Watson Park offers more than just a dog run. There are a couple parking lots, basketball courts, soccer/sports field, and a larger grassy field (in the main park) without shade as the trees are mainly located at the border of the park. There's also a sizable playground, a few picnic tables and park benches scattered throughout, a cement walking trail, and at least one restroom. I came by during Viva CalleSJ this past weekend so there were a bunch of porta potties too, as well as food trucks and vendor tents set up. I picnicked under the trees, enjoying some good eats from Shrimp'n Aint Eazy while listening to live music by the San Jose Jazz Collective on a breezy Sunday afternoon. Nothing really notable about the scenery here, but it's a nice enough park and a lovely setting for events like this. read more

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This has to be one of the most neglected dog parks in the city. I don't understand how the soccer field looks pristine,the play area looks clean. But the dogs area always looks like trashy. The grass is never moved ,it's full of foxtails. I realized that the park doesn't provide poopie bags. But people should bring their own. I walked around the perimeter and found stacks of crap. The people here aren't very concerned about other people's dogs. A lady with a aggressive medium size dog left the large side. She thought it was a good idea to come to the small dog side. I guess she thought it would make her dog feel better to bully smaller dogs. The last straw for me. WARNING bringing your dog here is a risky. read more

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Nice place for a walk and family to use the playground. Not much shade in the day more in the evening. Bathrooms!

Watson/Jackson Dog park. It's probably one of the better ones on this side of town. People wouldn't know about this park unless their kids play in a soccer league or they have a dog. I've been coming here with my doggo for the last 8-9 months almost weekly to let my dog burn off some energy. She loves to run so the open field here is really nice. During peak times, there's always a mix crowd of nice and not so nice dogs, and it goes with humans too. Most people just keep to themselves. The friendly folks will be friendly. Some people watch their dogs attentively, and others don't. The ones that don't watch their four legged friends tend to have misbehaving dogs; humping other dogs, getting into fights, harassing other dogs, and likely to not pick up their dogs poop. The list of all the bad stuff goes on, and you WILL see these common problems at other dog parks. There's no perfect dog park, everyone really need to watch out for their own: - Stay alert - Bring your own water - Protect your dog On the good side, your dog will find a new buddy and they will chase each other and play. This place is great to train your dogs impulses. I've walked on the outside of the the enclosed area to help leash train my dog. If she does well, she gets play, if not she goes home whimpering like the spoiled girl she is. Then repeat and reward often until she understands not to pull so damn hard... but I digress, this park is great. Not too big, not too small. See you guys there! read more

Watson Park - Watson during a beautiful winter sunset - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

My dog nephew Otis was visiting and a friend recommended this park. It was awesome! Only downside is that the water fountain for dogs wasn't working. Apparently it is a bring your own water to this place. The doggy poop bags were stock which came in handy for those who were all out. There is plenty of parking and a large running space for the big dogs with benches for the humans. Perfect for social distancing! The view to the east is the 101 and you feel the smog sometimes but otherwise, great for the dogs! read more

Watson Park - My nephew Otis, center, with his new bay area friends! - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

This Park is huge! There is a very large small and large dog section which I appreciate. I have a small dog, and usually the small dog areas are way too small for the amount of dogs in there. A lot of friendly dogs and friendly people. read more

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The grass here is extra long, filled with giant holes and the park is regularly visited by unfixed dogs with terrible owners. I strongly recommend not bringing your dog to this park. It is dangerous. read more

At least two dogs have ingested meth while at this dog park recently (see article here: https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/six-dogs-rushed-to-hospital-after-ingesting-meth-vet-says/). Park seems fine, otherwise, but be careful with your dogs when they're walking over here. read more

Love this dog park. Big open field both for big dog side and the small dog side! Water is back on again! Yay. Kept up nice and clean. Plenty of parking space. Down side is not much shady places to sit, and only have a port potty for a bathroom which is nasty that's by the dog area. So make sure u use the restroom before going read more

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Watson Park has 2 turf soccer fields. Utilized by appointment only. Fields are well kept and there's plenty of parking. Has 2 sets of metal benches on both sides of the field. read more

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El parque está bien para que jueguen los perro el único problema que yo e visto es que los dueños de los perros tanto americanos como latinos son unos COCHINOS no levantan el excremento de sus mascotas y eso es completamente desagradable para quienes si cargamos bolsas para cumplir con nuestra responsabilidad de levantar los desechos de nuestros animales read more

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This is my go to dog park! It's super close like a 5 minutes away from home. It has both a big and little dog side. Which they both have ample space for each side! Sometime big dogs come in to small dog side, but usually it has not been a problem. And sometime the owners realize that the little ones aren't having it and mozy along ti the big side. It's a little community there with people talking to each other and doggie friends! For the most park everyone picks up after their dogs. I just love this doggie park and am glad that it got better (before when the floods came it was a hot mess) but now it's green and pretty! I love how everyone pitches in and people get into the shed and mow the lawn. Today, some guy brought his lawnmower and started to mow the lawn on the little side, he only has big dogs! So super cool and many kuddos to him for helping keeping the park pretty for our fur babies!!! Make sure to bring some toys, water, treats and poopy bags since there is not much than grass in the park. But I am sure the doggies will have fun and get the zummies around the park! read more

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My friend recommended this park after some issues with my previous dog park. My maltese/shih tzu mix loves to walk around & sniff everything and doesn't do well with strangers so this big area was perfect for him. Compared to the previous park, the dogs are a lot nicer, my dog behaves better, and he's more open to interacting with other dogs. There are a couple of spots to sit but no shady areas so it might get hot or too sunny some days. I don't mind but definitely a con for some people. One star off since the small dog side is not as grassy, almost half of the grass area is dry or burnt? (probably from the sun and dogs peeing) so my dog's paws and legs tend to get slightly irritated if I don't clean immediately after. Other than that, this park is great and we both love it here! read more

As of 6/9/2020 the LARGE dog side is open! PROS: new lawn/grass area for dogs to run around in! NOT TURF FYI. CONS: no water fountain yet setup, and the grass is wet, so just beware of that. TIPS: bring your own water for your pup and maybe a towel to dry off their paws. AND your own hand sanitizer/wipes as you have to touch door handles to get inside. read more

Watson Park - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

Tucked back into a neighborhood park on the side of the 101 freeway, is a lil dog park called Watson. The address here on Yelp isn't exactly accurate but it you drive past it to the end of the street and look left, you'll see the park entrance. It's a nice lil park but nothing fancy. There's lot's of room for your Fido or Spot to run around it... but the smell on the day I was there was strong! Don't know if that's typical... Anyway, like most doggie parks, Watson has dog sections for your dog's safety. Standard park, but maintenance could be better. It's a bit dry and barren feeling to me. I'm still grateful for the facility at all though... Might see ya there! read more

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As of October 2015! the dog park IS ALL DIRT. we were so disappointed when we got here. we left 15 minutes later. we bought our dogs back to DEL MONTE PARK where people actually talk to each other and NOT FEED OTHER PEOPLES DOGS. REASONS WHY!!!!!!! 1.the double doors are huge, if is any dogs get out while your trying to get in, it takes a while! No separation for double doors for big/small dog gate. 2. DIRT. there was so much dirt in the air. Dirt is fine for dogs but it was everywhere. NO grass at all. I felt like i was breathing in Thick air. 3. Big dogs play on the small dogs side. 4. not being able to See your dog - there was so much dirt in the air, we went around 5pm. we could not see our dogs. 5. no poop bags, people dont pick up after their dogs. 6. someone fed our dog without asking!! 7. people there was so creepy. do yourself a favor and pick a different dog park. read more

Watson Park - Here have some dirt... There was so much dirt in the air as you can see with the help of head lights. No grass at all. - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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The dog park was a little hard to find just because the park itself is so big with no directing signs, but I found it after 5 minutes of driving around. There are two sections - one for the big dogs and one for the small dogs (the section for the small dogs is considerably bigger than normal - I love that because I always feel like small dog parks are usually way too small for the dogs to actually enjoy themselves). People do seem to clean up after their dogs for the most part. There is a gate directly between the big dog/small dog section, and this allowed a big dog to accidentally wander over and play rough with the small dogs before the owner could get to him :( There is also no water fountain, so just consider that before coming! read more

Very big. Nice they have separate areas for small vs big pups. Water fountains available. Lots of parking. Not a ton of shade besides a couple of gazebos. Not a great spot for hot days. Some donated toys (balls, tug ropes, etc..). Friendly people and pups! read more

Watson dog park is very dirty and unkept, and is one of the worst dog parks I have ever been to. There is feces everywhere, foxtails, and the grass is not well maintained. Also the people I saw there were "interesting" to be nice. read more

Been to the dog park area to burn some energy off my cousins' dog. It has two gated parts for your small and large canines. The grass on both sides are pretty patchy; you can probably apply that to rest of the park too. Met a handful of great owners, got turned on to one of my favorite breeds and never looked back essentially. I'm sure there's plenty of pup-friendly parks in the South Bay, but Watson is a decent, no-frills space for your four-legged friend to blow off some steam. Not that pro-foofy, carry-your-dog-anywhere attitude that's enabled everywhere else. Ground n round lil buddies, ground n round.... read more

This is one of my go-to's when I want to take my dog to the dog park! I've visited many times and have never seen there not be other dogs here. This park is very large, with 2 separate areas for small and large dogs. My dog is medium-sized, so I could go to both sides but tend to stick to the big dog side because there's usually more dogs there. They have a water fountain with bowl and there's usually an array of toys and balls around the grass to grab and play with. They just fixed the locking mechanisms on the gates on the south side of the big dog entrance, which I really appreciate. It seems very secure and safe now! My biggest complaint about this park is that the grass, while real, is pocked with divots and holes, and I feel like I need to be careful while walking across it or else I'll sprain an ankle. I tend to stick to the gravel walking path around the perimeter. It's a tenth of a mile in length so 10 laps while my dog hangs out gets me a mile walk! read more

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UPDATE* 06.16.2017 Dog park is open [unofficial announcement] The park itself remains closed off to vehicle entrance. The dog park [enclosure] doors are open [chain locks have been removed - unsure if only temporary]. Small pup side has functioning water fountain, with a fair amount of weeds. Big pup side has no water, weeds have been mowed and raked [3 large piles]. After a safety recon on both sides, looks suitable. I was crazy excited this morn when i noticed it was accessible. read more

Watson Park - 06/16/2017 - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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Andrew rate pulled up and he bought the whole park and I saw him it was cool and awsome read more

Watson Park - Andrew Tate - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

Review is long overdue. Stopped coming here because some owners don't pay attention to their dogs. Also, came at dusk when it was getting dark and people were drinking beer on the tables! And guys working on some sort of mechanic engine looking device on the benches and tables. Another incidence this guy kept throwing Cheetos looking dog treats at the dogs, which of course is going to make the dogs fight. His girlfriend or whoever turned to me and said I should leave because my dog isn't doing so well. She should tell her boyfriend to learn etiquette at dog parks and not throw treats at a group of dogs! Poop not picked up, which is bad considering its grass and dirt so it's hard to see if you're trying to run with your dog if you might step on some. Pooper scoopers. Water fountains, but I don't trust how clean they are. My dog kept getting diarrhea after coming here. Guess you'll always have sketch people wherever you go or people who have no common sense or are just plain rude. Otherwise this park has an area for big or small dogs. Double fencing gates to prevent escapes. Decent size parking lot for sure shared with a big soccer field. Kind of hidden because the turn to come into the park is not labeled well and is a sharp turn. read more

I went to Empire Gardens as a child, and it's been awesome seeing the park transform time and time again. I do miss the old Watson Community Center where our dances were held. Those were some fun times! Overall, this is still a great park! There are picnic benches, two lots for the kids to play, as well as plenty of open space to throw Frisbees or fly kites. The new basketball courts and soccer field are also awesome additions. There are sections for both large and small dogs to play here. Nostalgia read more

Maybe it's just me, but anytime I go to a dog park I hope for two things. 1- Beautiful single women with cute dogs looking for a dashing single gentleman like myself. (half kidding here) 2- Something kind of original like a dog obstacle course or things for them to climb on. (I know they're just happy running around on the grass, but in my next life as a dog, I want something cooler.) Well, in my visits to this dog park, there were no gorgeous women, and just a cool grass area for the dogs to run around on. So, I guess my search for a dog park where they can swing, slide, and climb around beautiful dog owners shall continue. Overall though, this is a nice park. It is separated into smaller/larger breed areas. There is plenty of room on both sides for them to get lots of good exercise and run around all over. It had that "new park" feel, and since it apparently was redone(I had never been to the former one), it makes sense why it has that feel. There isn't a lot of shade at the park so if you go on a warm day be prepared for some sun. In fact the day I went a while back was very warm and almost too much to sit in the direct sun for more than 45 minutes or so. read more

Watson Park - Entrance to the remodeled park - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

If my Yorkie could speak, this would be all that I hear.... "Mommie can we go to the park today?" She loves this park! Plenty of space for her to move her stubby legs. Its nice that there's two sides since she looks like a chew toy for the big boys next door. For the small enclosure, it is definitely filled with dogs after 5pm on weekdays. On the weekends, it's usually around 3pm. It's clean and well maintained. The dog enthusiast that come here are usually sweet people to strike up a conversation with. However there has been times where my dogs have been attacked her. THE BAD: Keep an eye out for the 2 black overweight chihuahuas that wear jerseys. They are not friendly at all. Even when it approached me asking for me to pet it, it growled. It looks very nervous and charges at other dogs. So I was not surprised my poor Penny got attacked by it. The owners which are middle aged men did NOTHING. Also be on the lookout for this Sheltie who thinks it walking on a god damn red carpet. I had my super friendly shih tzu with me and he just walked up to say hi and next thing you know this dog lounges at him and poor Bubba was on the floor on his back! The sheltie caught him by surprise and went for a bite but luckily we ran over! I was furious! The lady just walked by her dog and said no quietly and sat down on the bench. There are owners there that just let their untrained, aggressive dogs just roam around and attack other dogs so be careful! read more

Watson Park - Small dog side - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

Lots of parking, will never NOT find a spot. Three parks: two small, one big. *Grass area is more like dirt area with pitiful spots of grass. Don't try and run in the "grass area." You will trip and fall miserably and maybe even roll your ankle....not that I know anything about that.... Currently one of the small dog areas is closed off to let grass grow back. In the small dog park you'll find a large variety of dogs- not only chihuahuas! Lots of huskies in the big dog park- they lose their hype. The big dog park has a hole near the bench/fence that is filled with mud. It was quite a pleasant surprise when my little white German Shepherd mix decided to REPEATEDLY jump into it! One time I saw a husky straight up lay in it for a good ten seconds until its owner found out. Soo funny! Unless you're the owner... Handful of regulars. Occasionally you'll encounter a dog that just likes to bark at any dogs closeby. My pup especially loves messing with those kinds. I always come around 7 to ensure there's a large crowd of people/dogs. Empties around 9. Gets pretty windy so bring a light jacket. I bring a book too cause watching your dog troll others gets boring eventually. *There's this lady that brings treats for her family of dogs and just throws them on the ground. DO NOT DO THAT. Don't bring treats! My dog will smell them, and she will come after you...which of course means that she won't play and she'll go crazy at home. In that case, I will come after you. Bring doggie bags! Water/water bowls are always brought by some mysterious god send. read more

Watson Park - Hey! That's mine! - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

Large park and never too many dogs! But the only downside is that there is poop EVERYWHERE... so it just makes the experience feel real dirty. read more

I would consider revising my rating/review if the city or whoever is responsible for this park, starts to take care of and invest more into it. I took my boy Marty here for the first time today. He graduated from obedience school and thought we'd treat him to a visit to the dog park. Found this one on Yelp and gave it a try. I don't believe I will bring Marty back because he came home with a bloody laceration to his side and I'm not entirely sure if another dog was too rough with him (which I hear about this park, as well as irresponsible owners) or if he got cut on something like wire on the fence. It ripped his skin and some fur off. Poor baby! And after giving him a bath I will have to give him another one...because it's mostly dirt, very patchy grass and dusty. Met some nice people and dogs but I do not feel it is safe or well kept. I also saw lots of broken glass on the grass itself. Thinking people throw their bottles and leave it here abusing park property with their shenanigans. That could seriously injure someone's dog! I hope there are plans to improve this park. In the meantime I will look elsewhere... read more

I've been to the big dog side about a dozen times now... it's enclosed, and the people & pups have always been friendly & considerate. Parking is easy. There is a place where dogs bags are supposed to dispense, but I would bring your own because it's usually empty. Also, I noticed several people bring their own water containers and water, since the fountain only works on the far side. It's mostly dirt, & I always leave with dog slobber and dirt on my clothes & shoes, but that's to be expected. There are several benches to sit on, and most owners are conscientious (although I always see un-picked-up poop on the sides whenever I visit). The dogs love it, which is why I always go back. read more

Watson Park - Large area, mostly dirt, all enclosed - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

Not too shabby... they have a fenced run for large dogs... sweet!! Now that I am owned by a VERY LARGE MUTT (100 lbs +) - I am always in search for an off leash dog park. Watson Dog Park is one that I recommend. They have a separation between small to medium size dogs on one end - and large to extra large dogs on the other. I think that is way cool. It also keeps a good safety net just in case. Their dog run is not too big but adequate for about I would say - a handful of large to extra large dogs to play with each other and throw a tennis ball here and there. They do provide clean water bowls and a water hose to clean off your pooch before riding them back on to your car. The location is not bad just off 10th St. in San Jose and you can literally see the 101 South freeway. Adjacent to the dog run is the soccer field and no dogs allowed there but the park itself outside the dog run is a good mile or so - and you can take a nice stroll with your dog "leashed" of course since it's a city ordinance and you can probably stretch it out to about 2 miles possibly from start to finish. Overall, I think having a dog park "off leash" is always heavenly especially for us 100 lbs + dog owners! Cheers! read more

Watson Park - Jackson Louie looking over the field 12.2.2012 - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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Nice clean park. Small and large dog areas with benches and pooper scoopers. Especially like the dirt path around the large dog area so I can walk some laps. It's probably packed on the weekends, but I went on a Monday morning and there were only a few dogs. It's very close to home so I will be coming as often as I can. read more

Watson Park - Big and small dog area - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

It took months for this park to get a new water fountain. The new water fountain is great! There isn't one for the humans. The old small dog park is still unaccessible even though the new grass has grown back, so the large dog park is still split in two. I wish they would open up the old small dog park already and start sow the grass seeds in the large dog park. This park is clean and the owners pick up their dogs poo. I see a problem with a few dogs getting out of hand and getting too aggressive, but the owners don't correct them or leash them. Besides that, this park is big enough for my sweetie to run and sniff freely. read more

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What happened to this dog park? I used to come here from time to time. It used to look pretty nice. Maybe it depends on the time of the day? I don't know, but every time when I used to come here, the dog park was always so lively. All dog owners were friendly and would socialize with each other. Now, this park has been under construction for awhile now. I'm not even sure what they did differently. The park is now open for dogs and dog owners, except, it doesn't look any better. Also, is it me, or is this dog park always muddy? Anyways, I would take my dog here. But, my dog and I are just not satisfied at this park. read more

My first dog park with my chiweenie, Luna! I've only experienced dog parks in the Central Coast, and have been lagging on checking out dog parks in the bay. It was her first dog park too! I've been slowly socializing her and easing her into situations with dogs because she tends to be a little insecure and anxious. I actually got a little lost finding the dog park. I parked near the playground and walked all around the park before finding the actual dog park location. I fumbled with the gates, not realizing that you just had to push a bit to open the doors. She was very anxious, but once she entered the small dog area, she warmed up to all the little dogs! It was a great experience and other dog owners were friendly. I was unsure if I could take her into the large dog area. Luna's quite a fast runner despite her small stature, and she just wanted to play with dogs who would chase back and forth, but most of the little dogs preferred to sniff around or play fetch. Would it bother large dog owners if I brought my chiweenie into the big dog area? read more

Watson Park - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

We're very excited to see this dog park re-opened! Living in the Berryessa area, there aren't any City of San Jose Dog Parks nearby (we either go to Milpitas or down to Camden). We have a 7-month old Lab/Terrier mix puppy who just loved running with all the big dogs yesterday. The sprinklers being on at noon time made him extremely happy (but made for a wet ride home). The renovations are terrific. Hopefully the lawn and grounds are maintained as time goes on (I know there are a lot of budget cuts with the City). It IS a bit of a hike to get to the "people" restrooms from the dog park section of Watson, but it is definitely a welcome addition to the area! read more

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So I'm not a San Jose resident and I haven't been to much dog parks in this area. But, honestly, I wouldn't want to take my dog back here unless I really HAD to. My girl is considered a "large" and for the large park area, it's really not all that big compared to the one by my home (Fairfield). So the breakdown: -Grass is super patchy. If I tried to run around with my girl I'd for sure trip and fall. -No doggie bags what so ever, doesn't even look like they care to even refill it. though I always carry my own. -1 decent semi clean drinking area, 1 very confused dirty drinking area. -Nice bench area for the parents to watch their children at. read more

A place close to home. With a ton of parking. I must say driving into the park was beautiful. Well cleaned & fully green. Thumbs up!! With a gated soccer field & kid play structure on the other side when you first get in. You don't see the dog park at once like I did but keep driving down or walk down just make sure to have your dog on the leash until you get into the gated dog park. The community here is amazing too! I moved from the peninsula not too long ago. Friendly owners and amazing dogs. I must say I don't really give 5 stars or say even write reviews for parks but here it is. I will come back & that's a promise! Love this dog park! read more

Watson Park - My boy max is suppose to get the treat but this other guy wants it! - Dog Parks Near Me - San Jose, California

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I've been coming to Watson Dog Park since the opening ceremonies in 2004. I like coming here occasionally because it actually has grass. It's not just hard packed, urine soaked, dirt. I also like the group of trees with the naturally formed bench. Since the rest of Watson Park is closed, you feel like you are on an oasis. It's nice to be in a park hanging out with the dogs and watch the traffic on 101 whizz by. read more

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