Orinda Eyes New Playground For Dogs But It Will Cost

LAMORINDA, CA — Orinda residents may soon see their furry friends enjoying a brand-new playground of their own. The City Council is set to vote during the next city council meeting on a $28,000 budget increase to fund construction of a fenced off-leash dog park at Orinda Oaks Park.

The proposed project would enclose roughly one-third of an acre with five-foot-high, black vinyl-coated chain link fencing, featuring double-gated entry areas and accessible paths for both small and large dogs. City staff plan to manage the construction in-house, working with fencing and concrete contractors already vetted for the project.

The initiative follows a pilot off-leash program launched in spring 2025 and a series of public feedback sessions. Ordinance 25-01, adopted earlier this year, officially allows off-leash dog use in designated areas, including Orinda Oaks Park.

With the total cost of construction estimated at $73,000, the supplemental funding would cover the gap beyond the original $45,000 budget. The project is exempt from state environmental review, and staff are ready to move forward with contracting once the council approves the appropriation.

Scott Christie, Public Works Director, emphasized that the park will provide a safe, structured space for dogs while maintaining accessibility and convenience for all park visitors.

The council is also set to review a new framework for accepting private roads. The policy changes would lower the pavement condition threshold, remove some previous compliance requirements, and give the City Engineer authority to grant exceptions. Staff say the revisions could improve emergency access, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and overall public safety, while encouraging collaboration with property owners. The council will provide feedback on the framework before the committee’s next meeting, which could shape how Orinda handles privately maintained roads going forward.

The full agenda is available online.

The March 3 City Council meeting begins 7 p.m.
Where: Orinda Library Auditorium, 26 Orinda Way
Zoom Webinar Link: https://www.tinyurl.com/OrindaCityCouncil
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cityoforinda9535/streams