Reed Street Dog Park — Attraction in Santa Clara

If there's such thing as "too popular", this is it. The park is beautiful and bigger than most but this fact has made it overcrowded and difficult to enjoy. I witnessed 3 separate dog fights per hour spent and do not expect this to change or for there to be a queue system ever.

Edit: upgraded to 4 stars as I’ve been shown around and enjoyed my time now that i know the regulars. There is still the odd bad owner here and there but overall it’s okay, and if you’ve been victimized by ARLETTE, it is my pleasure to announce that she has moved!!

9 SEPARATE people with godawful experiences by her ignorance, attitude and immaturity. Everyone is thankful that she is gone so here is an ode:

A Breath of Fresh Air: Arlette Has Left the Park

For anyone who has ever hesitated to visit the park during certain hours, rejoice—Arlette is gone. After what felt like an eternity of her yelling, screaming, and staging verbal ambushes against polite dog owners, this park is finally reclaiming its peace.

Arlette’s reign of terror wasn’t just about her relentless nastiness; it was her complete ignorance of her own and her dog’s behavior. Her dog, a poster child for unchecked misbehavior, ran wild while she dismissed any correction as “someone else’s fault.” If another dog dared to set boundaries, heaven forbid, it was immediately a personal affront to her delicate world view.

People literally leashed their dogs out of fear when she was around. Many regulars altered their schedules entirely just to avoid crossing paths with her, choosing to disrupt their routines rather than endure the stress of her presence. The atmosphere she created wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was oppressive. People were shaken. Some trembled.

But now? The park is transforming. Dogs are playing freely again, and owners are mingling without the constant threat of being berated for imagined slights. For those who’ve stayed away because of her, it’s time to come back and enjoy the park as it was meant to be—a safe, happy space for all.

Here’s to brighter days and no more Arlette.

Edit 2: Maintenance people should power wash every Tuesday. There are layers of sticky pee on the pink cement area, a pretty gross patina.

Edit 3: the regulars are great people and overshadow the few bad things i mentioned. To hangout with us the best time to come is between 7-9pm. You can also attend late night as it is safe enough to come even as a small person, single girl...

UPDATE Last few times I've been here there is blood all over the ground like a crime scene. I've seen dog fights on both sides and people getting bit too. Most people here come to socialize or be on their phone and check out on their dogs. It gets crowded and dogs can get over simulated quickly in that setting. Not every dog is a good candidate for the dog park! Plus there seems to be a lot of untrained and unsocial pandemic dogs here. Keep an eye on your fur babies! My dog's have been attacked twice by a regular corgi group and I saw a woman get her calf ripped open while trying to save her own dogs from an attack. People bring young or timid large dogs into the small dog side. I rarely go here now cuz my dogs can't relax or play freely. ------‐--------------------------------------------------- Separate areas for large and small. Play structures in the small side are too large for most of the dogs. Water fountains for people and pups. Tables and benches. There is also a bathing area in between.... bring your own soap and towels. Lots of shade available. Plenty of parking with handicap and charge stations unless there are games at the neighboring park. The park is closed weekly for cleaning but they need to hose off the structures, fountains, and gate area with some soap or enzymes. It smells heavily of urine at...

One of the best maintained dog park I've been to in the bay area. Majority of the dogs and owner are nice. It can get crowded at peak times. At night there are sensor stadium lights. There are cameras located on the light poles as well.

Cleanliness: Most dog owners will pick up after their dogs. They do cleaning every Wednesday. Overall, the area is well maintained. They use artifical turf grass, which I love. It keeps the area clean and the dogs clean. There are dirt sections on the outer part of the park.

Ambience: Mostly open grass space with trees on the outer border. The park is separated by a small dog park and large dog park side. The large dog park side is about 3 times larger, but the small dog park side is actually bigger than most dog parks.

Parking: The side with the large dogs are EV parking. Plenty of charging stations. The parking lot is huge but at peak hours, it can be completely filled. You can park on the street as well.

Amenities: Plenty of benches and cement walls for people to sit on. There are water fountains for dogs and people at each side. Between the dog parks is a wash station for dogs. Restrooms are located on the large dog park side. They also provide free dog bags if you...