Dana Point officials celebrated the opening of the newly expanded Heritage Park Dog Fun Zone on June 9, unveiling a larger off-leash area that gives local dogs more room to roam.
City leaders, residents and their four-legged companions gathered at Heritage Park for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the project. Mayor John Gabbard and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Frost attended the event.
“We’re excited to open this expanded Dog Fun Zone, giving our furry friends more room to run and play, while providing a welcoming space for neighbors to connect and further enhance our community’s quality of life,” Gabbard said.
The upgrade expanded the Dog Park Fun Zone from 2,500 square feet to 11,500 square feet, increasing the available space by more than four times. What was previously a single off-leash enclosure now includes two separate play areas. The project also added new sod and upgraded fencing.
The expansion gives dog owners and their pets significantly more space to enjoy the park’s off-leash area. In this new layout, dogs can spread out across separate play areas while giving owners more opportunities to socialize while supervising their pets.
Fresh sod and upgraded fencing were included as part of the improvements, creating a more comfortable environment for both dogs and their owners.
The dog park is one of several changes coming to Heritage Park.
Later this year, the park is expected to become home for a new monument called “Returning Home,” a memorial honoring military service members and the families who stood behind them. The project is a partnership between the city and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.
The monument will feature a bronze sculpture depicting a Marine returning home to family, along with commemorative benches, engraved pavers and a Wall of Honor recognizing veterans and military families.
The memorial has been several years in the making. Support group founder Terry Rifkin previously said the idea was inspired by a Marine who asked why so many military monuments honor service members while few recognize the sacrifices made by spouses, parents and children waiting at home.
The project evolved from a tribute to Dana Point’s adopted 5th Marine Regiment into a broader recognition of military families across all branches of service. The Dana Point City Council approved the memorial project last year, and construction is expected to take place this summer with a dedication planned for the fall.
The expanded Dog Park Fun Zone is now open to the public at Heritage Park, located at 34400 Old Golden Lantern.
