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The effort to reimagine the former César Chávez Park (CC Park) as A Park for People is about restoring a fair and thoughtful balance in how this shared public space is used. This 90-acre waterfront park was intentionally designed as a mixed-use space: 17 acres for off-leash dogs, and 73 acres where dogs must be leashed so that everyone—families, picnickers, runners, and those simply seeking a peaceful place—can feel comfortable and safe.
Over time, that balance has eroded. Off-leash use has expanded far beyond its designated area, effectively turning the entire park into an off-leash zone. The result is not just a technical violation of park rules—it’s a shift that has made the park feel inaccessible or unsafe for many residents.
CC Park is uniquely suited for a reset. Unlike neighborhood parks that serve as essential daily dog-walking spaces, CC Park sits in a large, open waterfront setting, making it an ideal place to prioritize broader public use. As the City considers a new name for this beloved park, it’s also an opportunity to set a clear vision for its future.
New Name.
New Priority.
A Park for People.
CC Park Dog Rules
CC Park Dog Rules
In 2001, the Berkeley City Council created a 17-acre off-leash area in the north-central section of CC Park (see map above). This designated area is only partially enclosed, with a fence on the northeast side to protect local wildlife. The boundaries of the off-leash area are clearly marked by 20 green and red signs indicating when users are "Entering Off-Leash Area" (green) and "Exiting Off-Leash Area" (red), ensuring there is no ambiguity for dog owners. Additionally, large maps at three entry points along Spinnaker Way provide clear visual guidance on the location of the off-leash area.
Outside the designated off-leash zone, 24 yellow or white signs are strategically placed throughout the park to indicate areas where dogs must be leashed. Despite the park having a greater number of leash-required signs than any other park in Berkeley, many dog owners allow their dogs to roam off-leash in these leash-required areas. Recent surveys (see table below) show that approximately 50% of dogs in the leash-required areas are off-leash. This gives CC Park the look and feel of a fully off-leash dog park.
"Dogs On Leash" signs are widely ignored, defaced, or torn down.
A nationwide problem.
A nationwide problem.
A local solution.
A local solution.
A Park For People.
A Park For People.
Off-leash dogs in shared public spaces aren’t just a Berkeley issue—they’re a nationwide challenge. Leash laws exist to protect everyone’s ability to safely enjoy the park.
Berkeley dog owners already have exceptional access to legal off-leash areas—far more than most Bay Area communities. Within minutes, there are expansive, designated spaces for off-leash use: Albany Bulb (31 acres), Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (23 acres), Ohlone Dog Park (1 acre), Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve (208 acres), Tilden Regional Park (1,100 acres), and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park (2,600 acres). These aren’t small or inconvenient alternatives—they’re some of the largest and most scenic dog-friendly areas in the region.
An off-leash gray dog fights with a leashed tan dog on a crowded day at CC Park.
An off-leash dog approaches a child riding a bike.
Bay Area Dog Policies
Bay Area Dog Policies
Park management agencies around the Bay recognize the challenges posed by unwanted dog interactions. Here are examples of Bay Area park management statements on dogs:
San Mateo County Parks: (dogs allowed on-leash in 7 of 23 parks and forbidden in 16 of 23 parks) “The leash rule is aimed at providing a safe experience for your dog and other park visitors. In addition to protecting your dog, the leash rules are also intended to protect other visitors from unwanted dog interactions. Sometimes high energy dogs can knock over children and the elderly when off-leash or allowed to run up to strangers. By keeping your dog on-leash you are greatly reducing the likelihood of this occurring. Remember not everyone has dogs and for some people these fuzzy companions are intimidating and even scary.” Reference: www.smcgov.org/dogs-at-SMC-parks
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (dogs allowed on-leash in 11 of 24 parks and forbidden in 13 of 24 parks) “dogs must be leashed to protect wildlife, keep your dog safe, and as a courtesy to other park users, who may become stressed when approached by a strange dog." Reference: www.openspace.org/where-to-go/what-to-do/dogs
Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District (dogs allowed on-leash in 5 of 10 parks and forbidden in 5 of 10 parks) “Some trail users and other dogs are anxious or afraid around dogs. Please be courteous and respect one another’s space when needed. Communicate with others that you pass on the trail and allow extra space if they need some." Reference: napaoutdoors.org/parks/dog-friendly-parks/
East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD): (dogs allowed OFF-LEASH in 68 of 73 parks and forbidden in 5 of 73 parks) Dogs are allowed off-leash (“under voice control”) in 93% of 126,000 acres of EBRPD land in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. “Be sure to keep your dog close, there are many dangers for dogs in the parks. They can also transmit poison oak to their owners if they are allowed to romp off trail. Be aware that many people are afraid of dogs despite an owner's belief that their dog is a friendly one. And many people do not appreciate an uncontrolled and overly friendly dog jumping on them or their children.” Reference: www.ebparks.org/safety/dogs
Dog Incidents
Dog Incidents
It's not your imagination. Serious dog incidents are getting worse. National Institutes of Health (NIH) data from 2011 to 2021 shows a doubling of deaths caused by dogs from 2018-2021 (See bar graph below, showing the annual number of deaths caused by dogs, sorted by sex of the victim). Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10495186/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12276421/)
US deaths caused by dogs, 2011 to 2021
In California, there has been a 70% increase in emergency room visits for dog bites since 2005, to more than 48,000 annually (See line graph below, showing ER visits for dog bites per 100,000 Californians). Reference: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/dog-bite-increase-data-california-emergency-room-er/).
Although only emergency room visits and deaths are tracked in health and mortality statistics, the recent increase in serious dog incidents likely also reflects a similar rise in knock-downs and other unwanted physical interactions. In the interest of safety, Berkeley should establish CC Park as A Park For People.
Join Us
Join Us
Together, we can create a better, more inclusive park experience for our community. Your voice matters – let’s make it heard! Email aparkforpeople@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm in! How can I help?
Reach out to friends and organizations who support Berkeley park equity and encourage them to join A Park For People
Contact your Berkeley City Council representative to express support for establishing CC Park as A Park for People. Emails sent to council@berkeleyca.gov go directly to the Mayor, each individual Councilmember, and the City Clerk for inclusion in the public record.
Report dog incidents at CC Park (or any other city park) to the city through the 311 system. The 311 system is the city's primary way of tracking non-emergency issues. Dog bites and/or serious injuries must be reported to Berkeley Animal Care Services: berkeleyca.gov/safety-health/animal-bites
Why do we need "A Park For People?" Aren't all parks for people?
There are no recreational parks in Berkeley that are just for people. Many people will benefit from a dog-free park. Small children, especially toddlers, are at greater risk from interactions with dogs than adults. Toddlers, with their limited understanding of animals, may not recognize the danger a dog can pose. Dogs, even those with no ill intent, can be curious about these tiny humans or may react unpredictably, potentially mistaking them for prey. The result can be serious harm to the child, whether from a bite or an accidental injury. Even a small dog darting across a path can upend a child learning to ride a bike.
Seniors with mobility issues face another significant danger. A dog, even a well-behaved one, can easily knock down an older adult who may struggle with balance or movement. A fall can lead to life-threatening injuries, such as a hip fracture, which can have lasting consequences on a senior’s health and quality of life. People with disabilities will find A Park For People especially beneficial. Without the stress of unwanted dog interactions, individuals with disabilities will be able to enjoy the park's waterfront and natural beauty without fear of disruption.
What about working service dogs?
Working service dogs under the Americans With Disabilites Act (ADA) will always be welcome at A Park For People. An ADA service dog is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Fraudulently representing a pet as a service dog is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 365.7
How does "A Park For People" align with California goals for park equity?
Establishing CC Park as a park for people aligns well with California's 2021 "Outdoors for All" Initiative, a $1 billion effort to provide equitable access to our state's natural resources. Outdoors for All is focused on providing all Californians with equitable access to the state’s cultural, historical, and natural resources. “Equitable access” means that all people can experience and enjoy California’s outdoors regardless of who they are or where they live. It also means that everyone can experience the outdoors in a way that is safe, welcoming, convenient, affordable, and culturally relevant.
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