Allison Palacios, 7, takes her puppy, Milo, through the agility course at Centennial Park’s new dog park on
Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Elvy, and his shadow frolic in Santa Ana’s new and only dog park at Centennial Park on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The dog, owned by Alex Hernandez, couldn’t stop running and barking. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People are poised with their cameras during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Centennial Park’s new dog park in Santa Ana on Saturday, April 4, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Luna takes a hydration break after romping in Santa Ana’s new dog park on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The dog was with owner and city councilmember Jessie Lopez during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Santa Ana city councilmember Thai Viet Phan takes part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Santa Ana’s only dog park at Centennial Park on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The project, along with other improvements to the park cost $13.4 million. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Elvy, a vociferous Australian shepherd, is overcome with energy during the opening of Santa Ana’s new and only dog park at Centennial Park on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The dog, owned by Alex Hernandez, couldn’t stop running and barking. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Benito waits with owner Angie Bahena for Santa Ana’s new dog park to open inside Centennial Park on
Saturday, April 4, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Marlha Sanchez watches the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Santa Ana’s dog park, as her dog, Bear, is reflected in her glasses on Saturday, April 4, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People wait in the shade at Centennial Park in Santa Ana, for the new dog park to open on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The city also added new restrooms, walking paths and parking areas.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua, with city members, cuts the ribbon for a new dog park inside Centennial Park on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The park features three separate off-leash areas, natural grass, and an agility course. The $13.4 million project also included new walking paths, restrooms, and gathering areas.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Bonnie, left, and Bogey cool off at the bright orange fire hydrant inside Centennial Park’s dog park in Santa Ana on
Saturday, April 4, 2026. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Bonnie, left, and Bogey, frolic in Centennial Park’s big dog area as Nelson Garcia keeps an eye on them. They got to play after a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the opening on Saturday, April 4, 2026. It is Santa Ana’s first dog park. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A fire hydrant water feature provides a place for dogs to cool off and hydrate inside Santa Ana’s new dog park at Centennial Park on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The park features three separate off-leash grass areas and an agility course in the big dog area. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Noodle tests his agility skills at Santa Ana’s new dog park, with Renee Marlink on Saturday, April 4, 2026. She had a hunch the dog would be good maneuvering over objects. “I’m so glad it’s here,” she said of the course inside the park. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Bogey, left, and Bonnie frolic in Centennial.Park’s big dog area after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, April 4, 2026. It is Santa Ana’s first dog park. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Show Caption
1 of 15
Allison Palacios, 7, takes her puppy, Milo, through the agility course at Centennial Park’s new dog park on
Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A fire hydrant that sprays water, plenty of grass and an agility course to play on … Santa Ana’s first dog park has lots to keep the city’s canine residents happy.
City leaders — and their pups — celebrated the completion of the dedicated dog area at Centennial Park over the weekend. The nearly 4.6-acre dog park has special areas for big dogs, small dogs and senior dogs to romp safely off their leashes, as well as an agility course and a water play area. For the humans, there are restrooms, shaded seating and a dog washing station.
The dog park’s addition is part of a $13.4 million improvement project the city launched at Centennial Park last year.
Already, work has been done to improve the health of the park’s large lake and other upgrades include synthetic turf for the sports fields, new walking trails, including access to the Santa Ana River Trail, more lighting, remodeled restrooms, additional security features, picnic areas and more.
An area for the dog park was carved out, in part, by removing a police training facility and a recreation office. A new training center is planned.