Piper Park’s off-leash area splits into two sections with distinct layouts: a larger enclosure with good grass coverage and some bare patches from foot traffic, and a smaller pen designed for dogs under 25 pounds. Both sections have shade trees scattered throughout, though midday sun exposure is significant, especially in summer. The park sits in a quiet residential neighborhood on the east side of Larkspur on Madrone Avenue, a street that loops through the residential core near the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard corridor. This location draws a neighborhood crowd rather than the high-traffic patterns found at larger regional parks. Street parking along the avenue is limited; weekend mornings may require circling before finding a spot. From downtown Larkspur, the park is about 15 minutes on foot, or a short drive from the waterfront area. From the Highway 101 corridor, allow 10 minutes after exiting at Larkspur Landing Boulevard.

Dogs must be under voice control to enter the off-leash sections. While there are no official weight restrictions, staff monitors behavior and will ask owners to leash dogs that aren’t responding to commands or play too rough. Bring water with you, as there is no dedicated water station inside the enclosure. Hours run dawn to dusk year-round. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded than midday weekends.

The grass dries out by late July through September, when the surface becomes hard-packed dirt that can be tough on older dogs’ joints and complicates cleanup after rain. During these months, the conditions shift considerably from the spring and early summer terrain.