USA Today just named this San Diego dog park best in the nation

Fiesta Island Dog Park has been recognized as the nation’s best dog park for the second time as part of USA Today’s annual “10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards.

The 90-acre park on Mission Bay, which was first honored in 2016, is home to an extensive off-leash area, trails and a beach. USA Today described the space as “perfect for an evening on the beach with the pooch.”

Nominees were submitted by a panel of experts and voted by USA Today readers. The top three were rounded out by Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Ga., and Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem, Ore. Fiesta Island was the only park in California that received a top-10 finish.

The park is maintained by Fiesta Island Dog Owners, or FIDO, a non-profit group responsible for clean-up events, pet ownership advocacy and collaboration with authorities. The organization hosts 16,000 members, who were encouraged to vote for the park, according to their website.

Board member Kathy Parrish said in a press release that the first-place finish is a testament to the “hard work” and “passion” community and board members put into the park.

“This honor will further inspire us to continue our efforts in maintaining and improving this cherished space,” Parrish said.