Hillcrest Community Park spans 26 acres at the intersection of Grant Street and Olivera Road in Concord, making it one of those parks where you could easily spend half a day with your dog without running out of things to explore. The main athletic fields take up a good portion of the property—softball, baseball, and soccer fields that are usually active on weekends—but there’s plenty of quieter space too if you want to avoid crowds.

The disc golf course is worth knowing about if you’re into that, and the duck pond attracts people year-round, which means your dog will be curious about the water and wildlife. There’s also a creek running through the park, so depending on the season and water levels, it can be an interesting spot to walk along. The model airplane flying area operates on specific days, so you might catch some activity there depending on when you visit.

What makes Hillcrest particularly notable is Matteo’s Dream, a playground designed for children of all abilities that opened in 2007. It’s one of the largest playgrounds in Concord and one of the few in the country where kids with mobility, visual, or hearing differences can play safely alongside other children. The park design reflects real thoughtfulness about accessibility across the board.

For picnicking, you’ll find several dedicated areas scattered throughout the park. One group picnic site with a BBQ setup is available for reservation if you want to plan something with others. It’s a nice option if you’re thinking of combining a walk with your dog and a meal outdoors.

Keep in mind that dogs must stay on leash the entire time you’re at Hillcrest, so this isn’t a spot for off-leash play. The 26 acres still gives you plenty of room for a solid walk though, and the variety of terrain and features keeps the experience from feeling monotonous.