Newell Park Paw Patch is a secure, fenced area within Newhall Community Park in Concord where dogs can exercise off-leash. The setup gives you flexibility—there’s a larger open area where dogs of various sizes can mix, plus a dedicated small dog section for dogs under 30 pounds if you want a quieter space for a smaller or less confident dog. Dogs over 30 pounds aren’t permitted in the small dog area, but they have full run of the main grounds.

The whole park has a pleasant setting. You’ll find a Vietnam War Memorial at the vista point, and one of the reservable group picnic areas sits in a secluded creek-side spot shaded by large oak trees—useful if you’re planning to spend a few hours and want a quieter spot to rest between play sessions.

Keep in mind that outside the Paw Patch itself, dogs need to stay leashed while in Newhall Community Park. The Paw Patch closes on Wednesdays for maintenance, and it also shuts down during heavy rain or bad weather. Since closure decisions sometimes depend on conditions, it’s worth checking the City of Concord Rain Hotline before heading out on questionable days.

The location in Concord makes it accessible if you’re in the central Contra Costa area. The creek-side setting and oak trees make it feel less sterile than some dog parks, and having both a mixed-size area and a small dog section means you have options depending on your dog’s temperament and the day’s crowd. Bring water and maybe a ball—the space gives dogs room to actually run around instead of just standing in a concrete pen.