Dog-friendly parks double as social fitness hubs

Salinas residents turned out in larger numbers this month at parks equipped with fenced dog areas and adjacent fitness circuits, where morning group activities combine leashed walks with bodyweight exercises.

City data from the past year shows a steady rise in combined pet and fitness use of public spaces, driven by the local wellness emphasis that encourages residents to combine daily routines rather than separate them into distinct outings.

Boronda and Alisal sites lead the shift

Boronda Community Park on Boronda Road added a dedicated dog run in late 2024 that sits next to a calisthenics station, allowing users to alternate between fetch sessions and pull-up sets. In the Alisal neighborhood, El Sausal Park along North Sanborn Road hosts the Salinas Valley YMCA’s Paws and Pace program, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m. for a 5K loop followed by core work on the grass.

The Salinas Parks and Recreation Department reported in its June 2025 annual summary that dog-permitted areas recorded 18,400 visits between January and May, up from 14,900 the prior year, with 62 percent of those visitors also using nearby exercise equipment during the same trip. Monthly passes for the organized fitness segments cost $12 for residents through the YMCA.

Next steps for participants

Residents can check the city’s online calendar for updated start times or visit the parks desk at 342 Front Street to register for the next session block that begins July 21. Those new to the format are advised to bring water for both themselves and their dogs and to confirm current leash rules posted at each entrance.