By Charles Warren, Contributing Writer
According to the Parks and Recreation website, San Diego is home to a vibrant network of off-leash spaces, with 62 dog parks countywide and 21 designated areas within the city. The latest addition to this growing list is Gompers Park. On Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon, community members gathered to celebrate the opening of a new off-leash dog area.
The City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the San Diego Humane Society to host this special event, bringing together residents and their four-legged companions for a day of fun, activities, and valuable resources.
The grand opening featured giveaways for both humans and dogs, including free dog tags, treats, and essential information about spaying and neutering services provided by the San Diego Humane Society. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to let their dogs run and play freely in the newly designated off-leash area, while also connecting with fellow pet lovers and city representatives.
Encanto resident Francine Maxwell shared her thoughts on the event and the importance of community engagement in making this dog park a reality.
“I am disappointed that I don’t have my elected official here, welcoming my neighbors to the Gompers Dog Park, because we are excited to have a dog park in our community,” Maxell stated. “We have the Humane Society here handing out free tags, free treats, and much-needed information about spaying and neutering. Although rumor has it that our council member was not supportive of having a big ribbon-cutting event, we are happy that Parks and Recreation stepped up and made this happen for us. Our community deserves what every other community has—resources and vendors being brought to our neighborhood.”
Despite concerns about political support, the event was a success, showcasing the power of community collaboration. Residents left feeling a sense of pride and appreciation for the new space where dogs can exercise and socialize safely.
The Off-Leash Dog Park at Gompers Park is now open to the public, providing a valuable recreational space for pet owners in the Encanto area. With continued community engagement and advocacy, residents hope to see even more investments in local parks and amenities in the future.
Francine Maxwell displayed her unwavering support and commitment to the Off-Leash Dog Park at Gompers Park. She has shown her eagerness to see this day happen by going above and beyond the call of duty. She refused to accept “no” as an answer and persisted with her efforts until they were realized. The community could not have done it without her. Thank you, Francine!
