After being closed for nearly 10 months, Santa Clara's Nuevo Dog Park quietly reopened yesterday, chains off the gates and a few wary dog owners testing the grounds. City officials say a third-party environmental review found no evidence that the park's turf, soil or drinking water was to blame for the cluster of illnesses that led to the shutdown last summer. Crews also upgraded fencing and posted new signs before welcoming dogs back, although the park stayed mostly empty that first afternoon as owners watched their pets closely for any hint of trouble.
City and consultant cleared the park after testing
In a press release, the City of Santa Clara said the park reopened Monday after ESSEL Environmental reviewed samples from the artificial turf, landscaping, soil and drinking water and prepared a technical memorandum finding no evidence that conditions in the park caused the reported illnesses. According to the city, samples went to state-certified laboratories for analysis. Officials also emphasized that pesticides are not used in Santa Clara dog parks and that routine cleaning uses pet-safe, eco-friendly products. As part of the reopening, the city replaced the entry gate with a higher fence intended to keep the park open only during posted operating hours.
What prompted the shutdown
Concerns surfaced last spring and summer, when dog owners began reporting a cluster of illnesses following visits to Nuevo Dog Park. The city temporarily closed the park after one dog died following a visit, according to Hoodline. Owners described seizures and gastrointestinal problems in their pets and some criticized how long it took for an investigation to begin, arguing that the delay made it harder to collect clear evidence. The August 2025 closure triggered the environmental assessment that ultimately led to this week's reopening.
What testing covered and the first day back
NBC Bay Area reported that the park covers roughly 9,000 square feet, with artificial turf and landscaped green space. ESSEL's memo, according to the outlet, noted that the range of symptoms owners reported was so varied that there was no clear pattern pointing to a single toxin. NBC Bay Area also reported that park staff had to service a gate that was stuck closed on Monday morning before the park fully reopened, and that hours will run from sunrise to half an hour after sunset. City officials say they are confident in the park's safety based on the lab findings.
Where to read the report and next steps
The city's news release includes a link to the full technical memorandum and detailed sample results, all available through the City of Santa Clara. Pet owners who still have concerns are encouraged to talk with their veterinarian and report any illnesses after park visits to city staff. Officials say they plan to keep monitoring the park and will adjust operations if new information comes to light.
