Frequently Asked Questions About the Park

Have dogs always been allowed off-leash at Pt. Isabel?

No! Over 15 years ago, the Point Isabel Dog Owners (PIDO) began working with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to allow off-leash dogs at Pt. Isabel. Thanks to responsible dog owners like you, Point Isabel is a nationally recognized model for successful off-leash recreation.

How many dogs use Point Isabel and North Point Isabel?

More than 800,000 dog visits are estimated to occur each year at Pt. Isabel and Battery Point. This is why it is very important for dog owners to pick up their dogs feces and keep dogs from disturbing wildlife in the slough and in Hoffman Marsh.

Who supplies the poop bags?

Every year, PIDO donates about $2000 to the EBRPD to cover the cost of MuttMitt bags. These funds come from PIDO membership dues and from donations made by dog owners to PIDO.

Where is North Point Isabel and are dogs allowed off-leash there?

North Point Isabel is the parkland north of Point Isabel that you reach by crossing the footbridge over the slough. Battery Point is now owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is being managed by the EBRPD under contract. The EBRPD has agreed to allow off-leash recreation to continue at North Point Isabel, but this is viewed as a provisional arrangement.

Do I have to clean up after my dog at North Point Isabel?

Yes! Always clean up after your dog in all parklands, even if there are no signs saying to do so. Dog litter is the main objection to permitting off-leash recreation, so please clean up after your dog! Without off-leash access at North Point Isabel, there simply won't be enough space to accommodate all the dog owners who want to use Point Isabel each day.

Why aren't there any signs or bag dispensers at North Point Isabel?

Several years ago, scores of discarded car and truck batteries were removed from North Point Isabel under the Super Fund Program. Since it was not practical to remove all the contaminated soil, it was sealed under a “cap” of clay soil. Installing posts for signs and bag dispensers might pierce that clay “cap” and allow contaminants to escape into the Bay. So be sure you have two or three bags before you cross the footbridge to the north park. For your convenience, several trash cans have been placed on the north side.

How can I keep Point Isabel and North Point Isabel open to off-leash recreation?

1. Be a responsible park user and follow the dog guidelines posted at Pt. Isabel.
   
2. Always clean up after your dog and encourage others to do the same.
   
3. Discourage dogs from disturbing wildlife at the park
   
4. Join PIDO volunteers at one of our regular park cleanup events.
   
5. Become a member of PIDO !