Fifteen minutes to spare between meetings? Spend them at the lovely Libbit Park (5101 Libbit Ave., Encino, CA 91436), a grassy, tree-lined stretch of land running along Libbit Avenue, just north of Ventura Boulevard. One of Encino’s most popular dog destinations, this dog park actually – and surprisingly – isn’t.
Despite its status as an on-leash park, the rule doesn’t give some owners pause – or maybe in this case, paws. Expect to see pups wandering happily off-leash in the semi-fenced in rectangular park area, though keep in mind, if you’re letting little Spot or Rosie run free, you could get a $250 fine, so it’s not recommended. Also for safety reasons, keeping your dog on a leash ensures they won’t run into the road or encounter any wildlife (like coyotes) in the park.
Still, the park is classified by local authorities as a “dog-friendly park,” and you’ll find plenty of poop bags to pick up after your pet as well as donated tennis balls for fetch, and benches for quiet reflection with your four-legged bestie by your side.
If you’re planning to stay at Libbit Park for a while, I’d recommend bringing your own poop bags (in case the park’s supply is running low), a bottle of water and a collapsible water bowl, treats and a towel, in case your pup gets into a mess. The towel can also serve as a temporary bed or place mat if your pup needs a break from all the park activities.
Libbit Park is open from dawn until dusk every day of the week, and there’s street parking available nearby. It’s worth noting that from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., street parking is limited to up to two hours and parking is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
And if you’re craving a bite after your park explorations, the following nearby restaurants are all dog-friendly options:
- The Oaks at Lakeside (1.2 miles from Libbit Park) – 16817 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA
- The Stand (1.5 miles Libbit Park) – 17000 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA
- More Than Waffles (1.7 miles from Libbit Park) – 17200 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA
- The Nook (2 miles from Libbit Park) – 17316 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA
When it comes to Encino dog locales, there’s no better neighborhood option than Libbit Park for fur baby fun!
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