City Opens 1st Off-Leash Park to Howls of Approval

Sniffing, barking, running and tongue-wagging were de rigueur Sunday as Calabasas-area canines--and their owners--celebrated the grand opening of the city’s first off-leash dog park.

The Bark Park, which drew Casey the 1-year-old border collie and Stanley the pug pup, is at 4232 Las Virgenes Road across from A.E. Wright Middle School.

The park is open dawn to dusk. It features a doggie drinking fountain and a fenced area where young children can watch their four-legged friends from a safe distance.

Land for the facility is leased by Calabasas from the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District for $1 a year. Calabasas spent $25,000 to establish the park, which will cost $400 a month to maintain.