This is for mostly the little dog side and also in comparison to other local parks I've visited (Hacienda HeightsDali's dog park and Brea's Wildcatters)
I rescued a dog knowing this was going to be our local space for him (no yard life) . We've been going for the last 18 months, here are the pros and cons.
I'm going to keep it real- Whittier demographics are diverse but also gentrifying yet, its still a highly latino area. There are going to be chihuahuas, mix breeds, little white dogs, pitbulls and many brown people. I don't think this matters but I've seen people, usually white, come this park act like its "the ghetto" because its dirt or a dog peed on their fancy purse they shouldn't have taken to any dogpark. Everyone is welcome but don't shade the diversity.
if it matters to you, Brea is a whiter area which is reflected by its many designer doodles. Dali's demographic leans more Asian owners & purebreeds. Both are newer and have had millions put into their parks.
pros:
-its always free AND you have greenway trail access for dog walking/pulls/biking
-usually parking- except for sunset in sunny months...but people figure it out or park on philadelphia
-always has doggy bags/cleaned weekly
- In and out down the street for pup patties
- multiple starbucks close for coffee/ pup cups
- the regulars I know tend to be welcoming, except the clique groups, but don't be surpised if we mention things like closing the gate or taking your dog off the leash so its not reactive. newbies often underestimate this issue and are surpised how their dog does better off leash. Trust that we've seen dogs dart out , so its not ego, just dog safety as there is a busy street nearby.
cons:
- no restrooms nearby, plan accordingly
- some benches don't have shade so wear sunscreen
- people not reading park rules ot learning ettiqutte (leaving gates open)
- People on the big dog side have the most issues due to the owners not knowing their dogs ot breeds or reactions enough- especially weekends (more newbies)
-Smaller dog side issues usually are owners not giving their dog a time out or monitoring humping but just call the owner if u experience a fixated dog. don't be shy.
it seems a lot of people don't like the dirt/no grass but I wash my dog weekly, so I don't have an issue. cleaning is Thursday so come those days. When it gets hot that is the norm for most parks, I've seen more flies at Brea's sand though that park is mostly astroturf...their benches really smell.
- Yes there clique groups at various times, just ignore them. some are nicer, some warm up after a while, some don't but I'm from the school of being friendly but not wanting friends- it's my dog's space so I just avoid. I was aware of the morning clique from a previous review so it made visits easier.
- Weekends are for newbies, so just know that is when you get there its when new people who don't know park rules like taking off the leash before entering or those who are apprehensive of the space of their dog's reactions. It's also when new people bring in problematic stuff like food/treats/fluffy toys because generally they don't understand those cause problems. read more