Mammoth Lakes Community Dog Park Reopens March 7, Off‑Leash Access Restored

Mammoth Lakes Community Dog Park at 190 College Parkway reopened to the public Saturday, March 7, 2026, restoring off-leash access after winter conditions cleared sufficient turf and surfaces for safe use. The Town of Mammoth Lakes Parks & Recreation Department announced the seasonal reopening, which follows earlier winter-season openings tied to variable snow and maintenance access.

The park occupies roughly one acre at 190 College Parkway and includes 5,000 square feet of custom dog turf, a 5-foot perimeter fence and a double-entry gate system with a gated waiting area designed to reduce unplanned escapes. Planning documents describe the gated waiting area as a place for owners to leash and unleash in a separate space before entering the main off-leash area, and the built layout separates small and large dog areas so puppies and shy dogs can acclimate without larger-dog interactions.

Amenities reported for the site include four benches and water bowls in both the small and large areas and parking for about 40 vehicles. Town messaging issued during winter operations cautioned that, when winter service conditions require it, facilities may be limited, noting, “The parking lot is accessible; however, the restroom will remain closed, and no water is available for dogs on site – please be prepared and bring your own.” Other facility descriptions list an onsite restroom with water fountains and bottle filling stations; town staff note seasonal closures are possible while staff service the park and keep the parking lot accessible.

Operational rules and enforcement were emphasized in the reopening notice: “Park users are required to adhere to the designated off‑leash area rules prominently displayed at the entrance to the dog park. The rules communicate both the expectations of dogs and their owners and will be enforced accordingly by the Mammoth Lakes Police Department.” The Town also provides complimentary dog waste bags, requires owners to remain with their dog at all times, and requires owners to collect and properly dispose of waste in the provided trash bins.

The project traces to a 2021 design process funded by the Town’s general fund with supplementary support from a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant presented in 2021. The Town acknowledged advocacy and partnership from the Parks and Recreation Commission, Pawsitively Mammoth, Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Mammoth Lakes Recreation, Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Sierra Dog Ventures and residents. Barb Maynard of Pawsitively Mammoth said, “Mammoth Lakes residents and visitors have long needed a dog park to provide our dogs with a safe place to play off leash and a place where dog lovers can safely gather to swap animal tales.”

Town planning documents previously identified Mammoth Creek Park East, under Special Use Permit MLD 100207R, as a preferred site during design phases, while an Instagram post identifies the off-leash area at 190 College Parkway as located on land owned by the Mammoth Lakes Foundation. The Town says it will keep the dog park open while snow and temperatures allow staff to service the site; ongoing work includes researching surfacing options and installing leash posts that are listed as coming soon. The reopening restores a dedicated off-leash space intended to serve the town’s approximate 8,000 residents and visiting dog owners.