About Us

 

In 2003 a dedicated group of dog lovers from Atascadero, Templeton and Paso Robles joined forces with the idea of establishing a dog park in north San Luis Obispo County.

After a great deal of effort, we entered into an agreement with San Luis Obispo County which allowed us to adopt a two-thirds of an acre section of land at Heilmann Park in Atascadero.
 
Fundraising began in earnest and ground for the park was broken in early 2005. The services of the California Conservation Corps were enlisted to dig holes and build the fence. The park officially opened in April 2005.
 
Our park features two double gated entries, one on the north side and one on the west side. We also have a shade structure,  water, picnic tables, shady oaks, a patio, a doggie spa and an information kiosk built for us by Eagle Scout Jayk Thorne and his dad as his community project.
 
If it's been a while since you came by the dog park, please visit the new section for smaller dogs
The intent of the new small dog park is to create a safe space for smaller dogs in the 25 pounds or less range. However, please note that this safe space is also open to dogs that might otherwise be uncomfortable in the bigger section of the park. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Elderly, less active dogs
  • Puppies receiving their initial socialization
  • Timid dogs that might have fear aggression issues in the normal park section.
 
We ask your help in enforcing these guidelines so don't be shy about coaching other park users to be responsible.
We will revisit the guidelines periodically to make sure we are best serving the needs of our four legged friends and their people.
 

We are an all volunteer group and virtually every penny of support we have received comes directly from you, the users of the park and members of our community. We are a subproject group of SLOPOST, San Luis Obispo Parks, Open Space and Trails. As a non-profit group, all donations are tax-deductible. 

 

As a volunteer organization we need your help. One of the ways you can help is to be a Park Angel and help with the daily upkeep.

To find out how to help as a Park Angel you can go to the Dog Park Angels link on the "How Can I Help?" page.