffles that can break out, the big size differences can mean the difference between a minor scuffle and a real danger. I'd love to give this 5 stars and probably would if I had a big dog, but for those with small dogs, I think you have to be pretty careful. read more

DeGarmo Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Chico, California

This dog park LOOKS good on the outside but on the inside is a different story. I used to take my dogs there all the time and then they started getting attacked almost every time they went. I don't understand why some owners don't have their dog under control so if you go to this park make sure you have your eyes on your pup at all times. Also, it has no section for small dogs and I personally don't have small dogs but my dogs are strangely afraid of big dogs so I usually put them in the small dog area but here there is not one. So all the little dogs are getting trampled on by the bigger dogs. It's just not right. - I have heard they don't want to put in a small dog section but I think if we have a petition and enough signatures it will help to make the city realize that our pups need a safe place too. read more

Degarmo Park itself is not a dog park, but it has a dog park within the park -- it's closest to Leora Lane by Shasta Elementary & is more like a very large dog run. The dog park aspect of this park is exceptionally large for my little corgi. He's not much of a dog park goer as he's not a fan of large, excited dogs running up to him to play. Essentially, my dog is an old, grumpy man. Regardless, the dog park has a lot of space and offers communal water drinking spots for dogs. Plenty of benches and it has a pre-entry gated area before entering the dog park to unleash your dog. For Chico, this is a nice spot to take your dog off leash that's not Upper Park during the summer with all the snakes. As for the rest of the park, it's quite nice! I believe Degarmo is Chico's newest park that isn't a community development built park. It seems like it's always busy at night time with various sporting activities. I use work for a company who would play Kickball on Friday nights out there. There's BBQ's and covered areas for parties, soccer fields, swings, & baseball fields. It has a bit more to offer than most of the other parks in Chico. read more

This is the only dog park I have been to that didn't have a "small dog" only area. I still go there because it is the only place to go but it is pretty much the worst dog park Ive been to. There is definitely enough space to fence off an area within the current park while still leaving more than enough space for the big dogs. I emailed parks and rec and they said they discussed this many times at length and decided not to do it. I want to know if its just because of cost. I would totally volunteer to spearhead a program/fundraiser to raise money to make a small dog side. read more

We visited this dog park during our weekend trip to Chico. The people are really nice and I thought it was interesting that there is a walking trail around the perimeter inside the dog park area for people to exercise while dogs played. Great concept and it's something I've never seen before! I agree with others that there should be a separate small big dog area. I noticed most small dog owners congregating in the far corner but that still didn't stop big dogs from coming over to sniff. Nothing malicious but owners like me with toy breeds know that they little guys can go Napoleon on big dogs so it's not a good situation. read more

DeGarmo Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Chico, California

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We stopped here while on a road trip and had lunch (we had brought a picnic type lunch). This seemed like a pleasant place, there seemed to be a lot going on, and I wish we had had our dogs along for the dog park. I think they would have loved it. read more

DeGarmo Park - DeGarmo Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Chico, California

This is a nice, open, large playground. They need more trees because it gets DARN hot out there.

There are doggy fountains with people fountains, a water play area, a little grass, and a sandy area to run through. I have no issues with the dog park. There are irresponsible owners now and then but my dog is well enough behaved to avoid those dogs so I dont worry. Everyone keeps going off about small dog area, from what I have seen the small dogs like being in with the big dogs, otherwise they would hide instead of romping around with them. My sisters Chihuahua loves geyting the big dogs to chase her. read more

I really enjoyed taking my dog to this park. It has a kids playground, an open grass field and a designated fenced dog park area. I could see why some people would miss the dog park area, as it's in the corner and kind of hidden if you come in through the front entrance. I didn't take my dog into the fenced part of the dog park so I can't speak to how the dogs were there, but it was fenced and definitely big enough. I plan to come back with my dog when we are in Chico again. read more

Love it here. The rest of DeGarmo park is pretty awesome too. There is nothing like going to the dog park after a long day at work... for both you and your dog. There are some drawbacks, but instead of complaining just make it better. Talk to the people that are there, learn how to read dogs and guide your dog to a different part of the park. I am looking forward to Spring time though, I miss the grass portion being open. Wouldn't it be great to get a "friends of Degarmo Dog park" group going? maybe do some fund raising for renovations (small dog area since it seems to be a popular demand, solution for the grass becoming a mud pit, maybe doing a rinse off area?" read more

DeGarmo park was great for the adult kickball league I was in. There's always a game going on on the fields. My wife's work got a kickball team together and it was a great time going out and playing once a week. There's also a flag football league that meets there about the same time. I'd love to join that, but I don't have any athletic friends.. I don't own any dogs, but one of the girls that works with my wife brought her dog to our kickball games and she came early every time to play with her dog before the game started. I never heard of any issues with her dogs. I love that Chico has so much nature in town. I'm from a city that doesn't have as much nature access, so being able to to to a big park like this any time I want makes me feel at home in Chico. read more

My dogs and I love this dog park. Why? Nice, friendly people and dogs Good and plentiful seating Dog-friendly ground materials - wood chips and compressed granite Plenty of poop pick-up bags Easy access and parking Water station Even if you have a yard for your dog, you should check it out. It is so fun to see all of the different breeds of dogs and talk to other like-minded, dog-loving people. read more

Love this place! Super clean and everyone who i have met there seem to be super friendly with great dogs! Go check it out! read more

Worst dog park experience ever. Someone warned us about the aggressive dogs that frequent this place and we should have listened. Our 1-year-old yellow lab was having a great time playing with the other dogs for about 20 minutes. Then a family with a brown pit bull came into the park. The dog was barking before it even got in the park and riled up all the other dogs. That should have been our sign to leave. Instead we stayed and about 10 minutes later that pit bull took a chunk out of my puppy's back leg as my dog was playing with another big dog there. When my dog cried and tried to run away the pit grabbed onto his back leg again and shook him as he screamed in pain. We had to break it up, and the owner said his dog was "just playing." Really? The stitches on my dog's leg and our huge vet bill say otherwise. On top of that, the water fountains weren't working and the park was loaded with poop due to people failing to pick up after their dogs. So beware of the aggressive dogs and lazy owners you'll find here. Bring your dog to Bidwell instead. So sad. read more

A recently opened off leash dog park off the Esplanade in North Chico. About an acre, fenced with some grass, chairs, wading pool and wheel chair accessable. clean up bags are provided. Kind of small but nice with lots of friendly dog owners. Our dogs always have a blast there making new friends & getting totally exhausted! read more

Thank goodness for this place! We live in an apartment so we don't have a backyard or anywhere fenced for our little pug to run so this dog park is a god send! The regulars that go here are all great people and it's great for the dogs to run around and burn off some energy. The only downside can be when people bring non-fixed dogs or aggressive dogs. As long as respectful people come with well trained dogs, it's a great place to go! read more

I am happy to a point. My 2 median dogs love coming here and making friends. They seem to have a good time and get a lot of their energy out. One thing I don't like is people bringing their dogs into the dog park that are not socialized They tend to be aggressive and don't fit in. Please train your dogs before bringing them in this situation. If you can't control them at home, DON"T BRING THEM HERE ie: if they don't come, heal, sit, etc... (believe me it won't get better at the dog park). Also everyone has a different way of controlling the situation and their dogs. Keep your mouth shut about it unless you are a certified trainer or your animals are in danger of harm. Remember dogs play differently then humans, sit back, relax and watch. If necessary always step in and LOVE YOUR DOGS always! read more

Really need to just fence off part of the dog area for small dogs. This is more of a large dog park. Please be careful with your small dogs. read more

Go to ChicoDOG.wikispaces.com to read what's up on the Chico BowBow Improvement Movement scene, and to offer up help. Check out the movement to get more similar spaces in Chico. also, DeGarmo needs a core of volunteers who will help to take part of the burden of upkeep off of government, so that CARD or other gov't entities have money for yet another dog park. Small, yes, but it even has lights for nighttime romping, and water for dogs, a dog shower, a dog bathtub. It is awesome, but rather crowded lots of the times that I get there. My poor dogs are so disappointed when I say "no, not today, too many big dogs there now." More spaces, segregate small and old dogs into one area, big ones another, please. read more

I love this place when it comes to my Pit Bull, he gets to run around, play with other dogs and just be himself. but this isnt great for my 4lb chihuahua...she does well with big dogs, i mean she has a 65lb pit bull as her brother...but she does get trampled by the other dogs and i fear she might get hurt...id love if there was a smaller area that was just for the small/tiny/toy dogs...i know they should get there exercise indoors but all dogs love outdoors, right. read more

The DeGarmo Dog Park is a great, safe place to take your dog off-leash. It's the perfect place to play fetch, meet other fuzzy faces, get some exercise- Fido can even take a dip in the Doggie Pool! Definitely a great place to take your dog to use up some of that energy! read more

Beautiful park. Spacious and a walking path. I like taking the kids after it cools down each night to let them unwind . They love it. Super clean also read more

I LOVE this dog park! I take my pup here regularly and it's always a good time for both of us. Most people are very friendly and I've never seen any fights between the animals. I love bringing my dog here to socialize with dogs big and small! read more

DeGarmo is the newest and nicest park in Chico. The dog park is decently sized and maintained. There are usually a moderate amount of dogs there, they all play nice and the owners are friendly. There is water on site for the dogs and ample parking. read more

Great for sports, relaxing, bbq'n and dogs are welcome!

Nice dog park where you can let your dog off leash. I don't really go here very often because my dog is very playful and some people take his playfulness as aggression. I love to let my dog just run around and meet new, interesting dogs that he would never have a chance to play with. I would recommend either bringing your dog here or to lower bidwell park. You can't let your dog off leash if you are in lower bidwell park. read more

I love this dog park! I live in an apartment so I take my two dogs here every day. My big dog loves to run around and play tag with the other dogs while my little cocker spaniel liked to make the round and greet the people. I love the fact that they have shaded benches for the humans to sit on, bags and trashcans for dog poop, and even a little pool for the dogs to cool off in! My dogs love it! read more

My great dane and I love DeGarmo! It is great to have a place to let a dog be a dog off leash. Most of the other patrons are respectful and dogs well behaved with few exceptions. Lately, however, people have neglected to pick up after their dogs and we have stepped in poop multiple times. read more

What are the hours JUST for the dog park? Thanks, awesome place as we we're good friends of Bob Delgarmo. Awesome person.

Well maintained, and generally populated by friendly dogs and peoples.

This used to be a great place to take your dog for exercise and socializing, but it's really gone down hill. I was there yesterday, and was appalled. Dog poop everywhere and owners who don't monitor their dog's behavior. It's a dirty - and potentially dangerous - scene. I recently saw a man come in with a beautiful young Standard Poodle, who was immediately set upon by 2 dogs. Just pathetic. read more

great park for dogs. safe double entry, lots of room to run.

Jan 26, 2013. I want others to know of the potential risk of a dog being attacked & bitten, in the Dog Park of DeGarmo Park located in Chico, CA. There indeed are a list of specific rules, but when the owners don't adhere to certain rules this increases the chances of issues & conflicts. Our dog was attacked & bitten last Sun within 3 mins of entering the park. He is 100 lbs & was attacked, by a Black & White Pit Puppy half his size. Our dog did not fight back so got the " short end of this stick " and a bottle of anti-infection pills at the Vet the next day. Our dog is current on his rabies shots etc, but other dog wore a red collar & choke collar........I don't recall seeing tags. Our dog was also attacked same park by a large Mastiff and again did not fight back,but left for the safety of our car. He just wanted to leave & who could blame him ?? I do not recommend this park & mainly because as we know people bring in pets who are in heat,not neutered or spayed, territorial, and aggressive. I will not return to this enclosed Dog Park. Our dog is older 8 years old & doesn't need that kind of stimulation. I did report both of the above incidence to the CARD Office of Chico. I feel there should be a public registry of dog on dog attacks in all our local parks. I don't feel a secondary park for " smaller dogs " will reduce the risk for continued issues, for the real problems arise out of irresponsible owners to dogs who aren't trained. The recent attack ended when the owner of said dog kicked it in it's side once or twice & jerked on it's choke collar. While I appreciate the attack did end relatively quickly it doesn't change the fact that same dog will continue to likely be a risk to others at DeGarmo etc, if it's trained in a certain manner. CARD personnel was polite & did take time to listen and to be fair we cannot hold them to any liability of this issue, but it doesn't change the upset for us as pet owners, when we see our sweet well mannered dog go through what he's been though. I no longer take our dog there & have asked his male owner to not as well. read more

We love this park, my dog and I are regulars. The only thing that really irks me about this place is the parents who bring their babies and young children, I'm not taking about families that come with their dogs but the clueless parents who bring kids in just to watch and play with the dogs and have no dog with them. First of all its just dangerous! This dogs are loose running and playing a toddler could easily be knocked over or bitten. Not all dogs that are dog friendly are kid friendly. Children have the whole beautiful park to play in we don't take the dogs to the play ground be smart parents and don't bring your toddlers in to run around the dog park it's irresponsible and stupid leave it for the dogs. read more